Third generation

Third Generation

Also called	Mitsubishi Champ
Production	1982–1987
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback 5-door station wagon
Layout	Front engine, front-/four-wheel drive
Platform	C12A–C18A
Engine(s)	1.2 L I4 1.5 L I4 1.8 L I4 diesel
Related	Mitsubishi Mirage Proton Saga Proton Iswara

In 1982, a new model was launched called the Lancer Fiore also known as third version, based on the Mitsubishi Mirage. The Fiore was often sold as a Lancer in international markets, but also the Mirage Sedan and, with the five-door hatchback model, remained in production for a good part of the 1980s. In Australia, it would eventually be sold as the Mitsubishi Colt Sedan although cosmetically different. Thus, Mitsubishi had two similarly sized models competing in the same market segment.
The following year, both Mirage and Lancer lines were renewed from the third generation. The Mirage four-door and Lancer sedan became the same car. Fuel injected and turbocharged models were an integral part of this range. A station wagon was added in 1985, and it spawned a raised, four wheel drive version. Often, the Mirage (or Colt) would be the name used on the three-door hatchback, and the Lancer name used on the remainder.
This model formed the basis of the original Proton sedan, the Saga, which was still in production until early 2008. However, in the Philippines, this generation of Lancer was not sold through Mitsubishi dealers.