2016 Mitsubishi Lancer busts out

The Australian-spec 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer has been announced today, bringing with it a new look and more standard features for a little more coin.

The Lancer range now starts $19,500 for the ES Sport sedan with a manual gearbox, which represents an increase of just over $500.

But Mitsubishi says the price rises are justified, because all models now feature a new-look frontal design and side skirts, plus LED running lights, a colour infotainment screen, reversing camera and a six-speaker stereo with a digital radio tuner.

A new 2.4-litre GSR sedan variant has also been added (effectively replacing the XLS sedan), with the GSR-only Lancer Sportback hatch line-up also scoring MY16 updates for an extra $500 ($22,500).

While MY16 sedan models are available now, the MY16 Lancer GSR Sportback arrives in January. The updated Lancer was first seen in the US in October.

The biggest news, however, is the axing of the turbocharged Lancer Ralliart sedan, following the discontinuation of the Ralliart hatch in May 2013 and the recent release of 150 examples of the Lancer Evolution Final Edition.

Production of the $37,990 Ralliart SST sedan — Mitsubishi's answer to warm small sedans like the Subaru WRX — ended earlier this year when the car-maker axed Lancer Evo auto production, and the last examples have now been sold, hence its disappearance from the Lancer price list.

Two new exterior paintjobs are also added for the 2016 Lancer line-up -- Starlight, a pearl white, and Sterling Silver – plus new wheel designs, seat trims and other cosmetic and equipment additions.

Entry-level ES Sport models are fitted with the same 2.0-litre (110kW/197Nm) four-cylinder petrol engine as previously, although Mitsubishi says the automatic model, from $21,000, gets an upgraded continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Mitsubishi Australia's Executive Director of Marketing, Tony Principe, observed that the Lancer would "maintain its position within the popular small car market," thanks to specification and aesthetic upgrades.

"Lancer's proven track record and unbeatable combination of sporty styling, reliability and standard features remain the foundation of its enduring appeal, particularly with younger buyers," he said.

Mitsubishi's current Lancer dates back to 2007 and there's no replacement in sight.

Lancer sales are 10 per cent down to November this year with just under 8000 sold to November – making it Australia's seventh best selling small-car behind the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai i30, Volkswagen Golf, Holden Cruze and Kia Cerato.

As well as the new features abovementioned across all models in the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, the sedans also get the following:

ES Sport 2.0-litre Sedan (2016 updates, plus):
New upgraded seat fabric with a stronger geometric pattern
New design 16-inch bright finish alloy wheels with black inserts
Gloss black interior and ornament panel garnish
Leather shift knob with boot on manual models
Rear spoiler

LS 2.0-litre Sedan (2016 updates, plus):
Leather interior trim, including leather steering wheel, leather gear knob
New design 18-inch alloy wheel with black inserts
Sports tuned suspension with front and rear stabiliser bar
Privacy glass
Reverse parking sensors
Rain-sensing wipers
Auto headlights
Power driver’s seat adjustment
Smart key
Heated front seats
Chrome door handles, belt moulding and rear boot garnish

GSR 2.4-litre Sedan (2016 updates, plus):
2.4-litre 125kW 226Nm MIVEC engine
New design 18-inch alloy wheels with black inserts
CVT with sport mode and mounted paddle shifts
Front and rear 16-inch ventilated discs
Sports seats and pedals

GSR 2.4-litre Sportback (2016 updates, plus):
New design 18-inch alloy wheels with black inserts

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer pricing (plus ORCs):
ES Sport sedan — $19,500 (manual), $21,000 (auto)
LS sedan — $23,500 (auto only)
GSR sedan — $22,500 (manual), $24,000 (auto)
GSR Sportback — $22,500 (manual), $24,000 (auto)