Mitsubishi Lancer III 1.2 (55 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 2.8 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mitsubishi Lancer:

The Mitsubishi Lancer is an automobile that was produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors from 1973 until 2024.
The Lancer has been marketed as the Colt Lancer, Dodge Colt, Plymouth Colt, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Hindustan Lancer, Soueast Lioncel, and Mitsubishi Mirage in various countries at different times, and has been sold as the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis in Japan since 2007. It has also been sold as Mitsubishi Lancer Fortis in Taiwan with a different facelift than the Galant Fortis. In Japan, it was sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza....(Read more on Wikipedia)

III Overview:

Mitsubishi Lancer (III). With 90 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.5 l/100km). Weighing only 835 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.9 s). The top speed reaches 150 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Mitsubishi Lancer III was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997, and therefore has no official rating. Safety features are basic by modern standards, typical for vehicles of its era.

1.2 (55 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

This entry-level 1.2L engine offers very modest performance, suitable only for city driving and light commuting. Acceleration is leisurely, making highway merging challenging.

Fuel Economy

With a carburettor and low power output, its fuel economy is decent for its era, especially in extra-urban conditions, but not exceptional by modern standards.

Best Use Case: City / Urban Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent reliability and durability for its era
  • • Economical to run, especially the diesel variants
  • • Simple and easy to maintain mechanics
  • • Practical and spacious interior for a compact sedan
  • • Affordable purchase and running costs

Cons:

  • • Very basic safety features by modern standards
  • • Dated exterior and interior design
  • • Limited performance across the engine lineup
  • • Lack of modern amenities and comfort features
  • • Susceptible to rust in older models

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 1983 - 1988).

General:
Brand:Mitsubishi
Model:Lancer
Generation:III
Modification (Engine):1.2 (55 Hp)
Start of production:1984
End of production:1986
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:55 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:45.9 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:90 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:4G16 More details about the engine 4G16
Engine displacement:1198
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Carburettor
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.5 l
Coolant:5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:68.2 mm mm
Piston Stroke:82 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:8.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:14.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:14.9 sec
Maximum speed:150 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:15.2 kg/Hp, 65.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.3 kg/Nm, 107.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:14.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:835
Max. weight:1340
Max load:505
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1000 kg
Fuel tank capacity:45 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:400 kg
Size:
Length:4125 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1635 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1360 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2380 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1390 mm
Rear (Back) track:1340 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Wheel rims size5J x 13
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionIndependent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm

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