The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is a small vehicle available in hatchback and sedan body styles. The sedan is comes offered in 5 trim levels: DE, ES, GT, SE and Ralliart.
The hatchback model on the other hand is available in ES and GT trim levels. Whichever you choose, you will find yourself delighted with its performance and styling, not flashy but simple enough to meet your commuting needs.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $15,955.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.5 gallons (59l) | MPG: 25 city / 34 hwy |
| Length: 180 in. (457 cm) | Wheel Base: 103.7 in. (263.5 cm) |
| Height: 58.3 in. (148 cm) | Width: 69.4 in. (176 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 2866 lbs (1300 kg) | Ground Clearance: 5.5 in. (14 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 12.3 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 2.0L Inline 4 DOHC | Compression Ratio: 10: 1 |
| Horsepower: 148 HP | Max RPM: 6000 RPM |
| Torque: 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual |
| Option:ES CVT | MSRP: $17,995; MPG: 26 city / 34 hwy |
| Option:GT 2.4L CVT | MSRP: $20,995; MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy |
| Option:SE 2.4L CVT | MSRP: $20,295; MPG: 22 city / 29 hwy |
| Option:Ralliart A/T | MSRP: $28,095; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy |
Engine & Performance
The 2012 Lancer has several engines to power the different trims. The ES and DE trims use a 2.0L 4-cylinder powertrain that generates 148 hp and 145 lbs-ft torque. This engine is connected to a standard 5-speed manual gearbox, although an optional CVT is also available. The fuel economy of this engine is estimated at 26/34 mpg city/highway.
The Ralliart trim is powered by a 2.0L inline-4 engine that generates 237 horsepower and 253 lbs-ft of torque, powering all 4 wheels via an automated dual-clutch manual transmission with an active center differential and shift paddles. This engine nets a fuel economy of 18/25 mpg city/highway.
The GT and SE trims are powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that thumps 168 horsepower and 167 lbs-ft of torque. SE model’s engine comes with a standard CVT and AWD, while the GT gets 5-speed manual with front-wheel drive. A GT model with the 5-speed manual can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in respectable 7.7 seconds. In general, the 2.4L engine gets a fuel economy of 23/30 city/highway.
Exterior
The Mitsubishi Lancer gets an upgraded look that includes front air dams, back-up camera and sensors as key standard features. The GT and ES hatchback models are fitted with 18-inch and 16-inch wheels respectively. Other standard features include: fog lights, automatic headlights, rear spoiler, daytime running lights, interval wipers, rear window defogger and power adjustable exterior mirror.
Interior
The Lancer’s interior does not disappoint either; even though the standard features are not many, the seats are comfortable for a smooth ride. All trims come with standard features including: tilt steering wheel wrapped with leather, steering wheel mounted controls, trip computer, cruise control, 4-speaker audio system, and CD player. Optional features you may opt to include: air conditioning, navigation aid, leather seats and front heated seats.
Safety & Reliability
The 2012 Lancer is fitted with features that guarantee the safety of the. Standard safety features are: full-length head curtain airbags, driver knee airbag, front-seat side airbags, child safety locks, emergency trunk release, stability control and antilock brakes.
The SE, GTS and Ralliart models are equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes. The GT is capable of coming to a halt from 60 mph in remarkable 115 ft.
This car is backed with several warranties: 5-year or 60,000 mile limited warranty, emergency roadside assistance during the first five years regardless of the mileage, 7-year or 100,000 miles rust protection warranty, and 10-years or 100,000 miles engine warranty.
Pros
- Attractive exterior
- Good cargo capacity in hatchbacks
- Powerful engine options
- Supportive front seats
- Crisp steering and strong handling.
Cons
- Higher trims are expensive for the class
- Below-par cabin quality
- Weak and noisy base engine
- No telescoping steering wheel
- Poor fuel economy
The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer represents a sporty alternative to affordable sedans. The car also offers a reasonable fun-to-drive experience, especially the hatchbacks. With the many choices of engines and trim levels, the 2012 Lancer is definitely a car of choice to many.
The Lancer once dominated the American compact sedan market, it has joined the likes of the Honda Civic (MSRP $15,955; 31 city / 36 hwy), Hyundai Elantra (MSRP $16,695; 33 city / 40 hwy), and the Mazda3 i (MSRP $15,200; 28 city / 33 hwy).
Overall Rating
65 out of 100
What others say:
“Refinement, ride, and interior trims are all subpar, but the 2012 Lancer has comfortable seats and a good driving position.”Car Connection
“The DE and ES exhibit decent grip in turns, but the steering is not especially direct or communicative. Though the brakes feel strong, nosedive is evident in quick stops. The tauter GT is more agile and fun.”Consumer Guide
“The Lancer is fairly agile and has a decent ride.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer sedans and Sportback wagon are perhaps the sportiest cars in the profoundly competitive compact-car segment.”KBB
“The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is a sporty alternative to conventional and more conservative economy sedans, but lacks the refinement and fuel economy that most shoppers are looking for.”Edmunds
