Eighth generation (2000–2007)

Eighth generation

Also called	Mitsubishi Lancer Classic (Russia) Soueast Lioncel II (China & Ukraine)
Production	2000–2007
Assembly	china Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India Venezuela
Predecessor	Mitsubishi Carisma (Europe) Mitsubishi Mirage (USA)
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	FF layout
Platform	CS2A–CS5W
Engine(s)	4G13 1.3 L SOHC I4 4G18 1.6 L SOHC I4 4G93 1.8 L DOHC I4 4G93 1.8 L DOHC I4 GDI Turbo 4G94 2.0 L SOHC I4I4 4G63 2.0 L DOHC I4 4G69 2.4 L SOHC MIVEC I4
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 4-speed semi-auto 5-speed manual invecs III CVT
Wheelbase	2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Length	4,495–4,605 mm (177.0–181.3 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,375–1,425 mm (54.1–56.1 in)
Related	Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Mitsubishi Outlander

2003–2005 Mitsubishi Lancer (CH) ES sedan (Australia)

The year 2000 saw the release of the eighth-generation Lancer Cedia in Japan (meaning Century Diamond); though in most markets the seventh generation Lancer continued, built at Mitsubishi's Mizushima plant in Japan. The new model was available in sedan and station wagon forms. The Mirage, apart from the export models, became a different car in Japan that was unrelated to the Lancer. In Europe, the Lancer was not offered in some countries, being too close to the size of the Dutch-built Carisma, so the Evo VII model sold there bore the Carisma name. It is still sold in Japan where the ninth generation Lancer is known as "Galant Fortis".
In North America, the Lancer Cedia was introduced in 2002 as a direct replacement for the Mirage. It is powered by a 2.0 L 4G94 engine producing 120 hp (92 kW) and 130 lb·ft (176 N·m) of torque.
In Australia, the eighth generation Lancer was introduced as the CG series in July 2002 with the 2.0 L 4G94 engine. It was introduced as a replacement for the seventh generation sedan, and was sold alongside the popular seventh generation coupe.

[ Mid-generation facelift

In 2004, a heavily restyled Lancer surfaced with a front facia that brought it into line with the Mitsubishi corporate look, as well as a restyled rear, to further differentiate itself from the Lancer Evolution and for a more modern appearance. The car's grille was then redesigned again in 2006.

[North America

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer ES (U.S.)

In North America, additional minor styling changes also occurred for 2005 and 2006. For the 2005 model year, the grille was changed to include more fins to reflect a closer similarity to the North American Galant. For the 2006 model year, the fascia was changed again from a bridged fascia to one with an open vent after Mitsubishi received complaints from current owners regarding its similarity in appearance to General Motors Division Pontiac's corporate look, and to bring the appearance closer to its bigger brother, the Evolution.
In Mexico, the Lancer was available in DE, ES, LS and GS trims with a 2.0 L DOHC 4G63 engine. There were no estate versions: only the four-door saloon.

[ Ralliart

2004–2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart sedan (U.S.)

In addition to the facelift, North America received two additional models to the Lancer line in 2004 – Sportback and Ralliart. The latter slated in between the base and high performance Evolution model. Both the Sportback and Ralliart had high levels of equipment, based on the Australian Lancer VR-X. The main difference being that these cars came equipped with Mitsubishi's 2.4 L4G69 engine (rated at 160 hp (119 kW)/162 lb·ft (220 N·m) for the Sportback, and 162 hp (121 kW)/162 lb·ft (220 N·m) for the Ralliart), included a new, stiffer suspension package that improved handling and lowered the cars stance by 1 centimeter, 16" alloy wheels, front bucket seats borrowed from Japan's Mitsubishi Evolution GT-A, fog lamps, and a new aerodynamic ground package. The Ralliart also came equipped with a cosmetic rear deck spoiler, and clear rear tail lights. The Sportback was equipped with a 4-speed INVECS-II automatic transmission, with no option for a manual transmission, while the Ralliart came with a 5-speed manual transmission with an option for the 4-speed automatic. The Sportback was also available in the lower spec LS trim.

Mitsubishi Lancer LS wagon (US)

Due to^{[citation needed]} Mitsubishi's deteriorating financial situation and slow sales, the Lancer Sportback wagon was cancelled in the United States one year after its release. But the Mitsubishi Lancer wagon was sold in Canada, Japan, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and was available in at least the latter two until 2009.

[ Australia

The 2003 facelift, designated the CH series,^[16] introduced a heavily updated VR-X, which included new 16" alloys, stiffer suspension, body styling kit, and gear shifter borrowed from the Lancer Evolution. In 2004, the new Lancer wagon was introduced as a direct replacement for its ageing predecessor.
In August 2005, all Lancers were upgraded to the 2.4 L 4G69 engine, producing 115 kW (154 hp) and 220 N·m (162 lb·ft) of torque. The upgraded engine also saw a change in trim levels and upgraded equipment—the ES and LS models now featured a more upmarket looking black interior, while the VR-X gained a new black grille to closer resemble the Lancer Evolution IX. The equipment levels of all models were also upgraded, with the LS and VR-X gaining climate control, and a premium audio system sourced from the luxury Mitsubishi Verada. The Exceed model was discontinued, and all updated models now used JDM sized rear bumpers instead of the larger USDM sized versions. Additionally, the wagon also saw these changes; and as of 2007, continues to be sold alongside the sedan.
The ES and LS models were given a minor facelift for the 2007 model year; this time gaining the same front grille as the US models, and putting it into line with the current corporate look—similar to that of the Colt and the locally built 380. Prior to the introduction of the all-new ninth generation Lancer, a limited edition ES model dubbed 'Velocity' went on sale. This package included VR-X grill, rear spoiler, leather/alcantara bolsted seats, sports pedals, 15" OZ alloy wheels and chrome exhaust tip—all for the same price as the previous standard ES.

[Other markets

Interior

In Japan, the Lancer Cedia was offered with many different trim levels and engines, including some options never exported. It was also one of the first models to use the INVECS-III CVT transmission. There was also a Ralliart version of the sportswagon which was powered by a turbocharged 1.8 L GDI engine. As of 2009, the eighth generation Lancer sedan is still being sold alongside the new ninth generation, which is known in the home market as the Galant Fortis.
In Pakistan, this variant was launched in 2005 with cosmetic changes from the front and the back. Thai production was switched to the new model, and in all markets except for India the seventh-generation model was no longer marketed, four years after the Cedia's introduction. India received the new Lancer in 2006, known locally as the Mitsubishi Cedia to distinguish it from the previous version which is still assembled and sold as the Lancer. In Malaysia, the Lancer was made available after Mitsubishi had sold all its shares in Malaysian carmaker Proton, marking the return of Mitsubishi in Malaysian market after being absent since 1985 due to the agreement with Proton. The Lancer sold in Malaysia was powered by the 4G18 engine which also powered the early 1.6 Proton Waja model. In the Philippines, the Lancer underwent a facelift, now without the central semi-triangle in the grille. It is offered in 2 trims, the base GLX with a 5-speed manual and the GLS with an all-new INVECS-III CVT with manual override. Both are powered with an l4 1.6L 4G18 SOHC engine.
In some European markets, the Lancer began to take the place of the Carisma in 2004. It is powered by a 1.3 L SOHC 16valve 4G13 engine producing 82 PS (60 kW) at 5,000 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, 1.6 L SOHC 4G18 engine producing 98 PS (72 kW) at 5,000 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm and a 2.0 L DOHC 4G63 producing 135 PS (99 kW) at 5,750 rpm and 176 Nm at 4,500 rpm.