Paris Preview: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and Ralliart revealed early
by John Neff on Sep 25th 2008 at 11:01AM 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart
Mitsubishi told us way back in June that it would debut the five-door Lancer Sportback and Sportback Ralliart at the Paris Motor Show in October. They were close, as images of the two models have surfaced on the web today just a week before the big show in Paris. The new Sportback model adds all the versatility of Subaru's similarly shaped 5-door Impreza models, which should be a big hit in Europe where they'll go on sale first. The base Lancer Sportback models will come with your choice of a 1.5L or 1.8L four-cylinder or 2.0L turbodiesel, and the Sportback Ralliart that serves up a side of practicality with your main course of performance, will be powered by a 2.0L MIVEC turbocharged four-cylinder making 237 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. It will also come with Mitsubishi's new Twin-Clutch SST transmission, an Active Center Differential and all the go-fast goodies found on the sedan version. The Lancer Sportback should hit European showrooms this fall, and we're cautiously certain it will end on sale in the U.S. as well where Suburu already offers the Impreza in both sedan and five-door hatchback versions.
Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
[Source: NetCarShow]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Woody 11:09AM (9/25/2008)
Don't really care for this type of styling and wish they brought over the Mini Pajero instead. See:
www.thecarnerds.com
Reply
judd 11:09AM (9/25/2008)
I with Subaru had the same type of transmission for the WRX. It would make my decision a little bit easier.
Reply
RMc 11:55AM (9/25/2008)
I'm the opposite. If they don't offer the Ralliart with a manual tranny, I'm not even going to give this an second of consideration. American automotive enthusiast still like to shift their own gears and I'm one of them. I don't give a crap that a DSG shifts quicker. I don't buy a certain car because it's .05 seconds faster to 60 - I buy a certain car because it's fun and satisfying to drive.
I like the blend of performance and practicality of this sportback thingy too. But, I don't think it would sell all that great in the States and I don't fully expect Mitsu to bring it here. It hasn't been that long since the IS250 sportwagon tanked horribly. I was one of the 10 people in the US that liked those.
judd 1:13PM (9/26/2008)
Nah. I'm only looking for it so my wife can drive a fun car that's actually reliable.
Justin 11:12AM (9/25/2008)
*splat*
If you don't get it, ask your dad.
Reply
Torrent 11:28AM (9/25/2008)
It looks kinda clumsy.
Reply
Menice 11:31AM (9/25/2008)
trying to like them... just looks odd/strange esp from the side.
glad they dont put all the rear fog lights on in the usa.
Reply
Evotec 11:33AM (9/25/2008)
I bet this car will sale much more then the current "suburu" wrx.
Reply
fixitfixitstop 11:45AM (9/25/2008)
...and all Subaru would need to do is fix those fugly taillights.
IowaSuby 9:37PM (9/25/2008)
Subaru needs to fix fugly tails AND give us a decent auto tranny choice. DSG would be perfect along with a 5 or 6 speed manual.
SOA complains no one bought the auto WRX, uh...yeah...it's because you stuck a 4 speed from 1988 in it. Give us a modern transmission and you'll sell WRXs.
The ralliart is a great looking car. I'm not that impressed with some of the plastic in the interior but still a great car. I really like the design and the hatch is growing on me.
nardvark 12:06PM (9/25/2008)
I like the styling, but I wonder how usable the cargo area is for taller cargo. My '02 Impreza allows my tall dog (greyhound) to stand up behind the back seats, which is a convenient way to keep her safe and quarantined. This doesn't look like it would accomodate the same vertical span.
Reply
Avinash machado 11:55AM (9/25/2008)
Mitsubishi makes good niche cars like this. Their mainstream models do not seem to be popular at all.
Reply
philipg55 12:24PM (9/25/2008)
no wiper on the rear glass?
Reply
Lar 12:35PM (9/25/2008)
The wheels have too many spokes, but other than that I like the Sportback (the black one). It should be good to see it offered in the US.
Reply
Franz 12:36PM (9/25/2008)
I think they look pretty decent... better than the WRX imo.
Reply
Pat 1:01PM (9/25/2008)
The sportback does nothing for me. But, I'm one of the few people people (apparently) who likes the Evo X sedan, so ignore my opinion.
Reply
JF 1:47PM (9/25/2008)
The high belt line and tall look of this car kills it for me. Looks way too pudgy to be considered sporty imo. And why not make it an actual wagon instead of a "sportback"?
Reply
wild01ride 3:42PM (9/25/2008)
Huh?!
Where are the "images of the two models" that "have surfaced on the web today just a week before the big show in Paris"?
These are the same cars and pics as the white Lancer Ralliart and the Black Lancer that were shown in June.
In particular, each of these exact photos is in the previous gallery (and the plate on the black one is clearly the same).
Reply
blotto 6:01PM (9/25/2008)
Looks cool. I'd buy this over the WRX and Audi A3 wagon, as long as it gets decent mileage.
Reply