The next generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer saloon will arrive here in early November. The Lancer name has been around for 30 years, and successes include winning the World Rally Championship twice. Mitsubishi say that it is one of the most recognisable vehicles in the their range and that more than 5,000 existing owners in Ireland are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new model.

Built in Japan on Mitsubishi??™s global platform, the all-new Lancer will compete in the extremely competitive family saloon segment. Mitsubishi boasts of its standout styling, characterised by features such as the large front grille and defined lighting cluster, which it says is sure to draw motorists to it.

Available from launch in one well-equipped model and with a 1.5L manual or automatic petrol engine, the new Lancer is priced at ?‚¬22,495 excluding dealer delivery and related charges.

As standard on the vehicle will be 16??? alloy wheels, blue tooth connectivity with voice recognition, steering wheel audio controls, and air conditioning. Mitsubishi says that it is built to secure a 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating, the Lancer also comes with nine airbags, including one to protect driver??™s knees.

A diesel version, which will employ the 2.0 litre Volkswagen engine that powers the Outlander and Grandis, will be available from Autumn 2008.

The saloon range will be boosted in May with the arrival of the iconic 10th. generation of the Lancer Evolution. In addition, a hatchback version, which will be known as the Sportback, will launch in August 2008 with the same model line-up and engine variants as the saloon.

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