Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander Sport named 2013 IIHS Top Safety Picks

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has added a pair of Mitsubishi models to its ever-growing list of 2013 Top Safety Picks, giving the prestigious safety award to the 2013 Outlander Sport and Lancer (sedan and Sportback). Both models make a return visit to the list, but with 117 cars now on the list and IIHS crash standards getting tougher just about every, this is big news for the small Japanese automaker.

Among small SUVs, the Outlander Sport is just one of nine vehicles in this segment to be named a Top Safety Pick, while the Lancer’s name is surrounded by 28 other compact coupes, sedans and hatchbacks in the highly competitive small car segment. The Top Safety Pick status does not apply to the Lancer’s Ralliart or Evolution variants, and neither the Outlander Sport nor the Lancer were subjected to the new small frontal offset crash test that would have resulted in the new Top Safety Pick+.

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2013 Mitsubishi Lancer and Outlander Sport models Named Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Picks

Thu, Dec 20, 2012 – Cypress, California, –

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has seen a pair of its 2013 vehicle offerings – the versatile and stylish Lancer compact sport sedan and the dynamic Outlander Sport compact crossover – named by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as “Top Safety Picks.”

For the sixth year in a row, the Mitsubishi Lancer compact sport sedan* (including Sportback 5-door) joins the elite group of 2013 model vehicles that meet the Insurance Institute’s rigid vehicle crash testing criteria in order to be called an IIHS “Top Safety Pick.” The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the company’s varied model lineup as it achieves a lofty EPA-rated 34 mpg highway (DE and ES models with the 2.0-liter engine).

And for a second year in a row, the Mitsubishi Motors’ made-in-America five-passenger 2013 Outlander Sport compact crossover makes the grade as an IIHS “Top Safety Pick.” With a MSRP starting price of only $19,170, the 2013 Outlander Sport achieves an impressive EPA-rated 31 mpg highway.

To commemorate Mitsubishi Motors’ arrival to American shores some 30 years ago, the company has created a special dynamic-looking version of its compact crossover vehicle with the arrival of the 2013 Outlander Sport Limited Edition model at Mitsubishi dealers nationwide this March. The eye-catching 2013 Outlander Sport Limited Edition features blackout side mirrors, center bumper, wheel arch trim and roof rails, argent chrome alloy wheels, power driver’s seat and special “Limited Edition” badging. Two-tone Dove Grey and Black leather-clad seats are also available. Vehicle performance is enhanced by a new engine balancer shaft that provides smoother and quicker acceleration.

For more information on the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander Sport and the Outlander Sport Limited Edition, please visit media.mitsubishicars.com and for more information on the “Top Safety Pick” award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), please visit iihs.org.

About Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 400 dealers. In November of 2011, MMNA launched the battery-powered electric vehicle Mitsubishi i-MiEV as part of a corporate mission to offer consumers more environmentally responsible modes of transportation. This battery-powered electric vehicle technology adresses the need for vehicles that produce zero tailpipe emissions and support a growing agenda for sustainability. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

Excluding Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution models

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