Day-by-Day Review: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

By James Bergeron

Photo Gallery:
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback

Day 1:

Click Image to Enlarge

Somewhat fittingly, that this week I am in a rally-inspired car since I will be doing my own rallycross on Saturday. I won’t be taking this car — too risky — but I’m sure it would be a blast! This week, I am zipping around town in a Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart — phew, that’s a mouthful. I’d classify this week’s car as Mitsubishi’s answer to the Subaru WRX, an answer that Subaru counter-punched with the more-powerful WRX265 earlier this year.

The Lancer Ralliart, for those not familiar, is essentially a de-tuned Evolution, which competes with the STi from Subaru. The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart starts at $33,498, the Subaru WRX at $31,895 and the WRX265 at $34,895 — somewhat convenient that those prices line up so well.

Click Image to Enlarge

My tester is optioned with the only available option package, called the “Premium Package,” which adds quite the hefty sum to the price of the vehicle: $5000. The package does add a lot of content, though, including: a 30GB HDD navigation system with music server, a DVD player capable of playing movies when parked, a power glass sunroof, leather / fabric Recaro seats, FAST key system, bluetooth connectivity for your cellphone, automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers.

The standard Lancer Ralliart package includes a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine outputting 237hp and 253-lb/ft of torque. Power is driven to the wheels through the standard Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission, Mitsubishi’s computerized dual-clutch manual, similar to that in the Nissan GT-R and the Volkswagen group’s DSG transmission.

And, of course, it may be difficult to tell from the photos, but the Sportback is a 5-door configuration, or what some like to call a wagon. Love it or hate it, it’s practical and we can even consider this a hot hatch!

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart
MSRP as tested (including destination): $40,058

For more information on Mitsubishi and the Lancer visit Mitsubishi Canada

No related posts.