In addition to the facelift, North America received two additional models to the Lancer line in 2004 – Sportback and Ralliart. The latter slated in between the base and high performance Evolution model. Both the Sportback and Ralliart had high levels of equipment, based on the Australian Lancer VR-X. The main difference being that these cars came equipped with Mitsubishi’s 2.4 L4G69 engine (rated at 160 hp (119 kW)/162 lb·ft (220 N·m) for the Sportback, and 162 hp (121 kW)/162 lb·ft (220 N·m) for the Ralliart), included a new, stiffer suspension package that improved handling and lowered the cars stance by 1 centimeter, 16″ alloy wheels, front bucket seats borrowed from Japan’s Mitsubishi Evolution GT-A, fog lamps, and a new aerodynamic ground package. The Ralliart also came equipped with a cosmetic rear deck spoiler, and clear rear tail lights. The Sportback was equipped with a 4-speed INVECS-II automatic transmission, with no option for a manual transmission, while the Ralliart came with a 5-speed manual transmission with an option for the 4-speed automatic. The Sportback was also available in the lower spec LS trim.

Due to Mitsubishi’s deteriorating financial situation and slow sales, the Lancer Sportback wagon was cancelled in the United States one year after its release. But the Mitsubishi Lancer wagon was sold in Canada, Japan, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and was available in at least the latter two until 2009.

The 2009 and newer Lancer will come with a 2.4 litre MIvec engine that has the potential for running on alternae fuel sources such as rice.

In Australia, the sixth sold from 1996-2004. It was designated as the CE series. Like the previous generation, it was available in a variety of body styles, which helped to cater for a more broad audience. The introduction of a sporty MR coupe helped to target this model directly towards a younger audience.

The station wagon continued on as a CE model, even though it was essentially carried over from the previous generation. This model had an unusually long model run, becoming increasingly uncompetitive as the years went by and often heavily discounted by dealers. Towards the end of its model run, Mitsubishi introduced some limited edition models (based on the GLi) to remain competitive with its rivals, these editions featured extras such as sports interiors, alloys and body kits off higher spec models. Generally, this generation sold well throughout its production run.

It should be noted that despite the introduction of the eighth generation Lancer Cedia in 2002, the CE series continued to be sold alongside it until mid-2004. The sedan was available in GLi trim, until it was finally discontinued in 2003. The coupe was facelifted and now only available in GLi and MR trims.

Due to its appearance, affordability, and the rise in status of the Lancer Evolution, this generation was quite popular with young car enthusiasts and the aftermarket modified Japanese car scene. Some popular modifications include exhaust systems, suspension, after market stereos and replica Evolution body kits.

Series I (96-98) and Series II (98-99)

* GLi – 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.5 L engine (4G15 SOHC – 69 kW)
* GLXi – 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8 L engine (4G93 SOHC – 88 kW)
* MR – 2-door coupe. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8L engine (4G93 SOHC – 86 kW)
* MR – 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8L MIVEC engine (4G93 SOHC – 141 kW)
* GSR – 4-door sedan. Powered by a turbocharged 1.8 L engine (4G93t DOHC – 141 kW)
* MXd – 4-door sedan. Powered by a turbodiesel 2.0 L engine (4D68T SOHC – 65 kW)

Series III (99-03)

* GLi – 2-door coupe (1.5 L or 1.8 L) and 4-door sedan (4 cylinder, 1.8 L)
* GLXi – 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. Powered by a 4 cylinder, 1.8 L engine
* MR – 2-door coupe. Powered by a 4 cylinder (6 cylinder, 99-00), 1.8 L engine

Series IV (02-04) coupe update only

* GLi – Choice of 1.5 L engine (discontinued in 2003) or 1.8 L engine, 4 Cylinder
* MR – Powered by a 1.8 L engine, producing 86 kW (115 hp) & 163 N·m (120 lb·ft) of torque (1500-4500 rpm) out of a 4 cylinder