First Impression: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer lineup includes new MR Limited
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Evo GSR and Evo MR Limited - Click above for high-res gallery
Remember the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback we showed you back in October? The one that debuted in Paris? The one that we lusted after for its hatchback practicality and Ralliart brawn? The one that the good folks from Mitsubishi had promised we'd be getting here in the States this summer as an early 2010 model? Well, Mitsubishi has delivered. Sort of. A few Mitsu reps drove down to Irvine from Cypress with a genuine 2010 Ralliart Sportback. And not only that, but they dragged along an Evo GSR and an all-new MR Limited as well.
The Ralliart Sportback drew a lot of attention for its shape, but the Limited was the one that caught our eye. It's a regular old MR with a few differences. In place of the Alcantara bits, Mitsubishi has gone all-cowhide inside. There are also a few additions to the standard options list, including an Evo-first moonroof. Out back, the car has gone undercover by foregoing the large wing that has heretofore characterized the Evo sedans. Sounds like the Evo MR for grownups. Mitsu's reps remained tight-lipped on the details, but pricing is likely to top $40,000 for this model. We didn't get as many shots as we would have liked, but we did manage to get a few that we've assembled in the gallery below. As soon as we get more details, we'll fill you in.
Gallery: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancers
Photos copyright ©2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Richard 10:07PM (6/27/2009)
I don't want to disparage you guys, but do ya think you could take a picture of the damned Sportback from the side at - like - human-eye-level so maybe we could get a sense of what it looks like?
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Andy 11:23PM (6/27/2009)
That's my big issue with the photos taken by some Autoblog's writers. There is some false belief that holding the camera at an odd angle somehow is artistic and gets a better shot. Several simple shots at normal angles is appreciated but the idea seems to escape some.
Jimbo 11:43PM (6/27/2009)
I agree. Simple, straight-on shots would do wonders.
Mike P. 12:32AM (6/28/2009)
Even if you're not a Canadian, canadiandriver.com has reviews that cater well to the common consumer (they address more day-to-day parts of the car).
Their reviews are usually accompanied with "useful" photos (front, side, rear, trunk, etc.).
Frank Filipponio 12:49AM (6/28/2009)
The media photos were included to round out the gallery, but your point is taken. We continually strive to provide the angles you most desire while adding our own artistic touches. And just as a sidenote, the cars at this weekly meet are not ours to drive and evaluate. They are parked and locked for the most part, so we don't always have full access to them.
Smegley 9:26AM (6/28/2009)
Frank, if you want to add artistic touches just get some insanely hot women in skimpy bikinis to stand around the vehicle in seductive poses while taking straight-on shots. We'll get a better sense of the vehicles, and if you bet some good butt-shots your artistic desires will be satisfied.
BTW, the price in this makes me cringe.
Richard 9:28AM (6/28/2009)
Frank,
Thanks for the response! Really!
I think you guys see so much of these cars that you need to make the pictures interesting...to yourselves. But early in the introduction of a new car I really need to just get a sense of what that that car is going to look like in terms of shape (front, sides, back - from my 5'10" standing perspective) and size - how big is it relative to...the average 5'5" car babe (a near universal measure - I expect).
So, please, put down the Scott Kelby Guides to Digital Photography wherein he tells you to "fill the frame" with your subject and do your best to give us a photographic perspective of how these cars would look to us as we stand by them on the street...or in our driveways!
Best Regards!
Richard
Aki 6:18PM (6/28/2009)
I agree about the photos. The "artistic" shots should be in addition to the regular shots. Imo a straight side, back, rear, plus some detail shots and diagonals would be perfect.
Frankly the manufacturer's provided PR photos are usually better and more artistically executed anyways.
seltzered 10:12PM (6/27/2009)
I wish they just made a proper wagon instead of this sportback thing. Aesthetically from a side view, it looks somewhat cheapish. I didn't mind the look of the previous gen lancer wagons though.
