1989 MITSUBISHI Lancer Combi 1.5i 5MT FWD (90 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Based on the same platform as the Colt/Mirage, the second generation of the Lancer was also offered as a station wagon in 1985 and received an upgrade in 1989.

Some might ask what was different with this facelifted version since it featured the same design language as the 1983 Mirage. And yet, besides the obviously bigger trunk, the second generation of the Lancer also got some technical upgrades, which paved the way for future high-performance models.

Clearly, the car’s exterior was still governed by the old, wedged shape imagined by Mitsubishi in the late ’70s – early ’80s. Still, its rectangular headlights were better incorporated into the front fascia. In addition, the grille received a new look with a thicker upper slat and three thinner ones underneath that. While the profile revealed a similar sight as the Lancer sedan, it looked different behind the C-pillars. The long roof version got a slightly taller section that was extended up until the tailgate. At the back, the corner-mounted taillights were also squared and flanked the trunk’s opening.

Inside, the dashboard featured a new instrument cluster, reshaped, so it didn’t look like a square box. Its upper corners were shaved and tilted inwards, offering a similar design as other cars from that era. Like its predecessor, it featured slim, low-mounted seats for the front passengers. For the rear ones, though, unlike the sedan, it featured a folding bench fit for three. Thus, the trunk could have been expanded inside the cabin to load longer items.

Under the hood, the automaker was not that generous, offering just a few engines. Yet, for specific markets, the Lancer Combi was available with an all-wheel drive system. That was an intelligent option, which allowed Mitsubishi to enter into the rally world arena with the Lancer.