Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has introduced safety and luxury upgrades across the Lancer range as part of the 2012 model year update.

The highlight of the update is the availability of a new reversing camera on all Lancer models, meaning the entire Lancer range in Australia now has access to this important feature. In addition, there are a number of interior and exterior upgrades, ensuring the 2012 Lancer range continues to offer functionality, safety and style.

MMAL’s President and CEO, Genichiro Nishina, said the availability of a reversing camera across the Lancer range builds on the Lancer’s already strong safety credentials whilst also offering customers extra value.

“Rear view monitoring is an increasingly important safety factor for all drivers, so we are pleased make a rear view camera available on all models in the Mitsubishi Lancer line-up,” Nishina said.

The rear view camera is now standard on VR, VRX, Aspire and Ralliart models and is available for the ES model through the new Convenience Pack. The Lancer Convenience Packincludes reversing sensors and camera, electro-chromatic rear view mirror, Bluetooth 2.0 hands-free phone system and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

In addition to the availability of the rear monitoring system, the Lancer cabin is improved across the range through the inclusion of soft touch front door trim with leather inserts and new rear door trims.

Comfort and convenience in the entry-level ES is optimised with the fitment of electric power steering, along with improved seat fabric, chrome plated inner door handles and new stylish dark silver interior decoration panels while the silhouette of the ES sport back model has been improved with the fitment of a spoiler as standard.

The ES and VR models also boast improved fuel economy of 6.8L/100km with manual transmission and 7.2L/100km with CVT.

The lines of the sporty VR are further enhanced by the addition of front corner air dams while safety has been improved in the VR and VRX, with the addition of reversing sensors and reversing camera as standard, with the camera monitor appearing automatically in the electro-chromatic rear view mirror when reverse gear is engaged.

Exterior upgrades to the VRX include a Ralliart-style front grille and bumper and new design 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the VRX feels more luxurious thanks to the new gloss black decoration panels, leather trimmed and heated seats and the powered driver’s seat which features slide, recline and height adjustment functions.

In the stylish Aspire, safety has been improved with reversing sensors and a reversing camera – the camera monitor appears in the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System screen automatically when the vehicle is put in reverse. The Aspire interior receives an electro-chromatic rear view mirror, new black gloss decoration panels, heated front seats and a powered driver’s seat. On the outside, the Aspire’s good looks have been enhanced with newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels.

The eye-catching Ralliart now comes with reversing sensors and camera as standard, along with an electro-chromatic rear view mirror and new 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin has been refreshed with new seat fabric and gloss black decoration panels.

The Lancer ES and VR receive the 2.0-litre MIVEC four-cylinder engine coupled with either five speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. VRX variants and the Aspire sedan receive the 2.4-litre MIVEC engine, with the choice of five speed manual or CVT transmission. Lancer Ralliart variants feature the Lancer Evolution’s inter-cooled and turbo-charged 2.0-litre MIVEC engine, delivering exceptional performance.

With a five star ANCAP rating, the Lancer range combines an extensive array of safety features fitted standard across the range including Active Stability and Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, and seven airbags, including driver and passenger front, side and curtain, and driver knee airbag.

Available colour choices across the range include White Solid, Cool Silver, Black, Lightning Blue, Red and new colours Titanium, Warm Silver and Orange Burst in ES, VR and VRX models. Aspire is available in White Solid, Cool Silver, Black, Titanium, Warm Silver and Red while Lancer Ralliart models are available in Orange Burst, Lightning Blue, Red, Titanium, Black and White Solid.

ES, VR, VRX and Ralliart models are available with a sedan or sportback body, with the premium Aspire offered solely as a sedan.

“With nine variants, there’s a Lancer model to suit any style or budget. And with the availability of reversing sensors and camera across the Lancer line-up, the range offers style, functionality, efficiency, safety and power at affordable price points,” said Nishina.

The Lancer ES, VR, VRX and Aspire are available at over 200 Mitsubishi dealerships Australia-wide, with Ralliart available from specialised dealerships only.

Mitsubishi offers a comprehensive five year / 130,000km whole vehicle warranty, backed up by a 10 year / 160,000 km powertrain warranty and a five year / 130,000km roadside assistance package.