Mitsubishi Gives Lancer a New Face for 2016

The company also has upped the Lancer's content and added two trim levels. But the Lancer faces a tough battle against redesigned versions of key rivals such as the Honda Civic and Chevrolet Cruze.

The Lancer's interior also gets a slight makeover, with new seat fabric and a redone console that now includes USB ports and an optional navigation system with a new display screen.

Also new is an optional continuously variable transmission. Mitsubishi says it delivers better acceleration with less noise and can be paired with an all-wheel-drive system. The base 2016 Lancer ES has a sticker price of $18,405, including shipping.

Through September, Lancer sales totaled 14,270 cars, up 18 percent from the year-earlier period. Despite the increase, Lancer sales pale next to those of the segment-leading Toyota Corolla's 278,742 through September.