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Mitsubishi Lancer Receives Minor Updates For the 2015 Model Year

The Japanese sedan is returning for the 2015 model year with an assortment of minor upgrades meant to make life easier for the person behing the wheel. Every model, from the entry-level Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0L ES to the heart-pounding Turbo Ralliart variant, gets a few extra bits and bobs thrown in as standard equipment.
Mitsubishi Lancer GT 1 photo
Photo: Mitsubishi
With a starting MSRP of $17,195 and up to 34 mpg higway, the ES offers the proverbial "a lot of car for the money." Mitsubishi's cheapest US-spec Lancer draws its oomph from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which churns out 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The mill is mated to either a standard five-speed stick shift or an optional CVT gearbox.

A few of the major features that come as standard with the entry-level Lancer ES are a 140-watt audio system with four speakers and MP3 playback, heated side view mirrors with turn indicators (standard on all trims for the 2015 MY), auto-off halogen headlights, power windows and power mirrors, a side air dam and remote keyless entry. Customers can further kit the ES with an all-new Value Package, which includes Bluetooth connectivity, soft touch trim on the door panels, rear disc brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome detailing in the cabin.

Step up to the SE AWC model and you get Mitsubishi's electronically controlled All-Wheel Control system, more agressive front fascia design, FUSE hands-free, USB port for the tunes you love most, a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with HD and Sirius XM satelitte radio and rearview camera, chrome detailing, 16-inch two-tone alloys and a 2.4-liter inline-four coupled to a CVT transmission. Compared to the 2.0-liter mill, those extra 400cc bump the power figure to 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque.

As far as the Lancer GT is concerned, the 2015 model year is virtually unchaged from the car pictured above except for the standard white stitching on the doors and seats. Some features you can tick from the options sheet are a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system, sunroof and HID headlights, all of which are included in the Sun and Sound Package. 18-inch wheels, rear spoiler, front sport bucket seats and a sport tuned suspension system and automatic climate control are all standard features.

The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Turbo gets all the goodies one would expect from the smaller brother of the EVO X. Under the hood of the Ralliart you'll find a 2.0-liter inline-four with a turbo for good measure, which is capable of offering 237 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via the All-Wheel Control (AWC) system. Driving dynamics are top notch thanks to an active center differential, 18-inch Yokohama Advan asymmetrical performance rubber, an aluminium hood with heat extractor vent and a TC-SST automated manual with steering wheel paddle shifters. Just like the mighty EVO X, the all-new Ralliart Turbo features three different driver selectable modes for the AWC system: Tarmac, Gravel and Snow.

Every 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer (except for the Ralliart) is covered by a fully-transferable 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty for the original vehicle purchaser. In case of the Ralliart, it comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty for the first owner of the turbocharged Japanese sedan.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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