Fifth generation (1988-1991)

Fifth generation

Production	1988–1991
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Layout	Front engine, front-/four-wheel drive
Platform	C61A–C73A
Wheelbase	2,455 mm (96.7 in)
Related	Mitsubishi Mirage Dodge/Plymouth Colt Eagle Summit
Designer	Masaru Furukawa (design) Yasukichi Akamatsu (engineering)[5]

In 1988, a more aerodynamic-looking Lancer was launched, following the shape of the Galant. A five-door liftback was added to the range. The station wagon continued on the old platform and shape. In Japan, sedans and hatchbacks were available with either the Lancer or the Mirage nameplate, while hatchbacks were only sold as Mirages and liftbacks only as Lancers. In Australia, where the 1978 Mirage/Lancer Fiore was still produced as the Colt, all models of the new car were sold as the Mitsubishi Lancer, initially designated as the CA series and from 1990 as the CB. In Europe, four- and five-door versions were all called Lancer. Engines available in the European market ranged from the 65 hp 1.2-litre 4G16 (Greece only)^[9] to a 125 hp 1.6-litre 16-valve, and included a 1.8-litre diesel.
In Japan, four-wheel drive versions were also available, fitted with a carburetted 1.5-liter, fuel injected 1.6-liter 16-valve, 1.6 Turbo 16V, or with the 1.8 diesel.
The CA/CB series five-door liftback version continued to be sold in Australia alongside the sixth generation (CC) Lancer from 1992 through to 1996. Confusingly, the carry-over liftback sold after 1992 was also given the "CC" model designation, as utilized by the subsequent model.^[10][11]