Mitsubishi

The Lancer A70 was launched in February 1973, filling the gap between the Minica kei car and the considerably larger Galant. It was a replacement for the Colt 1200, last sold in 1970. There were three body styles:  two- and four-door sedans and a rarely seen five-door station wagon introduced in September 1973. This vehicle was sold as the Colt Lancer in Europe. In some Latin American countries, the car was marketed as the Dodge Lancer. This reluctance to use the Mitsubishi brand stemmed from a fear of buyer resistance amongst those who could still remember fighting Japanese pilots in Mitsubishi A6M Zeros.

1974

In November 1976 the Lancer received a facelift, losing the L-shaped, upright rear lamps in favor of wide rectangular units. Front indicators were enlarged and moved, and new bigger rubber bumpers were also added, and new grilles were introduced. As a response to new emissions standards taking effect in 1978, the Lancer received a new 1,244 cc engine in April 1977.