Mitsubishi could revive the Lancer nameplate without massive development costs by rebadging the Nissan Sentra, according to a new rendering and analysis.
The Japanese automaker has increasingly relied on badge engineering, from the Renault-based Eclipse Cross in Europe to the Nissan Leaf-based Eclipse Sportback.
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Extending that strategy to the sedan segment would give US dealers a much-needed entry-level model.
Alliance Parts Sharing
A Sentra-based Lancer would follow a well-worn path.
The Nissan Rogue Plug-In Hybrid is a rebadged Mitsubishi Outlander, and the Eclipse Sportback EV is a twin to the Nissan Leaf.
The current Sentra measures 183.3 inches long on a 106.5-inch wheelbase, slightly larger than the old Lancer.
It would use the existing Nissan architecture and the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 hp, paired with a CVT.
Affordable Sedan Return
The Sentra starts at $22,600, making a Lancer twin the cheapest new Mitsubishi in the US, undercutting the $24,995 Outlander Sport.
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It would be the only sedan in the lineup, addressing dealer demand for affordable cars.
The original Lancer arrived in the US in 2001, with base trims as commuters and the Evolution models as rally icons.
Mitsubishi retired the Evo in 2015 and dropped the Lancer in 2017.
Critics note that reviving the Lancer as a rebadged Sentra would trade on the name's rally heritage without delivering performance.
The front-drive, CVT-equipped commuter sedan would share nothing with the Evolution that made the nameplate famous.
In Europe, Mitsubishi already relies heavily on Renault underpinnings, with models like the Colt and ASX based on Renault platforms.
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A Sentra-based Lancer would extend that strategy to North America.
