Mitsubishi Lancer variants explained: Which one to buy?

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a Japanese icon. It has a worldwide presence and is especially liked in the UAE market for its affordable nature and decent performance. Competing against the Toyota Corolla, its price range starts at AED 49,500 and goes up to AED 66,900. Between the two engine options, three transmission options, and three variants, there are seven different combinations in total to choose from. Let’s have a look at these combinations and decide which is the best option to buy.

Mitsubishi Lancer EX GLX: The no-frills version

The base version is basic in every sense. It does not get alloy wheels, chrome surrounds on the front grille, DRLs, adaptive front lighting with intensity control, rear spoiler, rearview camera or even cruise control. It also lacks automatic air control and power sunroof and has to settle for a four-speaker sound system. Thankfully, the variant with the 2.0-litre engine gets CVT with 6-Step Sports mode as standard, albeit without the paddle shifters.

That last part though is especially encouraging to the enthusiasts on a budget. This trim allows them to enter the halls of the fabled Lancer performance without having to break the bank. If they want to customise their car in the grand Lancer tradition, then this is the best variant. Other than the transmission, the Lancer GLX trim also comes with safety aids like ABS, EBD, brake assist, and stability systems. All these features are standard across all the variants which is a very commendable move by Mitsubishi.
The car can be upgraded with a luxury package for the interior, and a color-keyed appearance package for the exterior.

Mitsubishi Lancer EX GLS: Getting close to the real thing

 For nearly AED 6,500 more, the GLS starts to get pretty close to the full-blown Lancer experience. The essentials are all here. The exterior gets alloy wheels, chrome surround on the front grille, DRLs, rear spoiler, body color ORVM, and door handles. It does miss out on the chrome exhaust tips, and AFS headlamps. Similarly, the interior gains leather steering wheel, light brown wood print instrument panels, cruise control, automatic air conditioner, six-speaker sound system, and sunroof. The transmission is mated to paddle shifters like the Lancer GT variant. There is also a rearview camera.

This variant is the logical choice for anyone who wants a nice reliable commuter that also provides little excitement. This buyer has already decided that they want to buy a Lancer and not want to customise it any further. They are also perfectly fine with their car not having too many sporty bells and whistles. The bump in price from the base model is entirely justified. For the prospective sedan buyer, it is indeed an excellent value.

Mitsubishi Lancer EX GT: The full enchilada

The GT is the real thing in every sense of the word. It might even look like a completely different car altogether. It is lower by 15 mm and runs on 18-inch alloys wheels. It goes on to match the GLX variant in many areas. The headlights are adaptive and control their intensity automatically. The exhausts are chrome tipped. The interior gets gloss black instrument panels with silver touches and a centre display showing the time and audio information. And of course, it also gets sports seats in the front along with leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob. There is also a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate speaker system.

All this for the equivalent difference of AED 9,000 over the price of the Lancer GLS. Anyone who wants to get the best out of their Lancer would be looking at this spec. The real choice then is probably between Lancer GT and other cars in this segment.
But buying a Lancer is an emotional decision from the get-go. It does not have to do a lot with common sense or logic. There are cars from other manufacturers that will make the Lancer look outdated in terms of refinement and equipment levels. But very less on the competitor's list comes close to giving the same diving thrill as the Lancer for anywhere near the same price point.