Mitsubishi will be releasing a faster version of the Lancer known as the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart. Apart from the word Sportback, the other words speak volumes for itself. This is otherwise a hatchback version of the Lancer which has already established itself as one of the rulers of the roads. Whether or not the Sportback make it to our shores remain to be seen.
The standard GTS version comes with a 168 horsepower engine which is fitted with a 5 speed manual transmission gearbox with a possibility of a CVT (Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission) version available. To go one up, get the 6 speed dual-clutch automated manual version which essentially is a 237 horsepower all-wheel-drive Ralliart version. This version is powered through its Sportronic Shift Transmission and magnesium paddle shifters which is cool considering that it really is a hatchback car, hence the sportiness here is very much appreciated. Seriously, this car is all about performance and it gets you from zero to hundred in 5.5 seconds.
Even if this is a hatchback version, don’t expect to have limited space really because even without that much bootspace, it seemed that there is enough to go around. Designed to compete with the Subaru Impreza WRX (5 door version) you get almost the same wheelbase but is longer than its competitor. The car comes standard with safter features like the ABS, the ASC (Active Stability Control), TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) as well as 4 wheel disc brakes and 7 airbags. The design of this car is nicely done to show how much they mean business in terms of speed and performance. Accessories here include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob. Auto-off Halogen headlights are standard while a CD/MP3 player, a LCD multi-informational display and automatic climate control also comes standard. Key-less entry and engine start are cool additions to this very nice looking car.
