Auto Trader NZ
Published 3 September 2020
Mitsubishi has added the new Ralliart and Hatch variants to its Lancer range.
Versatility and safety define the new Lancer range, says Mitsubishi Motors NZ sales and marketing general manager Peter Wilkins. “Not only will the customer be provided with greater flexibility to meet their requirements but our uncompromising approach to safety means that the highest specification is guaranteed across the range – all of our Lancer Sedans and Hatches are built to a 5-star ANCAP rating and you can’t get better than that*,” said Wilkins.
Specifications of the Hatch match those of the Sedan. Where the hatch differs is its larger cargo space, with one-touch fold-down seats and a further 56 litres in the boot thanks to its drop-down feature.
All Lancer Sedan and Hatch variants are built using RISE body construction, which directs impact energy away from the cabin occupants, while 3-point ELR seat belts – with pretensioners and force limiters for the front seats – and seven-air bags help mitigate injury in a collision.
Those features plus Active Stability Control, Traction Control and ABS, deliver Lancer a 5-star ANCAP rating.
Wilkins says the Lancer Ralliart provides performance and handling at a price with few competitors. “It is designed to wow those who drive it and the inclusion of the automated-manual TC-SST (Twin Clutch – Sport Shift Transmission) allows them to maximise its performance.”
Ralliart’s 2.0L DOHC MIVEC turbocharged intercooled engine provides 180kW and 349Nm, while full-time 4WD delivers the power to all four wheels, providing smooth acceleration and excellent handling on most road surfaces.
“We were really keen to offer an exhilarating, performance-tuned car to bridge the gap between the VRX and our range hero the Evo X,” says Wilkins.
“The Ralliart provides that step up from the VRX. Closer in appearance and performance to the Evolution, Ralliart offers another option within the Lancer family.”
Another significant change for the range is the inclusion of a 2.4L DOHC MIVEC engine in both Sedan and Hatch VRX variants. The new engine delivers 127kW and 230Nm over the SX and VR 2.0L version.
Both the SX and VRX variants feature either 5-speed manual transmission or 6-speed CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
According to Mitsubishi, fuel consumption stands at 7.6L/100km for the manual SX Sedan and 8.2L/100km for the CVT option.
Consumption for the manual SX Hatch is reportedly 7.9L/100km and 8.3L/100km.
The larger-engined VRX is said to use 8.7L/100km in the manual Sedan and 8.5L/100km with CVT, while the Hatch uses 8.8L/100km and 8.9L/100km respectively. On premium unleaded 98, the Ralliart consumes 10L/100km.
VR models gain auto-wiper and headlight activation and automatic climate control. Along with the new engine, the VRX now also has leather trim as standard.
Externally, the Ralliart resembles the Lancer Evolution X and includes an aluminium bonnet lid. Recaro race-style seats and a Rockford Fosgate sound system with a sub-woofer provide an internal point of difference over the VRX.
Prices for the Lancer Hatchback range from $32,500 for the SX manual to $40,990 for the VRX CVT. The Lancer Ralliart will retail for $49,990.
* Ralliart is awaiting ANCAP certification and is built to identical safety specification as the Sedan and Hatch variants, which both achieved a 5-star rating. Ralliart is anticipated to achieve the same rating.
