Mitsubishi Lancer (2016)

The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer is a stylish and feature-rich sedan that has been introduced in the Indian market through a joint venture with Hindustan Motors. Available in both petrol and diesel variants, the Lancer boasts a spacious interior with a nicely trimmed cabin, including piano black trim that adds a touch of elegance. It comes with a range of features such as climate control, 16-inch alloys, a reversing camera, and simple yet effective steering wheel controls. The car also has a good safety record with a 5-star ANCAP rating and multiple airbags. However, the driving experience is marred by the underwhelming performance of the 2.0-litre MIVEC engine and the CVT transmission, which can be a significant drawback for potential buyers. Despite this, the Lancer remains a viable option for those prioritizing style, comfort, and safety over outright performance.

The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, while aesthetically pleasing and well-equipped, falls short in several critical areas. The cars 2.0-litre MIVEC engine, paired with a CVT transmission, is a significant letdown, producing noticeable drone and wheeziness, especially under acceleration. The handling is also subpar, with excessive understeer and a lack of steering feedback, making it less enjoyable to drive, especially on tighter bends. However, the Lancer does offer a spacious and nicely trimmed cabin, good rear legroom, and a 5-star safety rating, which are positive aspects. Overall, its a car that looks great but doesnt quite deliver on the driving experience.

Mitsubishi announced that the 2015 model year would be the last for the Lancer Evolution, marking the end of an era for this high-performance variant. The 2015 Lancer Evolution Final Edition was a limited run of 1,600 cars, each featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 303 horsepower. This news marked a significant milestone for enthusiasts of the Evolution series. Im sad to see it go, but its a great way to end on a high note.

Inside the 2016 Lancer, there are new cloth seats and a redesigned center console with a built-in USB port. These interior updates enhance the comfort and convenience of the vehicle. Additionally, the ES and SE models received updated seat fabrics. I believe these small changes can make a big difference in the driving experience.

The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer dropped the turbocharged Ralliart model from its lineup. Instead, the ES model gained the optional 2.4-liter engine and all-wheel drive, providing more power and traction options for buyers. This move reflects Mitsubishis strategy to focus on more practical and feature-rich models. I think this change makes the Lancer more appealing to a broader audience.

The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer offered improved fuel economy with the revised CVT, with the front-drive ES model achieving 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive versions also saw improvements in fuel efficiency. This is a welcome change for buyers looking for better mileage.

Mitsubishi emphasized the value proposition of the 2016 Lancer, highlighting its generous standard features and affordable pricing. The Lancer came with features like Bluetooth, automatic climate control, fog lights, and aluminum wheels, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers. I think this focus on value is a smart move by Mitsubishi.

In India, the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer is priced competitively within the mid-segment sedan market. The ex-showroom prices range from Rs 7.33 lakhs to Rs 8.13 lakhs, depending on the variant. When you factor in on-road costs, which include registration, insurance, and other local taxes, the prices can go up to around Rs 9-10 lakhs. This pricing is competitive with other sedans in its segment, such as the Honda City and Maruti SX4, but the Lancers pricing does not necessarily translate to better value given its performance and handling issues.

The mileage of the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer in India is reasonable but not outstanding. The manual petrol variant offers a mileage of 13.7 kmpl, while the manual diesel variant provides a slightly better 14.8 kmpl. The automatic petrol variant also manages 13.7 kmpl. These figures are decent for daily driving but may not be the best in its class, which could impact running costs over time.