2018 Mitsubishi Grand Lancer Overview

Mitsubishi hasn’t exactly seen the best of years recently, the Japanese company has been slowly phasing out of markets like Europe due to poor sales of sedans. Mitsubishi went to massive losses after they admitted to falsifying economy claims on some of their models and the company even stopped producing one of its most iconic vehicles the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO. Which means petrolheads like us can no longer spend hours arguing over which was the better four wheel drive rally derived sports sedan between the Subaru Impreza and the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO. However, Mitsubishi is keen to not let go of the Lancer name just yet. After having been acquired by Renault-Nissan the Japanese manufacturer is keen to do well in its prime Asian markets like China, and other selected smaller Far East countries with their brand new 2018 Mitsubishi Grand Lancer.

Styling

With the new Grand Lancer, Mitsubishi decided to introduce a brand new design for the Lancer lineup this time around with a new modern and sleeker design language. The front end of the vehicle is primarily encapsulated in a large X that houses the sharp headlights with daytime running lights, the chrome accented grille, and the wide front air intake surrounded by a large chrome outline accent that helps define the X shape at the front of the vehicle even further. On the back you have a more unusual design that is pretty difficult to put into words. With the Grand Lancer we get brand new C shaped taillights with sharp creases and sudden bulges all around the rear giving the Grand Lancer a much more aggressive look from the rear. The Grand Lancer also gets a set of new 18 inch alloys to match as well.

Interior

While Mitsubishi decided to completely change the exterior of the Grand Lancer, the interior unfortunately did not receive the same treatment with the same dull silver and black plastic trim pieces lining the interior. There are some leather upholstered surfaces pottered around, but overall the interiors of Mitsubishi Vehicles always has been one of the Mitsubishi’s weak points. This beauty  Features wise offers a brand new 10.2-inch touch screen infotainment system, an updated instrument cluster, dual zone climate control, reversing cameras, six airbags, hill start assist, multi function steering wheel and an accident warning system. Interior space looks to be ample though with the Grand Lancer supporting a fairly generous amount of legroom in both the front and rear of the sedan.

Power

Power wise you get a 1.8 liter naturally aspirated four cylinder engine, an unusual choice considering the fact that manufacturers these days are moving towards turbochargers for more power and efficiency. With the 1.8 liter engine you get 138bhp and around 127 Nm of torque. This engine comes mated to a CVT gearbox as the sole transmission option which transfers the power to the front wheels. The CVT also offers the option of a manual mode with six pre-selected ratios and optional paddle shifters on the wheel.