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2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Revealed with Tweaked Bumper and Added Features

The Evo might be on its last legs, but vanilla Lancer cousin will stick around for a while longer. A revised 2016 model year Lancer has just been revealed, and while the Ralliart sports version has been cut from the roster, extra features are being offered.
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer 39 photos
Photo: Mitsubishi
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Still looking like its former self (a decade-old car), the Lancer has gained several styling tweaks, the most noticeable of which is the front bumper. It features vertical LED accents that flank the fog lights and add a bit of Outlander Sport pizzaz.

The rear is unchanged while the side gets new mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators and 18-inch alloy wheels. Mitsubishi has also revised the color palette with Alloy Silver (shown in the photos) and Diamond White Pearl.

Stepping inside the 2016 Lancer, we notice a similar array of modest changes. These include a USB port included in the center console and a larger infotainment system (option).

The 2016 model is $200 more expensive than the 2015 Lancer, but you do get more kit for your cash. Even the base ES trim brings a color LCD display in the instrument cluster, the LED running lights, and automatic air conditioning.

As we've already mentioned, even the Ralliart is being discontinued. That bad boy had a slightly less powerful version of the Evo's turbo, complete with the twin-clutch gearbox and a small dose of cosmetic testosterone. What's left? Just basic four-cylinder units.

The Lancer ES gets a 2-liter rated at 148-hp while all the others receive a stronger 168-hp 2.4-liter mill. What's different about the 2016 is that everything is available with AWD, which is unique in the compact class.

Not only is it standard on the SE, but even the basic ES can have AWD as an option. The all-new CVT8 "gearbox" is now offered as a $1,000 option on the Lancer, the same one used by the Outlander Sport. Why does it have paddles behind the steering wheel? Because on the GT model, the CVT simulates having gears (six), just like Subaru's Lineatronic. Front-wheel drive models, on the other hand, work with a 5-speed manual that comes standard.

While the basic Lancer ES is cheap at $18,405 (including destination), we'd definitely go for the AWD-only SE model that costs $21,805. The top-end GT model is the most expensive, costing $24,305 when fitted with the CVT. You can even have it with a 5-speed manual (and FWD) for $22,495 but we wouldn't.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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