Its a perfect spec Mitsubishi Lancer CK2…
At least in this region in the hot streets of Malaysia, there already is a scrapegoat for all sort of cunning modifications – the plentiful Proton Wira. It is a rebadged Mitsubishi of a generation older, but conversion-ready to a Lancer. Or a cleanly-built Wira.
But for this generation of Lancer, the CK chassis, it underwent three generations of Evolution from four to six under the same shell (like the “Wiralution” Lancer generation one to three) and is arguably as successful and succulent to the driver as its previous body.
However, unlike the “first” generation of Proton Wira, there was no local rebadging for this Lancer body, or none readily available for the normal buyer. Diehard Proton fans know of the Proton PERT rally car that were essentially Lancer bodies on Proton badging used in rally events, officially homologated and a pass-go for the monopolizing Malaysian brand to push itself forward in other countries. The public would never get to own a domestic variant of the PERT whose rebadging antics lasted until the Lancer Evolution 7, but a normal Lancer was still reachable, albeit more expensive than the domestic-built Wira.
The Lancer Evolution 5 and 6 were the first cars in the “Evo” lineage to proudly boast flared fenders that cemented its image (and performance) as the peak of what Mitsubishi could do with the CK-generation Lancer, and enthusiasts worldwide have flocked to convert their cooking Lancers to burning prancers with replica panels and halfcut Evolution hearts.
And yet, some resist the temptation, shown well with this…
Although sporty however non-homologation specials existed for the Lancer, this is sort of one of them. The rear badging suggests it is an MX Touring trim, a cooking model that uses a humdrum 1.5-litre 4G15 four-cylinder that differs from the later MIVEC 4G15s used in the Colt Ralliart hot hatches. The MX Touring is likely a standard MX with comfort features and/or sporty additions to the exterior, such as the rear spoiler (undocumented differences, assumed by global units).
It too would differ from the contemporary Wira of the time, which would still be using carbureted variants of the 4G15. Transmission options are standard of its era with either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual.
Tint and reflection prevented my friends and I from fully admiring the interior but, my god, the seats aren’t crazy RECAROs. These found are likely the original set, complete with the urban-camo fabric on the inner cushion.
As a country with relaxed legislation compared to its ASEAN brothers, conversions of these CK Lancers are super common and many have been converted into Evolution spec, making “unmolested” examples extra special. After all, the acquired taste of keeping a car largely unmodified is uber rare globally, Malaysia being no different.
Though I can understand the allure of even a simple mods, which this car has seen with a debadged grille, amber corner lights, wheels and muffler. I consider us luckier if it was a MR 1.6 MIVEC hidden in plain sight… but as it is, its already beautiful, if not perfect.
And thus this unit is simple and special – if not a “Hong Kong” special as described from two friends. Better than a “Malaysian” special, I suppose (I’m not a fan of aftermarket highlighter paint).
~Efini
Gallery:
Read more: RoadNotes: Honda Civic SiR VS Mitsubishi Lancer MR
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