Vehicle Segment:
Compact hatchback/sportback
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops
Key Competitors:
Mazda3 Sport, Honda Civic Hatchback, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus Hatchback
Unique Selling Proposition:
Sporty styling, practical hatchback versatility, rally-inspired performance heritage (in higher trims)
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, factory-accurate repair and maintenance information, saving significant costs compared to dealership servicing.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, cooling, emissions control, starting and charging
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), automatic transmission (if applicable), clutch, driveline, differential
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, power steering, braking system (ABS, EBD, brake hydraulics, parking brake)
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, lighting, instruments, power windows, mirrors, locks, audio system, climate control electronics, ECU diagnostics
Body And Chassis:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), chassis components, HVAC system
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, brake pad/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, exhaust system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault isolation procedures
Specifications And Torques:
Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, component dimensions, clearances, and tolerances
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics, including ECU reprogramming and parameter adjustments (requires appropriate diagnostic tools)
Rebuild Instructions:
Complete rebuild procedures for major components like engines and transmissions
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, color-coded electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Engine Code Typical:
4A92 (1.8L), 4B10 (1.8L MIVEC), 4B11 (2.0L MIVEC), 4B12 (2.4L MIVEC)
Displacement Options:
1.8L, 2.0L, 2.4L (depending on market and trim)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 140-170 hp (for 1.8L and 2.0L models); higher for Ralliart/performance variants
Torque Range:
Approx. 125-145 lb-ft (for 1.8L and 2.0L models)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) or Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control)
Cylinder Layout:
Inline 4-cylinder
Timing Drive:
Timing chain (typically)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual
Optional Transmission Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed automatic (depending on market/engine)
Cvt Features:
Sportronicยฎ shifting (simulated gears), paddle shifters (on some trims)
AWD Availability:
All-Wheel Drive (AWC) available on select performance models (e.g., Ralliart)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Typically 4-star or 5-star (for models tested, check specific year reports)
Braking System:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Brake Assist
Stability Control:
ASC (Active Stability Control) or ASC + TC (Active Stability Control + Traction Control)
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, side curtain airbags, front-seat side airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Body Structure:
RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body construction
Audio System:
Available Rockford-Fosgate premium audio system, touchscreen infotainment with Bluetooth, USB connectivity, navigation (optional)
Optional Features:
Keyless entry and start, rearview camera, HID headlights (on select trims)
Bluetooth Handsfree:
Standard on most trims for phone calls and audio streaming.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,750 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for exact OEM recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed; typically every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by spark plug type (Iridium is common), often around 60,000 - 105,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
CVT fluid: often 'lifetime' but early changes recommended (e.g., 60,000 miles); Manual/Auto: check condition, typically 50,000 - 100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 compliant recommended)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC), or equivalent (green)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Cvt:
DiaQueen CVT Fluid J1
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-85
Cvt Reliability:
Some CVT models have reported issues with longevity or requiring specific fluid changes; refer to service bulletins and manual for proper care.
Suspension Wear:
Front control arm bushings and sway bar links can wear over time, leading to knocking noises.
Engine Mounts:
Engine and transmission mounts can degrade, causing increased vibration.
Mitsubishi Motors Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a long history in motorsports, particularly rallying, which influences the sporty nature of the Lancer line.
Lancer Lineage:
The Lancer Sportback is part of the Lancer family, which has seen numerous generations and variations, including sedans and performance models like the Evolution (Evo).
Eighth Generation Context:
The 2012-2015 models fall within the eighth generation (CY) of the Lancer, which debuted in 2007. The Sportback variant was introduced later as a more practical alternative to the sedan.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan (Mizushima Plant) and other global facilities.
๐ Awards & Recognition
Safety Awards:
Models from this generation often received good safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, but specific awards vary by year and test criteria.
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Certain model years may have qualified for IIHS Top Safety Pick awards.
Emissions Compliance:
Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for its respective model years.
