Mitsubishi introduced the sixth generation of the Lancer in 2000, and, besides the ferocious, rally-inspired Evo VI, it also produced a more civilized four-door sedan.
It was the last Lancer based on the same platform with the Mirage. But it had almost no technical connection with the Lancer Evolution, which was built on a different platform. Still, the name was known, and after all, it was a decent sedan that had plenty to offer for a regular family.

The exterior was not Mitsubishi’s strongest point, although the big, squared, horizontal headlights looked better and offered more light than on the previous generation. A slightly ascending hood and paved the way to the greenhouse. The carmaker installed a set of taillights that looked too small for the car’s size in the back.

Inside, Mitsubishi was not very concerned about high-quality materials and the best finishes in its class. That said, the plastics were of poor quality, and the carmaker left some room for improvement in the fittings department. It offered adequate room for three adults in the back and good for the front ones on the plus side. Depending on the engine and trim level, the Lancer offered power-windows and locks, air-conditioning, and ABS.

Under the hood, Mitsubishi installed only two engines with different settings, ranged between 90 hp and 130 hp. For selected markets, it paired them with an automatic (CVT) transmission and all-wheel-drive.