The year 2000 marked the launch of the eighth-generation Lancer Cedia (CENTURY DIAMOND), which was being produced in Mitsubishi's Thai plant. The new model presented in sedan and station wagon forms, called the Lancer Sportback in North America, had a facelift in 2004, 2005, and 2006 to adjust the Lancer's look to the Mitsubishi corporate look. Europe was offered with the Evo VII model, which was based on the Carisma.
In Pakistan, the variant was launched in 2005 with cosmetic changes from the front and the back. The Thai production was replaced with the new model, and it was no longer imported to all markets except for India, which received the Lancer in 2006.
North America got two extra variants of the Lancer in 2004, which were the Lancer Sportback and the Lancer Ralliart. The last one came with a high level equipment, a stiffer suspension package, 16" alloy wheels, front bucket seats, Fog Lamps, and an aerodynamic ground package; as well as a cosmetic rear deck spoiler and clear rear tail lights. The Sportback was equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the Ralliart offered a 5-speed manual transmission or the 4-speed automatic as an option. However, due to Mitsubishi's slow sales, the Lancer Sportback wagon was cancelled in the following year.
In Australia, the eighth generation was released in July 2002 with the 2.0L 4G94 engine, being available in ES, LS, VR-X, and Exceed trim levels. After the 2004 model year, an upgraded 2.4L 'MIVEC' engine producing 115KW (154hp) was implemented, which also saw a change in the trim levels and equipment. The ES, LS (15" alloys, luxurious interior) and VR-X (similar to US Ralliart) are the line up now.
Europe got the Lancer in 2004, powered by a 1.3l SOHC 4G13, 1.6l SOHC 4G18, and a 2.0l DOHC 4G63 (normal-aspirated version of the Lancer Evolution engine).
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