Mitsu rolls out Lancer & Grandis facelifts
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just launched facelifted versions of their award-winning duo, the Lancer GT and the Grandis, yesterday. This midlife update sees both models receive an extra dose of sportiness in their looks plus additional equipment to give customers better value for their money.
Speaking at the launch event held in The Club at Saujana Resort, CEO of MMM Mr Keizo Ono said, “Appealing to the performance sedan enthusiasts and those seeking a sporty and stylish daily drive, the Lancer has been much talked-about and a favourite with many since its launch in 2007. The Lancer has a very well rounded set of abilities that sets it apart from the competition. The Grandis meanwhile, shows that spacious and versatile MPVs can be fun to drive and sleek looking too.”
Ono-san added, “The launch of these two models, plus the recent introduction of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV underlines our commitment to provide reliable vehicles and driving enjoyment to Malaysians.”
For the Lancer GT, Mitsubishi has slightly reworked its front appearance, visually uniting the top and lower grille by applying a matt black finish in between, a cosmetic modification which has actually been popular among existing Lancer GT owners in the aftermarket. A chrome-finished surround further accentuates the aggression derived from this update. In addition, the rear now features attractive looking smoked taillights.
No changes are made to the powertrain, with the 2.0-litre DOHC MIVEC powerplant still paired with the INVECS-III CVT with six-step Sports Mode to provide drive to the front wheels. Built on a lightweight aluminium block, the 4B11 powerplant produces 153hp @ 6,000rpm and a healthy 199Nm @ 4,250rpm. Press materials provided by MMM indicated the Lancer GT is tuned to Euro II standards, and the torque curve actually dips slightly at 3,000rpm.
Being marketed and positioned as a driver’s car, the Lancer GT is well-equipped in the handling department, with independent suspension and disc brakes all-round as standard. Supplementing the brakes are the usual ABS, EBD and BA systems. The tough Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) bodyshell is also claimed to contribute to good roadholding besides improving the Lancer’s safety levels.
Inside, the seats are finished in Nappa leather, with the rear seat backs offering 60:40 split folding facility. Also packed into the interior are automatic climate control, 6-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with steering-mounted controls, and trip computer, all standard.
The Grandis, meanwhile, gets refit with a new set of skirts and door visors on the outside. Inside, the seats, steering and gear knob are wrapped in black leather, while a new 2-DIN Kenwood DVD player goes into the dashboard.
Under its hood, the Grandis continues with the 2,378cc 4G69 SOHC MIVEC powerplant. It produces 162hp @ 6,000rpm and 217Nm @ 4,000rpm, sent to the front wheels via the INVECS-II 4-speed auto transmission with Sports Mode.
In the Peninsula, the Lancer GT is available for viewing in all MMM showrooms today, while the Grandis is viewable from 7 August onwards. Both cars will be available for viewing in East Malaysia from 21 August onwards.
Prices in Peninsula Malaysia (OTR with insurance) stand at RM123,980.00 for the Lancer GT and RM164,980.00 for the Grandis. The Lancer GT will sell for RM71,800.00 in Langkawi. We shall publish prices for the rest of the nation upon confirmation with MMM.
