Mitsubishi Motors' utterly unique Lancer Sportback rings in the new model year with a plethora of new features and upgrades for this roomy (up to 52.7 cubic feet of available cargo space) and fun-to-drive diamond star-badged 5-door.
New features and upgrades for the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback include:
- New audio system (Sportback ES)
- New 6.1-in. touchscreen display audio system (Sportback GT)
- New HD Radio® (Sportback GT)
- New SIRIUSXM® satellite radio with 3-month pre-paid subscription (Sportback GT)
- New rearview camera (Sportback GT)
- New 7-in. MMCS touchscreen navigation system with high-definition touch panel, voice command, 3D mapping, point-of-interest information, real-time traffic and Mapcare® including two map updates (available on Sportback GT)
2014 Lancer Sportback ES: Affordable, Spacious and Fuel Efficient
Dimensionally speaking, the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is very similar in size and appearance to the standard Lancer sedan – visually the most distinguishing difference between the two is the Sportback model's sloping rear hatch (and stylish rear spoiler mounted at the hatchback/roof junction). Otherwise, the Sportback is slightly taller at 59.3 in. and longer at 180.4 in. (Lancer 4-door measures 58.3 in. and 180.0 in., respectively).
The previously mentioned voluminous cargo capacity (52.7 cubic feet) of the 2014 Lancer Sportback is easily accessed thanks to a handy rear seat release lever located in the cargo area to fold flat the rear 60/40 split seat. The space-efficient design makes this eye-catching 5-door the perfect vehicle for trips to the big-box store, hauling the kids and their sports equipment, and just about any other activity that requires transporting more stuff than what a comparably-sized sedan can carry.
More importantly, the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback ES is powered by a capable and smooth-operating 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine that is paired with an advanced continuously-variable transmission (CVT) with INVECS-III technology for smoother shifts that delivers exceptional performance and fuel efficiency. With a compression ratio of 10.0:1, this engine's power output is rated at 148 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 145 lb.-ft. of torque arriving at a lower 4,200 rpm – all while delivering a welcome 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway from lower-priced 87 octane fuel.
Helping make the most of the Sportback ES model's outstanding fuel economy is an "Eco" indicator light that lights up to alert the driver that they are driving their vehicle at its most optimum fuel efficiency. This "Eco" indicator is included on all 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback models.
Other standard features found on the 2014 Lancer Sportback ES include air conditioning with micron filter; auto-off halogen headlights; steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; Electric Power Steering (EPS); remote keyless entry; 6-way adjustable driver's seat; and anti-theft security alarm and engine immobilizer.
A welcome new no-cost feature included on the Sportback ES for the 2014 model year is a dynamic sounding new audio system.
Safety and Warranty
Every 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback includes a comprehensive array of advanced safety features and technologies.
The supplemental restraint system (SRS) features advanced dual front air bags with occupant sensors; front seat-mounted side-impact air bags; side-impact head protection curtain air bags for both the front and rear seating areas; and a driver's knee air bag to help minimize injury to the lower extremities in the event of a collision.
Mitsubishi Motors patented Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body/chassis safety cell technology helps to disperse energy away from the vehicle's occupants and fuel system in the event of a side or rear impact.
Included driver aids on every 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback model consist of Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL); an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that features Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
A comprehensive warranty program includes a fully transferable 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty; a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty (applicable to the original vehicle purchaser); a 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty; and a 5-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance program.
2014 Lancer Sportback GT: Increased Performance and Luxury
Powered by a dynamic 2.4-liter MIVEC engine that belts out a full 168 horsepower and is connected to a technically advanced continuously-variable transmission (CVT) with Sportronic® driver-operated paddle shifters, the 2014 Lancer Sportback GT includes other feature upgrades like a sport-tuned suspension; automatic air conditioning climate control; 6 speaker sound system that includes Mitsubishi Motors' innovative FUSE Hands-Free Link System® with USB port that allows users to operate numerous functions of the audio system and an iPod® through the use of simple voice commands; FAST-key entry and engine starting with panic alarm feature; a leather-wrapped steering wheel, plus much more.
Available upgrade packages for the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback include an Exterior Package that consists of a front air dam, exhaust finisher and fog lights; an Interior Package with aluminum shift knob and brake grip; an LED Illumination Package that augments the Lancer Sportback's already attractive interior with blue front floor illumination and LED interior lights; an All Weather Package with rear mudguards, front all-weather floor mats and the convenience of remote engine start; and the Popular Equipment Package that adds niceties like a trunk mat, scuff plates, rear bumper protector and an alloy fuel door.
Two Potent 4-Cylinder Engines
The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback comes with two very capable yet fuel-efficient engine variants – both based on the 4B11 engine architecture found under the aluminum hood of the vibrant Lancer Evolution model. The ES model engine produces 148 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 145 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm from its 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC 16-valve inline-4 with a compression ratio of 10.0:1 (the compression ration of the turbocharged 4B11 T/C in the Lancer Evolution is 9.0:1).
The Lancer Sportback GT features a larger displacement 2.4-liter inline-4 engine (internally designated the 4B12 engine) that is capable of 168 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 167 lb.-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm with a higher compression ratio of 10.5:1.
Like the engine that propels the lightning-quick Lancer Evolution, both the Sportback ES and GT 4-cylinder engines make use of lightweight yet sturdy all-aluminum construction for both the engine block and cylinder head. Likewise, both engines are capable of running on less expensive 87 octane fuel.
Both the 2014 Lancer Sportback ES and GT model engines include Mitsubishi Motors' very efficient continuously-variable transmission (CVT). The CVT transmission has been designed and engineered by Mitsubishi with INVEC-III technology to provide smooth shifts with minimal vibration.
EPA fuel mileage ratings are 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway for the 2.0-liter-equipped Lancer Sportback ES and 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the 2.4-liter-equipped Lancer Sportback GT.
Exceptionally Engineered Platform
The rock-solid platform of the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is the result of a chassis that has been engineered to include ultra-high-tensile steel construction and extra rigid support in key areas including the roof joints and side pillars. The sturdy chassis – accompanied by a sophisticated independent suspension design that utilizes Macpherson struts at the front with a multilink setup for the rear – lends the Lancer Sportback superb handling and ride characteristics while simultaneously allowing it to smooth out road imperfections with aplomb.
The upgrade Lancer Sportback GT model features larger brakes – 11.6-in. diameter ventilated discs are used up front and 11.9-in. solid discs are used in the rear – than those found on the Lancer Sportback ES model. The entry-level ES model makes use of 10.9-in. diameter ventilated disc brake rotors in the front, and depending on the wheels, drum or disc brakes for the rear (Lancer Sportback ES models equipped with alloy wheels feature 10.3-in. diameter rear disc brakes).
Source: Mitsubishi
