Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Optional Transmission Type:
6-speed INVECS-III Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Sport Mode
Optional Transmission Type Ralliart:
6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Transmission (TC-SST) with paddle shifters
Features
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 (or equivalent specified by Mitsubishi)
Transmission Fluid Spec Cvt:
CVTF J1 (or equivalent specified by Mitsubishi)
Transmission Fluid Spec Tc Sst:
Diamond ATF SP-III (or equivalent specified by Mitsubishi)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
174.6 inches (4435 mm)
Width:
69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Height:
58.1 inches (1476 mm)
Wheelbase:
104.3 inches (2650 mm)
Front Track:
60.4 inches (1535 mm)
Rear Track:
60.2 inches (1530 mm)
Ground Clearance:
6.1 inches (155 mm) (approx.)
Weights
Curb Weight:
2850 - 3100 lbs (1293 - 1406 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
4000 - 4200 lbs (1814 - 1905 kg) (approx.)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
14.0 cubic feet (396 Liters) (approx.)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
5-Star Driver, 5-Star Passenger (for models equipped with side airbags)
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
Good (for models tested)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel disc brakes on most models)
Ebd:
Standard
Traction Control TCS:
Optional (on certain trims/packages)
Electronic Stability Control Esc:
Optional (on certain trims/packages)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), optional front side-impact airbags, optional side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System Options:
Base AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers, optional Rockford Fosgate premium audio system, optional touchscreen infotainment with navigation (late availability/higher trims)
Auxiliary Input:
Standard on most models
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Keyless Entry:
Standard on most trims
Remote Start:
Optional
Connectivity
Bluetooth Handsfree:
Optional (typically on higher trims or via accessory)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 4,500 - 7,500 miles (7,200 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine and driving conditions).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
Replace at every oil change
Air Cleaner Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 2-4 years
Transmission Fluid Change Cvt:
Every 30,000 - 45,000 miles (48,000 - 72,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20, API SN/SN PLUS or ILSAC GF-5 (confirm with manual for specific engine)
Engine Oil Capacity 1.8L:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Long-life Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC), typically pink or red (ethylene glycol based)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF DEXRON III (or equivalent specified by Mitsubishi)
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads/rotors, tie rod ends, sway bar links, clutch wear (manual transmission), engine mounts
Potential Engine Issues:
MIVEC system oil control issues (less common on 2008 models), occasional oil consumption
Potential Transmission Issues:
CVT belt slip or premature failure (if not maintained properly), TC-SST clutch wear (Ralliart)
Potential Electrical Issues:
Occasional issues with window regulators, central locking actuators
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mitsubishi Motors History:
Longstanding Japanese automaker with a history dating back to the early 20th century, known for innovation and motorsport success (e.g., Lancer Evolution).
Model Evolution
Lancer Lineage:
The Lancer nameplate has been in continuous production since 1973, evolving through multiple generations to become Mitsubishi's core compact sedan offering. The 2008 model represents the eighth generation (CY).
Eighth Generation Lancer Cy:
Introduced for the 2008 model year, this generation featured a significant redesign with a more aggressive styling inspired by Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution, a new global platform (GS), and updated powertrains.
Production
Production Plant:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan (primary); also assembled in other global locations.
Production Years Cy Platform:
2007-2017 (globally, with facelifts)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Awards:
Recipient of good safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, indicating strong crashworthiness.
Value Awards:
Often cited by automotive publications for its strong value proposition in the compact car segment.