One of the success stories for Mitsubishi Motors has been its Lancer compact, a line of fun to drive cars that offers good looks, amazing speed and much more at a very fair price. Mitsubishi has gotten lost in a crowded field of automakers selling their wares around the world, but when it comes to one model that is synonymous with the brand, the Lancer is it.
Lancer Sportback, Five-Door Hatchback
This summer Mitsubishi is rolling out a new five-door hatchback model to complement the four-door sedan. Called the Lancer Sportback, the latest iteration on the Lancer theme offers the same aggressive styling found in the Lancer Evolution, but with a more interior room which is just right for today’s active lifestyles.
Powered by a potent yet fuel-efficient 2.4L I4 engine producing 168 horsepower and 167 lb.-ft of torque, the standard engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission while a six-speed CVT transmission with magnesium paddle shifters is optional. But if more power is desired, an optional 2.0L MIVEC turbocharged engine is available, this choice producing a robust 237 horsepower and 253 lb.-ft of torque. Yes, all-wheel drive is standard and thanks to its active center differential, the Lancer Sportback Ralliart is likely to deliver best in class performance.
Familiar Styling And Yet…
From the front of the Lancer Sportback, familiar styling cues found across the Lancer line are evident. From the C-Pillar back, the Sportback offers sleek Reaganesque style which makes bringing along plenty of sports gear a pleasure. Though about the same length as the standard sedan, the Lancer Sportback offers a lot more interior room which can be maximized when the rear seats are folded flat. On the GTS, that model offers another way to gain additional interior room as the rear cargo floor can be lowered by three inches.
The Ralliart version also features an amazing sound system, one that includes a 140-watt CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers or optional Rockford-Fosgate Premium Sound System. A route guidance system is also available as is Sirius Satellite Radio.
Safety features include front and side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags, plus a driver’s knee airbag. Stability control and a reinforced impact design offer an additional level of protection while an anti-theft system helps thwart thieves.
With a beginning price of under $20,000 and retailing for just over $27,000 fully equipped, the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback offers a very good mix of power, ride, versatility and value. Just what youthful buyers want, the same kind of people who are attracted to the Lancer Evolution.
