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

It was only in 1991 that there was greater differentiation between the Mirage and Lancer. Although both were on the same platform, the Lancer sedan received different sheetmetal from the Mirage four-door. The Mirage variant was sold in North America under the Eagle Summit name. Minivan models, such as the Mitsubishi Space Runner and Mitsubishi Chariot, were mechanically related. In 1993, the Lancer wagon, named the Libero in Japan, was launched. An electric version was also released named the Libero EV that ran on NiCd batteries. A V6 variant was also introduced with only 1.6 L, making it the smallest mass-produced V6. The high-performance, turbocharged GSR version formed the basis of the contemporary Lancer Evolution (or ‘Lancer Evo’) from September 1993, using the drivetrain of the successful Galant VR-4 rally car.

The Mirage Asti Coupé in Japan was offered as the Lancer Coupé in many export markets.

The fifth generation Lancer was rebadged as the Proton Wira sedan and 5-door hatchback models in Malaysia in 1993 with 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8 L engine capacities. A short-lived 2.0 L diesel model was also available. Currently, the car has stopped production as one of the longest running Proton models in Malaysia after Proton Saga, which is also based on a previous Lancer model. The Proton Wira was recently replaced by Proton’s latest model, the Proton Persona.