It was the 1973 launch of the very first Lancer range that hurtled the name into the limelight, as the sporty (yet only 1600cc) GSR model laid the foundations of Mitsubishi’s legendary motorsport success with multiple wins in the Safari and Southern Cross rallies.

Forty years on, the name that stood for performance and style is back.
Unlike its long-ago forerunners, the 2014 Lancer GSR comes in hatchback style as well as sedan. Both sport smart, chrome-accented sports body kits and definitive five-spoke 16 inch alloys. And both wear a sharp promotional price of $25,990, compared with their $32,990 recommended retail price.
The GSR comes with a 115kW 2-litre Mivec engine and a sports mode-equipped six-speed CVT transmission, as well as six-inch touch screen audio, reversing camera and auto air, with audio and Bluetooth, the latter pair fingertip-controlled from the leather-covered steering wheel.
The SEi model (also either sedan or hatchback) comes in at a $29,990 promotional price, way below its $36,990 RRP.
The entry level Lancer – now called LS - also gets a boost in features, with seven airbags, cruise control, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and a sound system with USB and MP3 compatibility, and $30,690 price.
All Lancers - LS, GSR and SEi - have 5 star ANCAP safety rating, and share 7.3L/100km fuel efficiency and low 170g/km CO2 emissions.
All also get Mitsubishi’s Diamond Advantage warranty, with up to five years new vehicle warranty and up to 10 years driveline warranty.