Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

The spirited 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback will be available to Canadian consumers in two well equipped trim levels by the early spring, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. has announced. Sporty yet practical, the versatile Sportback wagon will complement the established Lancer sedan line up which includes Lancer ES, Lancer OZ® Rally and Lancer Ralliart models. The 2006 Lancer Sportback will be sold only in Canada, not in the USA.

The four door, five passenger, compact Lancer Sportback wagon is offered in two models for 2006, Lancer Sportback LS and Lancer Sportback Ralliart. Both models have a swing up, one piece hatch type rear door, fold down rear seats and multiple storage pockets / areas. Lancer Sportback LS and Ralliart are versatile, practical, fuel efficient vehicles, packed with value, that are fun to own and drive. Of the two models, Sportback LS is more subtle in terms of style and presentation. Sportback Ralliart is more aggressive; both visually and behind the wheel, due in part to its rally heritage and sport tuned suspension. But both 2006 Lancer Sportback models exhibit a high level of performance and handling, and both are powered by Mitsubishi's acclaimed 2.4 litre, SOHC, MIVEC engine, coupled to a 4 spd automatic transmission.

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Front Angle

"The compact Sportback wagon will be a welcome addition to a Canadian market that embraces small cars." said Paul Cummings, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc., "We Canadians have always loved smaller vehicles, for their efficiency, their practicality and their personalities. And that's one reason we know Sportback is a winner – because it's brilliantly engineered, easy to own and a blast to drive."

Stylish Exteriors, Premium Interiors

Exterior improvements for 2006 Lancer Sportback models are very similar to the changes made to the Lancer sedan line up. Two different front grill designs and a new front bumper help to define Sportback's dual personality. The reserved LS model features an attractive chrome look, while the frisky Ralliart model sports a competitive black mesh approach. The new bumper / fascia complements both grills and helps to establish a strong, sporty, front end appearance. Wraparound headlamps incorporate a multi-reflector surface for improved low beam nighttime visibility. The headlamps use bright lenses for Lancer Sportback LS, while dark lenses can be found on the Ralliart edition. Sportback Ralliart also boasts of unique fog lights that create another visual distinction.

Inside, all new premium seat fabrics are used throughout, to add beauty, comfort and luxury. Other enhancements include a new four spoke steering wheel, updated instrument panel accents and an upper dashboard clock with an advance air bag indicator display and hazard switch. Both Sportback models come well equipped and standard features include an automatic transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, a 140W Mitsubishi AM/FM/CD audio system, power windows, power locks and power heated side view mirrors, an 8 way driver's seat with height adjustment, adjustable steering column, a 60/40 split high back rear seat, dual visor mirrors, a rear 12 volt accessory socket, tinted glass and more.

Drivetrain & Suspension

Both Lancer Sportback models come with a powerful 2.4 litre, SOHC, 16 valve, MIVEC 4 cylinder engine. The Sportback LS version produces 160 hp @ 5750 rpm and 161 lb ft of torque @ 4000 rpm. The Sportback Ralliart version produces 162 hp @ 5750 and 162 lb ft of torque @ 4000 rpm. Both engines offer high levels of performance, outstanding drivability and excellent fuel efficiency. All Sportbacks transfer power to the front wheels through a 4-speed automatic that features Mitsubishi's adaptive shift control system, which uses a sophisticated INVECS-II controller to constantly monitor driving habits and tailor shift points to suit the style of the individual driver.

Precise handling, excellent ride quality and outstanding stability on all road surfaces is part of Sportback's appeal. Both models utilize a sophisticated fully independent suspension system that has evolved after years of competition in the World Rally Championship. The front end uses a classic MacPherson strut design with an anti sway bar. The rear employs a multi-link configuration with trailing arms, coil springs and an anti sway bar. Hydroformed cross members are employed to reduce torsional flex and road noise. The steering system is a competition proven rack-and-pinion design with excellent road feel. Ralliart models utilize a sport tuned suspension, which includes modifications to springs, dampers and steering to provide very precise handling and responsive turn in.

Chassis and Safety

To maximize occupant safety all Mitsubishi Lancers feature unibody construction on a special RISE (Refined Impact Safety Evolution) chassis. Using the latest in computer aided design, this structure includes energy absorbing front and rear crumple zones, a reinforced passenger area, sophisticated side protection and a fortified safety cage.

For 2006, improved safety features include advanced Dual Stage air bags with passenger occupant sensors. Plus, all five seating positions have 3 point safety belts. Front seats have height adjustable shoulder anchors plus pretentioners and force limiters for the front belts, as standard equipment. Four wheel disc brakes with ventilated front discs are standard on both Sportback LS and Ralliart.

Lancer Sportback LS

Sportback LS customers who wish to add value, may choose The Preferred Equipment Package that is available as a factory option and includes the following equipment: Anti lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) • Front seat mounted side impact air bags • 15" alloy wheels with 195/60R15 tires • Roof rails • Colour keyed outside mirrors • Cargo area cover.

Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Lancer Sportback Ralliart comes fully equipped and, as they say, ready to rock and roll. Standard equipment includes: An aggressive black mesh front grille with icon badge • Font and rear integrated air dams + side air dams • Halogen headlamps with dark lenses • Fog lamps • Leather wrapped shift knob • Sport touch four spoke steering wheel and brake handle • Ralliart embroidered floor mats • Ralliart black/red sport bucket front seats (driver side, 8 way adjustable, passenger 6 way) • Anti lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) • Front seat mounted side impact air bags • Sport tuned suspension • Front strut tower brace (painted red) • 16" Lipless alloy wheels with P205/50R all season performance tires • Cargo area cover • 140W Mitsubishi AM/FM/CD audio with 6 speakers.
MSRP before taxes and freight for Lancer Sportback LS will be under 22.0M CDN.

Mitsubishi "10-5-5" Warranty – Best Backed Cars in the World

All Mitsubishi cars and sport utility vehicles are backed by a comprehensive "10 5 5" warranty. The powertrain is covered by a 10 year or 160,000 km limited warranty. The new vehicle limited warranty covers from bumper to bumper for 5 years or 100,000 km and the body panels have a 7 year or 160,000 km anti corrosion/perforation limited warranty. The program also includes 24/7 emergency roadside assistance with free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer for warranty related repairs, for 5 years and unlimited km.

Source: Mitsubishi

Gallery: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback (2006)