Mont-Tremblant, PQ - Canadians like hatchbacks. The time is right for Mitsubishi for reintroduce the Lancer Sportback, but this time, it's different from the pseudo-wagon model that wasn't quite popular during the Lancer's previous generation.
So the new Sportback is basically a five-door spin-off of the sedan that's selling in growing numbers in our country. Mitsubishi moved out over 8,600 Lancer four-doors in 2008, and they expect to sell about 1,000 copies of the Sportback during their current fiscal year. That sounds like a conservative figure, but the Japanese brand isn't offering a stripper model--for now.
Two flavours to choose from
The Sportback is available in either GTS or Ralliart trim, and share the sedan's powertrain and equipment levels.
The GTS is powered by a 2.4-litre inline-4 that develops 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque, and our test car was equipped with the optional CVT automatic. The car has more than enough guts to move along swiftly, and at wide-open throttle, the engine isn't too trashy despite the CVT holding the tach needle near the redline. Using the wheel-mounted paddle shifters, gear changes are pretty quick.
The Ralliart, on the other hand, gets a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, basically a detuned version of what's found lurking in the Evolution's snout. Its 237 horsepower but 253 lb-ft of torque at a relatively low 2,500 rpm translates into moderate turbo lag and monster acceleration thereafter, while the dual-clutch sequential transmission bangs through shifts with a race-car attitude; it's a little harsh, so you gotta like it.
All-wheel drive is also standard on the Ralliart and is a setup similar to the Evolution's, but doesn't include Active Yaw Control or AYC, which is a rear differential that manages power between the left and right wheels. Big deal.
Handling is pretty sharp on both models, while the Ralliart is obviously more willing to be pushed to its limits on sinuous back roads. Either one is fun to drive, though we prefer the ride of the GTS for everyday use.
So the new Sportback is basically a five-door spin-off of the sedan that's selling in growing numbers in our country. Mitsubishi moved out over 8,600 Lancer four-doors in 2008, and they expect to sell about 1,000 copies of the Sportback during their current fiscal year. That sounds like a conservative figure, but the Japanese brand isn't offering a stripper model--for now.
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Two flavours to choose from
The Sportback is available in either GTS or Ralliart trim, and share the sedan's powertrain and equipment levels.
The GTS is powered by a 2.4-litre inline-4 that develops 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque, and our test car was equipped with the optional CVT automatic. The car has more than enough guts to move along swiftly, and at wide-open throttle, the engine isn't too trashy despite the CVT holding the tach needle near the redline. Using the wheel-mounted paddle shifters, gear changes are pretty quick.
The Ralliart, on the other hand, gets a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, basically a detuned version of what's found lurking in the Evolution's snout. Its 237 horsepower but 253 lb-ft of torque at a relatively low 2,500 rpm translates into moderate turbo lag and monster acceleration thereafter, while the dual-clutch sequential transmission bangs through shifts with a race-car attitude; it's a little harsh, so you gotta like it.
All-wheel drive is also standard on the Ralliart and is a setup similar to the Evolution's, but doesn't include Active Yaw Control or AYC, which is a rear differential that manages power between the left and right wheels. Big deal.
Handling is pretty sharp on both models, while the Ralliart is obviously more willing to be pushed to its limits on sinuous back roads. Either one is fun to drive, though we prefer the ride of the GTS for everyday use.
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