For the 2013 model year, the Mitsubishi Lancer SE AWC four-door compact sports sedan received numerous additions to an already long list of standard features.
They include Thule Plug-in Roof Carrier attachment points for the addition of roof racks to carry cargo, bicycles, snowboards, canoes, or whatever, at no additional cost to the consumer along with unique redesigned 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels.
Additionally there is a new available Premium Package of extras designed just for the Lancer SE AWC.
Introduced just last year, the Mitsubishi Lancer SE AWC was specifically designed for the Snowbelt states and includes a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) along with the highly capable All-Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive system and, of course, heated seats.
The heart of this 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer SE is its power train which includes the 2.4-liter DOHC MIVEC ( Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control) system 4-cylinder engine that produces 168 horsepower with 167 lb.-ft. of torque and provides power to either the front or all four wheels (thanks to a driver-controlled Drive Mode Switch (2WD/4WD/Lock).
A nicely engineered continuously-variable transmission (CVT) with INVEC-III (Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control system), that "learns" a driver's particular driving manner to better execute shift performance, delivers the power effectively to the AWC.
The Mitsubishi All-Wheel Control (AWC) system features an Active Center Differential (ACD) along with a front helical limited-slip differential, a rear limited-slip differential and Hill Start Assist (HSA) that gives the Lancer SE severe weather capability for a very affordable price.
Having previously driven the 2012 Lancer GT with the same engine and the CVT (continuously variable transmission) but with Sportronic shifting via magnesium paddle shifters, we relished the opportunity to drive the 2013 Lancer SE AWC to see how it compared.
We were more than pleased with our week long test drive of the Lancer SE AWC, especially with its AWC capability that is driver controlled enabling fuel efficient driving practices that can be monitored and aided by the ECO Driver Indicator Lamp in the instrument cluster.
Our test 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer SE AWC had an MSRP of $20,295 that included standard features like the heated front seats and side view mirrors, the 16-inch alloy wheels and sport style appointments including an upgraded dark silver instrument panel trim and unique black and beige trim seating fabric.
Interior standard features on our SE included air conditioning with micron filtration, steering wheel mounted cruise control and audio switches, multi-information display, height adjustable steering column, dual front cup holders, front map lights, 5-way adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, center console with armrest, 60/40 split fold down rear seatback, rear seat center armrest with cup holders, power door locks, windows and side mirrors, remote keyless entry, rear heater floor ducts and logo floor mats.
Other standard features include auto-off halogen head lamps, chrome accent front and lower front grille and side sill extensions to give it a subtle ground effects look.
Our test Lancer SE AWC also included the, new for 2013, Premium Package for $1,550.
It added a power glass sunroof, a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium audio system including 10-in. subwoofer (in the trunk) with SiriusXM satellite radio and a 6CD/MP3 In-Dash Head Unit, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, high contrast meter with color LCD MID, and a soft-touch door trim with chrome lever.
Delivered, our very well equipped 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer SE AWC priced out at $22,640.
Our test 2013 Lancer SE AWC drove very well in the city and on the highway. Road noise that we had noted in the 2012 GT was significantly less in the 2013 SE.
The 2013 Lancer SE AWC is reasonably fuel efficient with EPA ratings of 22/29 mpg city/highway.
Though the 2013 Lancer SE AWC has a sporty overall look, it is not a true sports sedan - driving with a little bit less speed, acceleration and handling performance than its look would suggest.
But overall, for the price, the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer SE AWC is a good value in a four-door sports sedan.
Every 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer model comes with a wide array of advanced safety technologies as part of the standard equipment package.
These include advanced dual-stage front air bags with occupant seat position sensor, side-impact head protection curtain air bags (front and rear), front seat-mounted side air bags, driver's side knee air bag, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
The other vehicles in the Mitsubishi Lancer compact four-door sports sedan trim line are the base model DE (MSRP $15,995), ES (MSRP $17,095), GT (MSRP $19,995) and the other AWC - the top-of-the-line Ralliart (MSRP $28,095).
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