AIMS: Mitsubishi reveals tweaked Lancer range and front-drive Outlander

More glamorous offerings may have overshadowed them, but some of the quieter introductions at the Australian International Motor Show undoubtedly had greater significance for more people.

Mitsubishi, for example, could end up embracing more customers with the introduction of its two-wheel drive Outlander, while an upgrade of its Lancer small sedan/hatch range – along with a new SX variant – should keep the well-regarded Mazda3/Corolla/Focus competitor looking fresh.

The two-wheel drive Outlander brings Mitsubishi into line with most of its competition and allows the company to lower manual-transmission entry price -- before on-road costs -- below $30,000.

Available only in LS form, the 2WD Outlander comes with the 125kW/226Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine used in 4WD versions and is available with either five-speed manual or CVT constantly variable transmission.

According to Mitsubishi president and CEO Masahiko Takahashi, "Within this segment there is fast growing demand for two-wheel drive variants, which have a lower entry price. Releasing an economical two-wheel drive variant ensures Outlander will appeal to a much wider range of wagon buyers."

The 2WD Outlander comes with air-conditioning (4WD versions get climate control), cruise control and steering wheel mounted audio buttons. Improvements that flow through the Outlander range include improved safety for the power window systems, including auto up-down for the driver's window, enhanced brake assist and a full-size spare for all five-seat versions. Side and curtain airbags are standard on all 4WD models, but you'll have to pay extra for anything above the normal dual front bags on your 2WD LS.

Mitsubishi doesn't quote any performance/economy/emissions figures in its 2WD Outlander press information, but it's reasonable to expect improvements on all fronts. Average consumption for the 4WD 2.4-litre manual is quoted at 9.5L/100km, with the CVT version scoring a slightly better 9.3L/100km.

The Outlander range begins with 2.4-litre LS (2WD and 4WD), then comes in 4WD XLS and XLS Luxury before moving up to the 3.0-litre V6 VR and VRX versions with an uprated S-AWC 4WD system and a swag of features including, in the VRX, SatNav, leather seats, sunroof and reversing camera.

Before factoring in the on-road costs, the new 2WD Outlander LS starts from $28,990 for the manual and $31,490 for the CVT version.

SXing up the Lancer
The 2011 Lancer gets its share of attention too, with the new SX model.
Sitting between entry level ES and VR variants, the SX comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel audio controls and a rear spoiler as standard. It uses the 113kW/198Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that launched the current Lancer in 2007 and offers the choice of five-speed manual or constantly variable CVT transmission.

Introduction of the SX version comes with an across-the-board Lancer upgrade bringing improved brake assist, improved power window safety, better sound insulation, a USB port, colour LCD display and "welcome" lights.

All Lancers come with seven airbags -- driver and front passenger, front side and side curtain as well as driver knee bags -- which help the scoring of five ANCAP safety stars.

Lancer shoppers have the choice of sedan or hatchback body styles in all models except the premium Aspire that comes in sedan form only. The SX joins ES, VR, VRX and Ralliart Lancer models with manufacturer's list pricing (without on-road costs and pre-delivery charge) for the five-speed manual Sportback hatch starting at $22,490. The CVT version is $24,990.

The larger 125kW/226Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine is used in VRX and Aspire sedan variants, while the all-wheel drive Ralliart version employs the WRX-challenging 177kW/343Nm 2.0-litre MIVEC turbo powerplant.

For our full coverage of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney visit our minisite at carsales.com.au/aims

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