Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

When Subaru updated the Impreza (the basis for the WRX and WRX STI) in 2008, it included a hatchback version of the popular sedan. It is no surprise then that Mitsubishi would follow suit with its Lancer (the basis for the EVO and Ralliart) in hatchback variant, given the intense competition between the two cars.

The design of the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is one that seems pretty easy to either love or hate. Much of the front of the vehicle remains unchanged from the sedan, including the front fascia, and everything between the A- and B-pillars. It seems when looking at the car, as if Mitsubishi focused solely on changing the back design by simply widening it to support the hatchback, sport-back, or whatever you wish to call it. Nonetheless, the redesign does add the functionality of a hatchback with more room for cargo with 60/40-split rear seats.

The 2010 Lancer Sportback comes in two trim-levels; the GTS and high-performance Ralliart. Our review will focus on the Ralliart edition, as that is the car we were given to test.

Click through to read more and to view our high-res image gallery (at the bottom of the post).

Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart:

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart Specifications:

• Base Price: $28,335.
• Price as Tested: $28,335.
• Engine: 2.0 turbocharged/intercooled 4-cylinder ““ 237-hp / 253 lb-ft of torque.
• Transmission: 6-speed Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift Transmission (paddle-shifters).
• Curb Weight: 3,572 lbs.
• 0 to 60 mph: 5.6 seconds.
• Top Speed: 144 mph.
• Fuel-Economy (city/highway): 17/25 mpg.

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Exterior:

The exterior design hints at an attempt by designers to create a distinct, aggressive silhouette for the Sportback, while keeping it instantly recognizable as a Lancer; the Lancer”s signature fighter-jet grille on the front is balanced nicely against the new aggressive rear-end.

The key element to the Sportback is the sloping rear door that starts from the C-pillar and works back. The “˜roof” wing being integrated into the back door offers great versatility for loading and unloading large items such as surfboards, camping gear, and bicycles.

The Sportback Ralliart definitely borrows many elements from other Mitsubishi models; the front bumper, rear bumper cover, and dual-outlet exhaust are all borrowed from the Ralliart sedan, and the lightweight aluminum hood, which helps deliver cool air to the turbocharger and vents engine heat, is borrowed from the Evo. All Sportback models sport bright silver 18-inch ten spoke alloy wheels that visually pop. The Ralliart wraps Yokohama Advan summer tires around them for better gripping of road surfaces.

Though it”s not offensive to the eyes, we have to be honest and say that the Sportback Ralliart is far from the best looking 5-door hatchback on the market.

Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Interior:

The interior of this car screams of the standard Lancer sedan. However, being hatchbacks, both Sportbacks offer spacious interior with one-touch auto-folding 60/40 split rear seats that fold completely flat, thus maximizing cargo space; 46.6 cubic feet of cargo space are available with the seats down, and 13.8 when the seats are up.

The Evo”s leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches is also featured in the Sportback. Standard technological features include Mitsubishi”s FAST Key hands-free entry system, Bluetooth HFP system with voice recognition for hands-free calling, and auxiliary input jack – unfortunately, iPod connectivity is not available.

The Ralliart carries the option of adding the Recaro Sport Package for $2,750. That package includes Recaro sport front bucket seats, Xenon HID headlamps, and a Rockford-Fosgate premium audio system with Punk control and nine speakers, 6-CD/Mp3 in-dash changer, and Sirius satellite radio with 3-months of free service. For $2,000 a 40GB HDD with Music Server and single CD/Mp3/DVD head unit and Diamond Lane Guidance navigation can be added. Bear in mind however, that adding those two options brings the MSRP to $33,084. This may be a deterrent when considering you would be paying premium money for a car that doesn”t offer convenience features like heated leather seats (available for $1,629), and backup sensors.

Even without the Recaro and Navigation packages, you still face a $28,335 MSRP, which we feel is steep for a vehicle that provides you with a base Lancer interior.

Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Performance:

The bottom of the lineup starts with the Lancer Sportback GTS, which is powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. The Sportback Ralliart we tested has almost the same DNA as the Evo and adapts the powertrain and AWD technology from the high-performance Lancer. The Ralliart is powered by the 4B11 T/C turbo-charged/intercooled 2.0L DOHC MIVEC engine that powers the Evo. The engine makes for 237-hp at 6,000 rpm and 253 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm ““ just like it does in the Lancer Ralliart, which is one step down from the 291-hp Evo.

The engine is mated to a Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST), on loan from the Evo MR. The driver has the option of automatic operation, or manual shifting using the console shifter or Sportronic steering column-mounted magnesium-alloy paddle shifters. The TC-SST unit also features Normal and Sport shifting modes. We”d like to point out that in either modes the Sportback Ralliart revs very high even at low speeds, so you may want to switch gears yourself.

As for downright performance figures – 0-60 mph comes in a respectable 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 144 mph. Those figures are right in range with the five-door Subaru Impreza WRX.

Buyer beware however, because the Ralliart requires premium unleaded fuel (93 oct. min) and returns an EPA estimated fuel-economy of 17/25 mpg (city/highway) or 20 mpg combined economy.

Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Overall:

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart definitely stands out for its performance ability, especially with the double-clutch transmission and smart all-wheel-drive system taken into consideration. That being said, the car looks too much like a sedan in hatchback clothing, and the lack of iPod or USB connectivity and poor balance of comfort and sport handling certainly detract from the Sportback Ralliart.

