2003 Mitsubishi Lancer VIII Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Mitsubishi Lancer VIII ranges between 1165 kg and 1270 kg (approximately 2568 to 2798 pounds). This relatively lightweight profile contributes positively to the vehicle's agility and handling dynamics, allowing for nimble urban driving as well as efficient highway cruising. A lighter curb weight generally facilitates improved fuel economy, meaning the Lancer VIII can maintain competitive mileage figures within its class. Furthermore, the modest weight helps in enhancing acceleration and braking efficiency, offering a balanced performance suitable for daily driving and occasional spirited use.

The maximum gross weight or maximum loaded weight of the Mitsubishi Lancer VIII is 1750 kg (approximately 3858 pounds). This figure represents the total allowable weight of the car including the vehicle itself, passengers, cargo, and any additional equipment. It ensures safe operation by preventing overloading, which could compromise handling, braking, and suspension performance. Given the curb weight range, this allows for a payload capacity of roughly 480 to 585 kg (about 1058 to 1290 pounds), which comfortably accommodates four to five passengers along with their luggage or gear, making it well-suited for typical family or daily commuting needs.

The Mitsubishi Lancer VIII offers a luggage compartment with a capacity of 430 liters (approximately 15.2 cubic feet). This space is ample for daily errands such as grocery shopping or carrying sports equipment and backpacks. For family trips, it can hold several suitcases or travel bags, though it might be somewhat limited for very large loads or bulky items, especially if traveling with four or five passengers. The shape of the trunk also facilitates efficient packing, ensuring that the available volume is practically usable. Overall, the luggage capacity strikes a good balance between vehicle size and practicality.

The Mitsubishi Lancer VIII comes standard with rims sized either 6J x 15 inches or 6J x 16 inches and corresponding tire sizes of 195/60 R15 or 195/50 R16. The 15-inch rim and tire combination generally provides a more comfortable ride by absorbing road imperfections better, thanks to the higher tire sidewall. Conversely, the 16-inch rims with lower-profile 195/50 tires tend to offer enhanced handling and a more responsive steering feel, which is beneficial for spirited driving or better cornering stability. This range allows buyers to choose between comfort and sporty dynamics according to personal preferences.

Yes, the Mitsubishi Lancer VIII's dimensions allow it to fit comfortably inside a standard residential garage. With a length of 4480 mm (176.4 inches) and width of 1695 mm (66.7 inches), it is well within the typical garage space parameters, which usually accommodate vehicles up to around 5 meters (16.4 feet) in length and 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in width. Its moderate height of 1445 mm (56.9 inches) also ensures clearance under most standard garage doors. This makes it practical for everyday use in typical household parking environments.

Compared to the Mitsubishi Lancer VII, the Lancer VIII saw subtle but notable dimensional changes aimed at improving interior space and overall aesthetics. While the exact figures for the Lancer VII varied depending on market and model year, the Lancer VIII generally grew slightly in length and width, providing increased shoulder room and more cargo capacity. The 2003 model emphasized a more modern design language with better aerodynamics. The height of the VIII generation was also optimized for a sportier yet comfortable stance. Overall, the Lancer VIII is regarded as a more refined and slightly larger vehicle, enhancing passenger comfort and trunk space while maintaining the compact footprint loved by many.

The Mitsubishi Lancer VIII falls right into the compact sedan category for the mid-2000s, similar in size to competitors like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3 from the same period. Its length of 4480 mm (176.4 inches), width of 1695 mm (66.7 inches), and height of 1445 mm (56.9 inches) put it on par or slightly more spacious compared to these popular models. The cargo capacity of 430 liters is competitive, often larger than that of the Honda Civic but close to Toyota Corolla's trunk space. This size balance gave the Lancer VIII a competitive edge by offering practical interior roominess without compromising maneuverability or fuel economy.

The Mitsubishi Lancer VIII was designed with a focus on sporty styling combined with everyday practicality. Its design incorporated sharper lines and a more aggressive stance compared to previous generations, appealing to a younger demographic seeking a dynamic compact sedan. Build quality was typically solid for its class, featuring robust chassis engineering that contributed to its excellent handling characteristics. Interior materials and ergonomics were improved over predecessors, offering enhanced comfort and user-friendly controls. The model incorporated a range of engines and trim options, further broadening its appeal in various markets worldwide.

During its 2003-2009 production, the Mitsubishi Lancer VIII came with a good mix of safety and comfort features for the era. These included dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and optional side airbags depending on the market and trim level. Comfort features varied by trim but often included air conditioning, power windows, and adjustable seats designed to provide a pleasant driving experience. Higher trim levels offered enhancements like alloy wheels and upgraded audio systems. The combination of safety and comfort features ensured that the Lancer VIII was an attractive choice for buyers looking for a reliable, well-rounded compact sedan.