Revival of the Dead: 2017 Mitsubishi Grand Lancer revealed in Taiwan

MANILA: Whenever an automaker launches a car, the basic aim behind it is to lead the particular segment. Same was the idea behind the much-acclaimed Mitsubishi Lancer. But, with time, the competition grew and sales declined, making Lancer a lost name in the market. Now, the Japanese automaker has given its prominent model a new chance by introducing it again. Yes, Lancer has made a come back with the tag, 2017 Grand Lancer.

The company has introduced the 2017 Grand Lancer in Taiwan and will be available in the Chinese market too. Now talking about the 2017 Mitsubishi Grand Lancer design, the C-segment sedan has received a heavy makeover. As most of the other recently revealed Mitsubishi’s model, the 2017 Grand Lancer also features the brand’s, Dynamic Shield. The front resembles slightly with the 2017 ASX and this can be stated by looking at the tiger-nose grille incorporated in the Grand Lancer.

The sleek and sharp headlights now come with LED and the chrome touch on the grille and around fog lamps further add a touch of sophistication without overcoming the sportiness of the sedan. The side profile now features dynamic lines on the doors while the 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels are added on the top-end variants.

At the back, the new set of L-shaped LED taillights, new trunk design and redesigned bumper accentuate the overall sporty profile of the sedan. The cabin of 2017 Lancer has also received a major transformation and now feature a futuristic theme. Making their way in the 2017 Grand Lancer are a new 3-spoke steering wheel, touchscreen infotainment, automatic climate control and redesigned gear shifter.

The top-end variants are equipped with leather upholstery and a new optional digital instrument panel. The overall NVH level is improved in all the variants of  2017 Mitsubishi Grand Lancer except the entry-level model.

Under the hood, the 2017 Grand Lancer is powered by a 1.8-litre SOHC 4J10 inline-four with MIVEC, which delivers 140 PS maximum power and peak torque of 176 Nm. The engine is mated to INVECS-III CVT which delivers the power to the front wheels.

The list of safety features includes stability control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX rear child seat anchors, six airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Though the Lancer has been re-introduced, for some time, it will be only restricted to Taiwan and Chinese market and we won’t be seeing this Japanese C-segment sedan on our roads.