2003 MITSUBISHI Lancer 1.6L 4AT FWD (98 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer was still built on top of the Mirage platform but was aimed at those customers who looked for a compact-sized sedan.

Since it started to win races with the Lancer Evolution, the Lancer nameplate became more famous than the Mirage. That convinced the Japanese manufacturer to create a new lineup based on a new platform. With the seventh generation, that started to happen, and the 2003 model is the main proof of that. Unfortunately for the carmaker, it couldn’t use the Lancer nameplate in Europe, so it had to use the Carisma instead, and it produced the car in the NedCar facility in the Netherlands.

The seventh generation of the Lancer featured triangular headlights with curved lines, following the new-edge design trend. Its mesh grille was adorned by a center vertical slat that supported the three-diamond badge. The apron sported additional cooling areas on the lower bumper: one wider in the middle and two side scoops. Its three-box sedan design was not that daring. However, it offered body-colored door mirrors and handles, while other carmakers still used the same black, unpainted details.

Inside, the dashboard was a mix of black, gray, and silver trims. Apart from the air vents and the radio, everything else sported rounded shapes. On the center stack, the carmaker decided to place the stereo above the HVAC control unit, which was a good idea, especially since there were no buttons on the steering wheel. Thanks to the larger wheelbase than on the sixth generation, there was more legroom for the rear passengers.

Apart from the Lancer Evolution, all other versions were powered by simpler engines. Depending on the market, the base version was put in motion by a 1.3-liter powerplant. Also, for selected versions, the carmaker offered a four-speed automatic transmission or a CVT.