The New Lancer Sportback

The new Mistubishi car has been lunched in Malaysia and this time the new Lancer Sportback. Lets check it out!!
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, the official importer and distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles, unveiled the new Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback on 21st October 2010. The arrival of the fully-imported Lancer Sportback from Japan expands the Lancer range in Malaysia, which includes the GT and EX sedans.

The Lancer Sportback is a sporty five-door hatchback variant of the Lancer family, powered by a strong 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 170 PS at 6,000 rpm and 226 Nm of torque at 4,100 rpm.

"The new Lancer Sportback is set to create a new sporty trend in the passenger car market - it is a good all-rounder that's sporty, good to drive and practical, ideal for those with a modern lifestyle, without compromising on space. With the biggest engine in its class and sport-tuned suspension, the Sportback will excite enthusiastic drivers. There's an equal measure of sharp handling and good ride comfort that will please both driver and passenger," said Tetsuya Oda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

With the largest capacity engine among C-segment vehicles in Malaysia, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia aims to sell 50 units of Lancer Sportback per month. As of August this year, the non-national market share for Lancer is 7.5%, with an average of 150 units per month.

Available in three colours (Lightning Blue, White Solid and Black Mica) the Lancer Sportback's introductory price is RM129, 363.80 (on the road excluding insurance).

30 special edition Lancer Sportback LE with Ralliart accessories were also launched today. Priced at RM130, 831.80 on-the-road excluding insurance, the Lancer Sportback LE features a re-styled sporty exterior with gun metal rims, re-painted front grille and sporty carbon fibre design on its rear bumper. Its Ralliart accessories include stickers and emblem, front bumper foil, fog lamp ring and scuff plates. The interior is enhanced with race-inspired re-designed Nappa leather seats with red and orange stitching.

The 16-valve DOHC engine with Mitsubishi's proprietary MIVEC technology is paired to an INVECS-III Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a 6-step Sports Mode. This gearbox combines efficiency and seamless progress with the involvement of a manual transmission. It comes with magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters that enable drivers to shift gears with both hands on the wheel.

With sport-tuned fully independent suspension which incorporates front MacPherson strut and a rear multi-link system, the Lancer Sportback offers a good ride and handling balance. A front strut tower bar that further sharpens handling is standard on the Sportback. Large 18-inch wheels with wide low profile 215/45 tyres contribute to both sporty looks and good roadholding. Braking duties are handled by front ventilated discs and solid rear discs.

The Lancer Sportback has a full suite of active and passive safety features. Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control, ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) help keep the car on the chosen path while dual stage SRS driver and passenger airbags offer added protection. The Lancer Sportback's rigid RISE body structure plays a key role in protecting occupants in a crash.

Far more than just a sporty driver's car, the Lancer Sportback is a truly practical proposition. Created for those with active lifestyles, the Sportback boasts a variety of cabin configurations, ease of use and generous space.

The large boot has a height-adjustable floor that can either create a "hidden compartment" or provide extra 90 mm depth. The process is a quick and easy one-handed operation.

Similarly easy to use are the 60/40 split folding rear seats for long cargo. There are latches on both sides of the cargo area that folds the seats once pulled. This is also a one-handed operation that can be performed when one's hands are full - no stretching required. A tonneau cover keeps prying eyes away.

The Lancer Sportback comes with an extensive list of standard equipment. The front sport seats and the rear seats are covered in full Nappa leather. The sporty three-spoke steering wheel, gear knob and parking brake lever are also leather-wrapped. All occupants will enjoy the automatic air-conditioning and 2-DIN LCD touch screen entertainment system, which has six speakers and steering wheel audio controls.

Automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers are among the convenience features for the Sportback driver, who will also enjoy cruise control (with buttons on the steering spoke) and sports aluminium pedals.

The new Lancer Sportback comes with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty. Mitsubishi's 2-Year Free Maintenance package is also offered for owners to enjoy a hassle-free drive with free maintenance parts and labour costs.

For the price of the new Lancer Sportback and more info, click here.