2008 Mitsubishi Lancer VRX
September 21, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
The top of the range Lancer VRX brings the best features of the Lancer range together in one package. Tuned for handling and performance, the new VRX is no longer just another Lancer with a bodykit.
Weighing only 1355kgs (manual), the VRX Sedan is priced from $28,990 for the manual, with the CVT transmission equipped variant retailing for $31,490.
Powered by the all-new 2.0-litre MIVEC engine, the Lancer manages 113kW of power and 198Nm of torque. 0-100km/h sprint in achieved in 9.5 seconds for the five-speed manual and 10.5 seconds for the CVT variant.
The VRX sedan comes with all the standard features of the VR variant such as cruise control, ABS with EBD and Brake assist, as well as Mitsubishi’s Active stability and Traction Control, plus chrome exhaust, front fog lamps a lip spoiler.
In addition, the VRX shows off its racing credentials with sport-tuned suspension, strut tower bar, larger front and rear brakes, unique rear spoiler, huge 18″ alloy wheels wrapped in 215/45R18 89W tyres, alloy sports pedals and sports seats.
The interior has also been upgraded from the VR variant with geometric check print as well as paddle shifts (CVT only) mounted on the steering wheel.
You also get smart key keyless entry and bluetooth™ hands free phone with steering wheel controls as standard.
Following through from the VR, the VRX is equipped with front and rear power windows, automatic air conditioning and tilt adjustable steering wheel, dusk sensing headlights and rainsensing wipers.
The standard audio system is the same as the VR with an FM/AM Tuner + 6CD Changer wired to 6 speakers (4 speakers + 2 tweeters). However Mitsubishi is offering an optional Rockford Fosgate Premium Audio with 9 speakers.
Safety features include Driver & Passenger Front Air Bags (Dual stage) as well as driver’s knee Air Bag and side and curtain airbags.
Fuel economy is rated at 7.7L/100km for the manual and 8.2L/100km for the CVT.
The VRX Sedan will hold the fort while Mitsubishi works on the Ralliart Lancer to take on Subaru’s new WRX. With standard 18″ alloys, performance suspension and brakes, the VRX should prove to be a strong seller for the Japanese manufacturer.
Like all Mitsubishi cars, the VRX is backed by Mitsubishi’s bumper to bumper 5 year or 130,000km Factory Warranty as well as a 10 year or 160,000km Powertrain Warranty.
Mitsubishi’s 10 year or 160,000km Powertrain Warranty also applies on the following components:
- Engine
- Turbo charger
- Water pump
- Engine transmission mounts
- Transmission/transaxle (auto/manual)
- 4WD transfer case
- Propeller shaft
- Drive shafts and axles
- Differential
Print it: 
I don’t know much about imprezas and lancers, please correct me if I’m wrong:
Ralliart Lancer = Subaru WRX
Lancer Evolution = Subaru WRX tuner by STI
Is Ralliart a separate company or another division of Mitsubishi motor? Is the Evo made by Ralliart or Mitsubishi?
Thanks,
MatthewM
I think your comparison is fair enough.
Ralliart in Australia is now owned by Mitsubishi Motors Australia, the European Ralliart is owned by Mitsu as well. (They used to be privately owned licensee’s of the original Mitsubishi Ralliart in Japan) Whew!
The Evo is made my Mitsubishi, not Ralliart.
At $31,490 for the VRX Auto, Mitsubishi are going to have their work cut out for them competing in a similar price range to the new Mazda 6 and it’s reputation.
The retail prices on the new Lancer are very competitive especially when compared to its older and tired rivals.
As for the designs the Mazda 3 is boxy, the new Corolla is dull and the new Impreza is a disaster that only a Subaru owner would love.
THIS VEHICLE SETS A BENCHMARK FOR ALL NEW SMALL TO MEDIUM CARS IN AUSTRALIA AND POSSIBLY THE WORLD!.
A few good options for the VRX. Looks fair (better than wrx!!) but with poor performance – same as standard lancer. This is nothing inspiring. Foggy summed it up well. In the low 30’s price range, a mitsub small-medium car must conquer a whole new market and it won’t even come close!
I drove the VR-X CVT with the paddle shift and the car is fantastic. I feel it has a lot of features packed into a small car but the only -ve is the price. Top of the range VR-X CVT with moonroof + the rockford streo is priced at AUD $38K. This is of course RRP and you will end up paying a lot less than that but it is a bit expensive. But the car is fab.
Awesome car, was looking at V8 Falcon and refused to accept fuel consumption.Took Vrx 08 for test drive and it blew me away.It has power,style and heaps of features. So yes i have brought one in the black with 5-speed manual,Rockfosgate sound system and few other extras for less than 32k.I however have one complaint only- if you want a black one there is nothing till end of May.
Just bought the Red VRX 08- wicked car. First one bought in Albury Wodonga- there is a beautiful Black Ralliart in stock that came in the day I picked up my car. Looked at the Mazda 6, nice car but just so common now- seems every one has one. The Lancer VRX is unique here which is good. Has a bit of kick as well. Lot of features for the price and excellent fuel consumption. Would have loved an EVO, but out of price range and no local dealer
ive just recieved my new lancer VRX 2008. i bought the sat nav/ sun roof package and i cannot get the voice activation working with the mmcs. dealer had no clue of what to do, all i want to do is voice activated phone calls through the sat nav and steering wheel system as advertised. Can anybody help me???
REad the manual . I had a few problems working it all out at first , so i read the manual a got it sorted . first you have to pair your phone with your car. After that its all automatic .. love my Lancer , quick and handles better than any 2L on the market , there are some mods coming out of the U.S now ..
Jackie,
Ive never used the Lancer bluetooth phone system,
But I know to get it working in my Falcon I found I had to first set my phone to enable “voice tags” as mine calls it.
Firstly your phone must be compatible, secondly the feature must be turned on on your phone.
The first time I tried to use the voice tags on mine, my phone handset prompted me to enable the setting.
once I okayed it with my handset, its worked like a dream and actually surprises me how accurate it is even picking up the tricky names.
Good luck