It would make the trip up to the ski hill more entertaining as well, due to a wonderfully quick 160-hp 2.4-L 4-cylinder engine with an equal number of lb-ft in the torque department. But that's in its base LS trim level. The Sportback Ralliart gets an ever so slight increase to 162-hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. What's the difference? Exhaust flow, due to the Ralliart's upgraded pipes.
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| The base LS version sports a wonderfully quick 160-hp 2.4-L 4-cylinder engine, only 2-hp less than the Ralliart version. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The sportier of the two also gets a sport suspension with uniquely tuned spring rates, specified damper tuning, tighter bushings, a more responsive steering rack and a 3-point front strut tower brace to increase torsional rigidity. Purely from a visible perspective the Sportback Ralliart adds a lower body kit including front, side and rear aerodynamic add-ons, tinted headlamp lenses and projector-beam fog lamps.
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| Even the $21,000 base model of the Sportback is incredibly equipped, with an impressive list of features. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The upgraded 205/50R16 V-rated performance tires on 'euro-flange' alloy wheels work wonders in the corners, not impeded by the car's impressive fully independent suspension.
The LS, incredibly well equipped for its $21,000 entry price, also handles curves with little complaint. Some of its features include standard air-conditioning, titanium colored interior trim, tilt steering, power windows, power door locks with keyless entry, and a 4-speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system. The LS also gets standard 4-wheel disc brakes, but the Ralliart improves stopping power measurably with standard ABS.