(Disclaimer: I own an older subaru wagon, and find the 08+ hatches (cept for STi trim) not as appealing)
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Archane 1:22AM (6/28/2009)
30k for the Ralliart sportback? No thanks, for an extra couple grand I'll take the new STi and keep my goold 'ole six-swapper (along with another 50 horsepower).
cdwrx 12:23AM (6/28/2009)
I too don't get the sportback. I don't think it can add practicality like the writer claims. It doesn't offer any appreciable increase in interior volume. But then I was the owner of an '02 WRX wagon...
Richard 9:33AM (6/28/2009)
I guess that I have always liked that World Rally Championship "Eurasian grocery-getter gone wild" look.
The sportback doesn't pull that for me.
The STi - on the other hand - sure as heck does. Plus I too like 50 more ponies and rowing my own transmission (I'm not dead yet).
DiRF 10:21PM (6/27/2009)
I'm a huge fan of the aesthetics of the Sportback's styling... but that C-pillar looks a bit... wide... hope the view out the back isn't hindered too badly.
That aside, I personally feel the Sportback's hatchback styling blows the Impreza hatchback styling out of the water. Just a personal opinion, that's all.
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mortzz 10:24PM (6/27/2009)
You were able to get sunroofs in the VIII and IX.
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Shayan A 10:28PM (6/27/2009)
I was at Cars & Coffee in Irvine but I never saw these three beautifies. Anyone know what time they showed up? I like the new brake lights they're showing on the MR Limited.
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Other Man 10:49PM (6/27/2009)
In reference to the Evo, call me crazy, but I'd honestly rather buy a 335i, either sDrive or xDrive to more closely mimic the Evo/STi persona. Just keep it base if you were so inclined, and you'd spend not much more than those two and have a twin-turbo I-6 (much smoother and virtually no lag in feel), understated BMW styling that isn't boy-racer to make you look like you're trying to hard, yet still gets praise from the younger crowds. Then there's the interior.
I've driven a 335i, but RWD. Very impressive. I have ultimate respect for the Evo and STi, but the prices are getting a bit much, and sport compact lux sedans like the said 335i might even compete.
Ultimately, track car, buy the Evo. Sharper than even a 335i with the M-Sport. But for the rest of us, the Bimmer makes more sense to me.
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naggs 5:45AM (6/28/2009)
the evo/sti formula worked when they were $29k
no awd system can cover the fact that you are paying $40k for a tricked out economy car
Jason 1:12PM (6/28/2009)
An EVO X GSR can EASILY be had right now for $29K. I got mine for $29,8 with the aero package (should have been a $2000 option) and the SSS package which added fastkey, hids, etc. (should have been another $2000 option). There was other other stuff on the car like the aluminum shift knob and parking brake handle, which Mitsu wants something crazy like $400 for (for the pair) as options. All of that on top of 0%... and now after another $2900 invested the car is pushing almost 400WHP thanks to the Perrin Stage III package. I don't think that's a bad investment at all.
Other Man 2:15PM (6/28/2009)
But you're talking about discounts. The economy is in such a state than almost all cars in the 40K or less range have a discount of some kind, whether big or small.
Mike 9:48AM (6/29/2009)
I agree that the Evo thing worked better when they were high 20's low 30's.
When you got a fully loaded evo for 34k (280ishhp/lightweight).. and the base 34k bmw (225hp/heavier) then the Evo was worth it.
Now at 40k you could easily get a 335 for 41k. With 300hp. With a Vishnu Chip you are also pushing 350hp. With Dinan Chip / Exhaust / Intake I'm sure you can get 390-400 hp out of it without stressing it too much.
The BMW will still be able to take you out to a night on the town.. or a business meeting.
If your REALLY going to autocross (not once or twice a year but at least once a month) then I would def pick the evo over the bmw. But for anything else.. the Evo doesn't bring anything to the table. Your not going to push the limits or EITHER car on the roads through turns etc.
This rally car has to be 330hp to be competitive! This thing is more money than a 350hp 350z track edition.
I understand the AWD.. but still. Its a compact car with AWD (a great one) and a turbo. Thats it!
If you took an EX Civic dropped a great awd system and turbo on it.. it still wouldn't be worth 39-40k! And the Civic is a much better compact car than a Lancer.