2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SE AWC At-A-Glance

An all-new addition to Mitsubishi's varied 2012 model lineup, the Lancer SE AWC brings the Japanese auto manufacturer's sophisticated and proven All Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive system to a very affordably segment of the highly competitive compact sports sedan market with a starting MSRP of only $20,195.

Though miniscule in price, the 2012 Lancer SE AWC packs a comprehensive list of standard features including a 7 air bag safety system, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, heated front seats and door mirrors, a 4 speaker 160-watt AM/FM/CD sound system, 16-in. alloy wheels, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, keyless entry – even advanced safety features including Active Stability Control (ASC) and Traction Control Logic (TCL). Stylish interior and exterior accents include deluxe fabric for the seating surfaces and appealing upper and lower chrome grille sections.

All of the all-wheel drive Lancer SE AWC models are powered by the company's proven 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine complete with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) variable valve-timing system that helps to produce maximum power while minimizing harmful emissions. Powerful yet efficient, fuel economy and performance of the all-wheel drive system are further enhanced by the adoption of an advanced continuously-variable transmission.

The road-gripping All Wheel Control (AWC) system greatly improves the vehicle's safety by vastly improving traction levels and the driver's control of the vehicle in both ideal (dry) and less than ideal (snow, ice, rain) driving conditions.

The major systems/components of the All Wheel Control (AWC) system include:

• Transfer Case
• Electronic Control Coupling
• ASC/ABS Unit
• 4WD Controller (works with ASC/ABS Unit)
• Driver-operated Drive Mode Switch

The latter item – the driver-controlled Drive Mode Switch – allows the vehicle's operator to engage three distinct driving modes to maximize the Lancer's fuel efficiency and/or enhance tractability:

2WD
Offers the greatest fuel-efficiency on dry roads

4WD AUTO
Well-balanced all-wheel drive driving mode offers exceptional/predictable handling, high-speed stability and improved traction in all driving conditions.

4WD LOCK
Additional AWD performance in adverse slippery conditions such as sand- or snow-covered roads.

When the driver engages the 4WD LOCK mode, this setting directs up to 70% of the engine's available power to the electronic control coupling that controls the rear wheels.

Among the welcome accessories and options available for this new all-wheel drive Lancer sports sedan model include a Navigation System Package ($2,295) consisting of a 40GB HDD navigation system with music server and real-time traffic information (RDS); a stylish Exterior Package ($850) that includes rear wing, front air dam, exhaust finisher and fog lights; an LED Illumination Package ($335) with blue-colored floor illumination and interior lamps; and the FUSE Hands-free Link System™ with USB port ($395) that allows the vehicle's occupants to operate the sound system (CD/MP3 player, radio iPod™) and a Bluetooth™-enabled cell phone simply by the use of voice commands.

From residents of the Snowbelt states all the way to the Rocky Mountains, the rain-soaked Pacific Northwest to South Florida, the new 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SE AWC is the perfect go-anywhere, do-anything performance sedan for the consumer in search of a vehicle that offers the piece of mind of an advanced, fuel-efficient all-wheel drive system at an easily attainable price point.

Key Specifications
Wheelbase: 103.7 in.
Length: 180.0 in.
Height: 58.7 in.
Width: 69.4 in.
Engine: 2.4-liter aluminum DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine
Horsepower: 168 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 167 lb.-ft. @ 4,100 rpm
Transmission: Continuously-variable transmission (CVT)

Major Standard Features

• 160-Watt AM/FM/CD audio system with digital signal processing, MP3 playback capability and four speakers
• Heated front seats and side mirrors
• Air conditioning
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Remote keyless entry
• Power windows and door locks
• Anti-theft engine immobilizer
• Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors, curtain side air bags, driver's knee air bag, and front seat mounted side-impact air bags
• RISE chassis construction
• Chrome upper and lower grille sections
• Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Active Stability Control (ASC)

Lancer SE AWC Options:

Navigation Package adds: 40GB HDD-based navigation system with Music Server, Real Time Traffic (lifetime at no cost) and a 7-in. touch-screen display that replaces the standard audio head unit.

Exterior Package adds: Rear wing spoiler; Front air dam; Exhaust finisher; Fog lights.

Popular Equipment Package adds: Alloy fuel door; Aluminum scuff plates; Trunk mat; Wheel locks.

LED Illumination Package adds: Floor illumination (Blue); Interior lamps.

Chrome Package adds: Chrome mirror covers; Chrome trunk trim; Chrome door handle covers.

Interior Package adds: Aluminum shift knob; Aluminum brake grip.

All Weather Package adds: Remote engine start; All weather floor mats (2); Rear mudguard