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After recently announcing a 2009 model year update to its popular Lancer
small car range, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) welcomes the new
premium 2.4-litre Aspire sedan. The Mitsubishi Lancer Aspire will be presented
for its first public viewing at the Australian International Motor Show,
Sydney.
Designed to widen the appeal of the acclaimed Lancer range which includes
three well-equipped sedans and the giant-killing Lancer Evolution performance
sedan, the Lancer Aspire brings a fresh level of prestige and performance to the
small-car segment.
With a new 2.4-litre engine, the Lancer Aspire offers a more powerful, yet
more economical driving experience than many of its competitors – including
vehicles from the medium car segment. Generating 125 kW of power @ 6,000
rpm and 226 Nm of torque @ 4,100 rpm, the Lancer Aspire provides the perfect
solution to drivers downsizing from larger, less fuel efficient vehicles –
especially those who wish to maintain high levels of spirited driving
performance without breaking the bank when they visit the bowser.
At the same time, the new Lancer Aspire provides a cosseted driving
experience with its unique exterior styling, large 18 inch wheels, and upgraded
interior specifications.
Launching the vehicles in recent weeks, Mitsubishi’s passenger vehicle
product planning manager, Chris Maxted, said the Lancer Aspire 2.4-litre sedan
represents a real opportunity for the company in the increasing small-car
segment.
“We have found that up to 32 per cent of our new Lancer customers are coming
to us from both mid- and large-sized passenger vehicles,” Mr Maxted said.
“While they don’t wish to give up the luxuries of a richly appointed cabin or
an energetic engine response, they do recognise the need to conserve their
resources – and that’s where the Lancer Aspire 2.4-litre sedan is a perfect
match.”
The Lancer Aspire’s standard specifications come directly from the
ground-breaking Lancer sedan range released just twelve months ago and include a
host of safety and comfort features such as Automatic Traction & Stability
Control, ABS brakes with EBD, seven SRS airbags, rain sensing wipers and dusk
sensing headlamps, “Smart” key entry, climate controlled air-conditioning,
electric windows, Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel mounted
paddle-shifters for the standard Continuously Variable Transmission.
But what sets the Lancer Aspire apart, beyond the new 2.4-litre engine, are
some important styling and equipment touches.
Externally, the Lancer Aspire can be distinguished by a number of stylish
chrome accents, including highlights to the radiator grille, belt line moulding
and across the boot lid, as well as a black surround to the rear combination
lamp. High Intensity Discharge headlamps with an adaptive front lighting
system add to the high-tech appeal of the vehicle, while providing real-world
safety benefits to occupants.
The comfortable interior appointments include black leather trimmed seats and
a distinctive wood grain finish to the instrument panel, shift panel, and front
console.
Music enthusiasts are well catered for in the Lancer Aspire, with the
inclusion of a standard Rockford Fosgate premium audio system, one of the most
powerful systems in the segment, which sports a 650 watt amp and nine speakers
including a sub-woofer.
Finally, to introduce the new variant to the market, Mitsubishi has announced
an introductory special which includes the fitting of an optional Multi
Communication System with satellite navigation at no extra cost, ensuring the
Lancer Aspire represents exceptional value.
The Lancer Aspire will be available in a number of colours from the Lancer
line-up palette, including Cool Silver, Effect Grey, Red Metallic, White Solid,
Black Mica and Champagne. The vehicle is protected by Mitsubishi’s
industry leading and comprehensive five year/130,000 whole vehicle warranty,
backed up by its 10 year/160,000 km powertrain warranty and a five
year/unlimited km roadside assistance package.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Aspire 2.4-litre prestige sedan will be priced at
$33,990 (plus statutory and dealer charges) and is sure to be a hit at its
public unveiling at the Australian International Motor Show, Sydney, from
October 9th – 19th.
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