The stylish and versatile Mitsubishi Lancer compact sport sedan (except Ralliart and Evolution) joins an elite group of 2012 model vehicles that meet the Insurance Institute's stringent criteria for vehicle crash testing.

"When we launched 'Top Safety Pick' in 2005, consumers had 11 models to pick from," says IIHS president Adrian Lund. "It's tough to win, and we commend auto manufacturers for making safety a top priority."

In order for a vehicle to be named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute, a car must earn a "good" rating in the organization's three critical areas of crash test analysis (the Institute's scoring system consists of ratings of "good," "acceptable," "marginal" or "poor"):

1. High-speed front impact crash testing
2. High-speed side impact crash testing
3. Evaluation of seat/head restraints for protection against net injuries in rear impact crash testing

Building upon this impressive vehicle's sales success and safety award recognition, Mitsubishi Motors has expanded the Lancer lineup by introducing a new 2012 Lancer SE AWC model that includes the company's proven and capable All Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive system - along with an impressive array of standard features and amenities - at a starting MSRP of only $20,195.

For more on the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer model lineup, please visit media.mitsubishicars.com and for more information on the Lancer's "Top Safety Pick" award by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), please visit http://www.iihs.org.

Click Here to check out the new Lancer features and schedule a Mitsubishi Lancer test drive in New Britain, CT