2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart Review

The rivalry between Mitsubishi and Subaru has just been taken to the next level. Mitsubishi has always favoured sedans while Subaru threw its lot in with hatchbacks. Subaru always retaliated to whatever the competition threw its way, but Mitsubishi was a bit slower to do so. This year, the automaker is falling in step with the others and is now offering an upscale version of the hatchback.

The automaker has done an especially good job integrating the rear lines with the front profile.

A touch of sportiness ‘round back
For Mitsubishi, it was obvious that the model couldn’t take up the same layout as the old Sportback, which was nothing other than a simple wagon. This reincarnation of the Sportback does justice to the name, featuring a particularly slanted rear window and very dynamic light clusters.

The automaker has done an especially good job integrating the rear lines with the front profile. The light clusters share the same deconstructed configuration, with less sharpness. The aggressiveness of the Shark Nose grille has been dropped in the rear of the car, but the high light clusters and the spoiler overhanging the window make for a very dynamic package.

What distinguishes the Ralliart line-up style-wise is of course the presence of an intercooler behind the enormous, black, chrome-framed grille as well as the 18-inch wheels. The package is very consistent and balanced and makes for a very beautiful car.

The art of rally racing
The cabin makes no attempt to hide the Sportback’s performance-driven nature. The front Recaro seats are impressive. They mould the body perfectly and offer a driving position worthy of a rally course. Add a steering wheel grip that’s just as perfect, and as soon as you set foot in the Sportback your only concern becomes the drive, even before you’ve turned on the ignition.

The only drawback to the seats is the way they completely obstruct the rear passengers’ view: they can’t see a darn thing out the front.

The dash is simple yet attractive. The finish is adequate and the equipment level is extremely generous. You can get a navigation system, Bluetooth and, among other things, rain-sensitive wipers.

The cabin makes no attempt to hide the Sportback’s performance-driven nature.