After months of waiting, we finally see the facelifted version of the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. The C-segment sedan has undergone a few changes, mostly minor, but good enough to improve the driving experience.
The changes start from the exterior, where the 2016 Lancer has a restyled front end with a new grille that runs across the assembly of the car. The addition of LED daytime lights rounds up the new front fascia. Other than that, the car has the same familiar sight. There are no changes to the rear end. The biggest change at the profile is the addition of 18-inch wheels as an optional purchase and some subtle changes such as mirrors with turn signals.
Some consider as a big change, the addition of colors, as there are two new paint options for the exterior. The two new options are Diamond white pearl and alloy silver.
Those who want a sportier look will have to look for the GT trim that adds sunroof, rear spoiler and sport-tuned suspension.
Inside the cabin, there are not many changes. Some of the new features include USB connectivity. What Mitsubishi has done with the 2016 Lancer is to redesign the center console and the optional infotainment system. The addition of a color LCD display, automatic air conditioning and LED running lights enrich the standard ES trim of the 2016 Lancer.
From a mechanical aspect, Mitsubishi is giving more standard features to the standard trim. The all-wheel drive is now available for the ES trim and is no longer exclusive for the SEL and SE pricier trims. Under the hood, the powertrains are not changed, with the base model starting with a 2.0-liter engine producing 148hp. Higher end models feature a 2.4-liter engine with 168 ponies under the hood. The fun part is that the base model is the most efficient one, returning EPA rating of 35mpg on the highway and 27mpg in the city when operated by a five-speed manual transmission. Only the base model and the GT model get five-speed manual transmission, while the higher end models get the CVT transmission gearbox.
Prices for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer go a little higher, with the base model priced at $18,405 without CVT and all-wheel drive. CVT costs another $1,000 while the addition of all-wheel drive will cost $400. The range topping GT model starts at $23,305 with the manual gearbox and $24,305 with CVT transmission.
