Compact
14 generations
1973 → 2017
Mitsubishi Lancer – Technical Specifications & 14 Generations
The Mitsubishi Lancer occupied the global C-segment for four decades, serving as the brand's core compact offering from 1973 through 2017. Mitsubishi built 14 distinct generations documented in the Automobilisto database, spanning sedan, estate, hatchback and coupe body styles. The model evolved from a straightforward economy car into a platform supporting both utilitarian variants and high-performance derivatives, with power outputs ranging from 54 PS to 205 PS across 298 catalogued variants. Its production run covered markets worldwide, establishing the Lancer as one of the longest-lived nameplates in the compact class.
Generation picker
Open any chassis code for its dedicated generation reference
The tenth generation second restyling (2016–2017) closed the Lancer's production run with seven petrol-only variants. Power outputs of 117 to 168 PS marked the final specification range before discontinuation, ending 44 years of continuous production.
The tenth generation first restyling (2011–2016) maintained 18 variants in sedan and hatchback forms. Diesel and petrol engines spanned 109 to 168 PS, carrying the model through its penultimate production phase with updated front-end design.
The tenth generation (2007–2012) returned diesel powertrains alongside petrol, with 19 variants in sedan and five-door hatchback configurations. Engines delivered 109 to 168 PS, reflecting modern powertrain standards and the reintroduction of hatchback body styles.
The ninth generation restyling (2005) catalogued 26 petrol variants in sedan and estate forms within a single model year. Power outputs of 82 to 165 PS carried forward the previous generation's range with updated styling.
The ninth generation (2003–2005) reintroduced estate body styles alongside sedans, with 36 petrol variants. Output ranged from 75 to 165 PS, broadening the lineup after the previous generation's consolidation, though the production window was brief.
The eighth generation restyling (1997–2003) extended the lifecycle with nine petrol sedan variants. Power remained modest at 88 to 125 PS, maintaining the model's presence in the compact segment through the turn of the millennium.
The eighth generation (1995–1997) narrowed to seven sedan-only petrol variants. Power outputs of 88 to 110 PS reflected a consolidation phase, with the model focusing on mainstream compact sedan positioning before its first restyling.
The seventh generation (1991–1995) maintained 30 variants in sedan and estate forms. Diesel and petrol engines ranged from 75 to 205 PS, continuing the dual-track strategy of economy and performance offerings through the early 1990s.
The sixth generation (1985) catalogued 39 variants in a single model year, with sedan and estate body types. Power outputs reached 68 to 205 PS, indicating the presence of high-performance variants alongside standard models.
The fifth generation (1983–1991) expanded to 43 variants over eight years, adding five-door hatchback body styles. Diesel and petrol engines delivered 60 to 160 PS, representing the most diverse powertrain spread to that point.
The fourth generation (1982–1983) marked the introduction of diesel powertrains alongside petrol, with 22 variants in sedan and estate configurations. Output spanned 55 to 94 PS across the two-year run, broadening fuel-type options.
The third generation (1979–1987) streamlined the lineup to six sedan-only variants. Petrol engines ranged from 55 to 105 PS, reflecting a narrower focus on core compact sedan duties during this eight-year production cycle.
The second generation (1976–1979) overlapped with its predecessor, offering 16 variants in coupe, sedan and estate forms. The power band widened significantly, from 54 PS to 170 PS, introducing performance-oriented variants alongside economy models.
The first generation (1973–1981) introduced the Lancer nameplate with 20 variants spanning coupe, sedan, estate and three-door hatchback body styles. Petrol engines delivered 70 to 110 PS, establishing the model's positioning as a versatile compact.
Mitsubishi Lancer
Full powertrain matrix (C, 2017)
Every engine × drivetrain combination currently available in the German market
Loading variants…
Generation lineage
Each generation at a glance, oldest to newest
How the model evolved
Market context
57 original brochures are preserved in the Automobilisto archive.
Open the archiveCompare with other cars
Mitsubishi Lancer
1973 → 2017
10 generation, restyling 2