Overall, it can be said that the Sportback Ralliart delivers a very enthusiastic driving dynamic and Evo-inspired performance. MSRP starts at $28,335, compared to the Subaru Impreza WRX, which carries a starting tag of $25,715. At the end of the day it all comes down to brand loyalty.

Oh, before we wrap this up – we’d just like to tell Mitsubishi we’re definitely looking forward to a Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Evolution.

Review: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart:

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Mitsubishi officially confirmed today that it will launch the all-new five-door Lancer Sportback in the U.S. by this summer as a 2010 model year.

As noted before the 2010 Mitsubishi Sportback will be available in the U.S. in two trim-levels including the Sportback GTS and the Sportback Ralliart. The GTS will feature a 2.4L engine making 168-hp with a peak torque of 167 lb-ft. It will be mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed CVT automatic transmission. The Sportback Ralliart will be powered by a 2.0-liter MIVEC turbocharged engine that pumps out 237-hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. The Sportback Ralliart comes with All-Wheel Control with Active Center Differential as standard along with the 6-speed Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift Transmission from the Lancer Evolution. Both the CVT and Twin-Clutch transmissions include magnesium-alloy paddle shifters.

Standard features will come from other Lancer sedans including a 140-watt CD/MP3 audio system with 6 speakers (you can upgrade to a 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate Premium Sound System), in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, plus Sirius Satellite Radio. Options include a hard disc-drive navigation system with Mitsubishi’s exclusive Diamond Lane Guidance and Recaro sport seats.

Pricing will be announced closer to launch date.

Follow the jump for the high-res images.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and Lancer Sportback Ralliart:

New EPA documentation for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback shows that the new Lancer model will come to the U.S. only in Ralliart and GTS variants with two engine choices.

The new 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart will be powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged unit pumping out a total of 237-hp with a maximum torque of 253 lb-ft. Power is transferred to the wheels via Mitsubishi”s Twin Clutch SST transmission allowing for a EPA rated fuel-economy of 17/25 mpg (city/highway).

The Lancer Sportback GTS will be available with a 2.4L 4-cylinder with a choice of a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission with an EPA rated fuel-economy of 20/27 mpg and 21/27 mpg respectively.

Pricing details will be announced by Mitsubishi closer to launch date (late 2009).

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and Lancer Sportback Ralliart:

Source: InsideLine

Here they are, live from the 2008 Paris Motor Show – the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and Sportback Ralliart. Coming soon to the U.S. as a perfect Subaru WRX rival, the Lancer Sportback will hit the stateside in late 2009. Sales will kick off in Europe next month.

The base 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback will be powered by a 108-hp 1.5L. Next comes a 141-hp 1.8L and a 138-hp 2.0L turbo diesel for the fuel-conscious.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart will be powered by a 237-hp 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and is mated to the same Twin Clutch SST transmission from the Lancer Evolution X.

Follow the jump for live images from Paris.

Live from Paris 2008: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and Lancer Sportback Ralliart:

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and Sportback Ralliart:

At the 2008 Paris Motor Show next week, Mitsubishi will be showing its Lancer Sportback and the Lancer Sportback Ralliart. The number three Japanese automaker has just released a bunch of images of both models for us to drool over.

Power for the base Lancer Sportback will come from either an entry-level 1.5L producing 108-hp, 1.8L producing 141-hp or a 2.0L turbo diesel producing 138-hp. The diesel will arrive in Europe in spring of 2009 while the other two models will go on sale later next month.

The Lancer Sportback Ralliart will also join the lineup with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged unit pumping out a total of 237-hp with a maximum torque of 253 lb-ft. Power is transferred to the wheels via Mitsubishi”s Twin Clutch SST transmission.

Mitsubishi has previously confirmed that the Lancer Sportback will make its way to the U.S. right before 2010. Let’s hope they are sticking to that plan.

Cick through for the high-res image gallery and the press release.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and Lancer Sportback Ralliart:

Press Release:

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil, for the first time at an international motor show, the Lancer Sportback at the Le Mondial de l”Automobile 2008 (Paris Motor Show 2008) being held in Halls 1-8 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from October 2 (October 4 for the general public) through October 19. The Lancer Sportback will have its European launch this fall with a phased introduction into the various countries in the region.

The company will also be displaying the Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models that are based on the Lancer*1 sports sedan and Lancer Sportback. These models are powered by a turbocharged engine mated to Mitsubishi”s Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) and delivering power to all four wheels through an Active Center Differential.

With its inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille that defines the Mitsubishi Motors design identity the sporty Lancer Sportback is a 5-door sport hatchback, a body type that is very popular in Europe. The model is available in versions powered by 1.5-liter (109PS) or 1.8-liter (143PS) gasoline engines or by a 2.0-liter (140PS) turbo diesel engine. The Lancer Sportback offers an “auto-folding function” which enhances luggage compartment convenience through adjustable rear floor height and rear seatbacks that can be tipped forward via a lever located in the luggage compartment. The series is due to be joined by a model powered by Mitsubishi Motors” new diesel engine in spring of 2009.

The Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models use a new turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC*2 engine [maximum output 177 kW (240PS), maximum torque 343 Nm (35 kgm)]. This is mated to Mitsubishi”s high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST transmission with an Active Center Differential, for extremely responsive steering and traction through tailoring the amount of torque fed to each wheel to optimally suit driving conditions. Also helping to significantly raise the basic performance attributes of these cars over the Lancer base model are 2-pot caliper front brakes and a larger brake master cylinder.

*2 Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing Electronic Control system