2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (ES, DE, GTS, Ralliart) review

The new 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer mid-size sports sedan

Mitsubishi's versatile and stylish Lancer mid-size sports sedan lineup gains numerous materials and amenities upgrades for the 2012 model year. But the most significant change is the introduction of a new low-priced Lancer model that offers the convenience and performance all-wheel drive.

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer photo

New for the 2012 model year is the Mitsubishi Lancer SE, an affordably priced model that includes the company’s famed All-Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive system. Specially designed for the Snowbelt states, the SE includes heated front seats and side view mirrors; 16-inch alloy wheels; upgrade dark silver instrument panel trim and unique black and beige trim seating fabric; and a chrome lower grille. Powering the SE is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine connected to a smooth-operating continuously-variable transmission (CVT).

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer photo

The entry-level Lancer DE model is packed with a long list of standard equipment including a sensuous sounding 4 speaker, 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital signal processor, speed-compensated volume and equalization control; power door locks and windows with driver-side auto down/up; anti-theft engine immobilizer; remote keyless entry; auto-off halogen headlamps with DRLs. And while the DE may be the lowest-priced model and the Lancer lineup, the vehicle includes such stylish touches as chrome-trimmed A/C outlet knobs, a blacked-out front grille and stylish side air dams.

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer photo

The Lancer DE features a new wheel cover design for its 16-inch rims for 2012 and is powered by the venerable 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) that makes a full 148 horsepower, accompanied by a rifle bolt-smooth 5-speed manual transmission.

The best-selling Lancer ES features all of the content included on the DE, but adds further quality amenities. New for the very economical and efficient ES model this year is a redesigned 16-inch wheel cover for the base model along with improved interior fabric and instrument panel trim. A Deluxe Package available on the ES futures handsome touches including a chrome lower grille section and improved door trim.

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer photo

Adding to the Lancer DE and ES model’s outstanding value is the impressive highway fuel economy that these feature-packed versions have to offer with an EPA-rated 34 mpg.

The sporty 2012 Lancer GT (formerly the GTS model) gains numerous new luxury and appearance upgrades including the addition of the eye-catching front fascia from the Lancer Ralliart, redesigned interior fabric and gloss-black instrument panel trim and a fresh new 18-inch alloy wheel design. Furthermore, the Touring Package now features a handy backup camera with a monitor built into the auto-dimming rearview mirror (optional navigation system also includes backup camera).

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer photo

The 2012 Lancer GT’s stout 168 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine comes with a crisp-shifting 5-speed manual as standard, with a high-tech continuously variable transmission (CVT) with INVEC-III and Sportronic® shifting with magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters is also available. Standard features on the GT include sport front bucket seats, automatic climate control and a rear spoiler.

For exceptional athleticism in high-style, the outstanding Lancer Ralliart includes many of the advanced performance technologies equipped on Mitsubishi’s remarkable Lancer Evolution exotic car. These include full-time All-Wheel Control (AWC) with Active Center Differential (ACD) and front helical limited-slip differential, rear limited-slip differential and Hill Start Assist (HSA). The Lancer Ralliart delivers a power-packed turbocharged punch of 237 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled MIVEC-equipped inline-4 engine and rapid-shifting 6-speed automated manual Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) – essentially a slightly detuned version of the incredible Lancer Evolution’s exceptional drivetrain.

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer photo

Like the Lancer GT, the 2012 Lancer Ralliart receives an upgraded interior fabric and gloss-black instrument panel trim, along with a backup camera with rearview mirror monitor for the Touring Package (optional navigation system also includes backup camera).

A full complement of Mitsubishi safety technologies are found on every Lancer model sold including advanced dual-stage front air bags with occupant seat position sensor; side-impact head protection curtain air bags (front and rear); front seat-mounted side air bags; driver's side knee air bag; anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL); and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer photo

Key Specifications
Wheelbase: 103.7 in.
Length: 180.0 in.
Height: 58.7 in.
Width: 69.4 in.
Engine: 2.0-liter aluminum DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine
Horsepower: 148 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 146 lb.-ft. @ 4,250 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission or continuously-variable transmission (CVT)

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer photo

Major Standard Features (2.0L DE)

140-Watt AM/FM/CD audio system with digital signal processing, MP3 playback capability and four speakers
Electric assist power steering
Adjustable rear head restraints (x3)
Anti-theft engine immobilizer
Auto-off halogen headlamps with DRLs
Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors, curtain side air bags, driver's knee air bag, and front seat mounted side-impact air bags
Power windows and folding side view mirrors
Side air dam
RISE chassis construction
Tilt-adjustable steering column
Trunk lid inner trim
Remote keyless entry
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Active Stability Control (ASC)

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer photo

2.0L ES model adds over DE:

16-inch alloy wheels
Electric assist power steering
60:40 split folding rear seat with folding armrest and cupholders
Air conditioning with micron cabin air filtration
Anti-theft security alarm system
Center floor console box with armrest
Chrome grille, color-keyed outer door handles and side view mirrors
Floor mats
Front map lamps
Height-adjustable driver’s seat
Rear seat heater floor ducts
MP3/auxiliary stereo input jack
Steering wheel-mounted illuminated cruise and audio control switches

SE model adds over ES:

Full-time All-Wheel Control (AWC)
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine
Continuously-variable transmission (CVT)
Heated front seats and side mirrors
Chrome lower grille and rear badge

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer photo

Key Specifications - Lancer GT

Engine: 2.4-liter aluminum DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine
Horsepower: 168 bhp @ 6,000 rpm (161 bhp PZEV in Calif.)
Torque: 167 lb.-ft. @ 4,100 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual or CVT with 6-step Sportronic ® mode using magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters

2.4L GT model adds over ES:

18-in. alloy wheels
FUSE HandsFree Link System™
6-speaker audio system
Automatic climate control system
Chrome exhaust finisher
Fog lights
Front air dams
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
Leather-wrapped parking brake
High-contrast multi-color LCD instrument display
Rear spoiler
Sport bucket seats (front)
Sportronic steering wheel-mounted magnesium shifter paddles (with optional continuously-variable transmission)
Sport-tuned suspension and including front strut tower brace

Key specifications - Lancer Ralliart

Engine: 2.0-liter inline 4 DOHC MIVEC; intercooled/turbocharged
Horsepower: 237 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 253 @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission: TC-SST automated manual with magnesium steering column-mounted shifter paddles
Wheels: 18 x 7.5 in. cast alloy
Tires: 215/45R18 Yokohama ADVAN asymmetrical performance tires

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer photo

Turbo Ralliart model adds over GT:

Full-time All-Wheel Control (AWC) with Active Center Differential (ACD)
Front helical and rear mechanical limited-slip differentials
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
FUSE HandsFree Link System™
FAST-key with panic feature
Premium sport fabric seating surfaces
Leather-wrapped sport type steering wheel
Leather-wrapped shift knob with shift boot
Dual exhaust with finisher
Aluminum hood with heat extractor vent
Chrome side lower door molding

Lancer Options:

Alloy Wheel Package (ES model) adds: 16-in. alloy wheels and Rear disc brakes.

Deluxe Package (must combine Alloy Wheel Package) adds: FUSE HandsFree Link System™; Power glass sunroof; FAST-key entry system; Leather-wrapped steering wheel; USB port.

GTS Touring Package adds: Leather seating surfaces & shift knob with front seat heaters; 710-Watt Rockford-Fosgate® Punch ® Premium Sound System including 10-in. subwoofer; SIRIUS® satellite radio with 3-month paid service; 6 CD/MP3 in-dash head unit; Auto-off Bi-Xenon HID headlamps; Rain-sensing wipers; Auto on/off headlamp control; Power glass sunroof; Rear lip spoiler (replaces rear wing spoiler).

Ralliart touring package adds: Leather seating surfaces with front seat heaters; 710-Watt Rockford-Fosgate® Punch ® Premium Sound System including 10-in. subwoofer; 6 CD/MP3 in-dash head unit; Auto-off Bi-Xenon HID headlamps; Rain-sensing wipers; Auto on/off headlamp control; Power glass sunroof; Rear lip spoiler (replaces rear wing spoiler).

Port Option Packages:

Navigation Package (ES, GTS, Ralliart models) adds: 40GB HDD-based navigation system with Music Server, Real Time Traffic (lifetime at no cost) and a 7-in. touch-screen display that replaces the standard audio head unit.

Sport Aero Package (DE and ES models) adds: Rear wing spoiler; Front air dam; Exhaust finisher; Fog lights.

Sport Accent Package (ES and GTS models) adds: Black upper grille; Black front bumper film; Rear diffuser.

Popular Equipment Package I (ES and GTS models) adds: Alloy fuel door; Aluminum scuff plates; Trunk mat; Wheel locks.

Popular Equipment Package II (DE model) adds: Alloy fuel door; Aluminum scuff plates; Trunk mat.

Chrome Package (ES and GTS models) adds: Chrome lower grille garnish; Chrome mirror covers; Chrome trunk trim; Chrome door handle covers.

Interior Sport Package (ES, GTS and Ralliart models) adds: Aluminum shift knob; Aluminum brake grip.