For 2009, the GTS edition of the Lancer gained a more potent 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, deflecting any criticism that the basic Lancer lacked power. Rather than the regular engine's 152 horsepower, as installed in DE and ES models, the larger GTS version develops 168 horsepower. Mitsubishi also introduced a Ralliart edition, with design touches and turbocharged performance to echo that of the renowned Evolution series.Styling
In Europe, hatchback body styles and sporty behavior tend to go hand in hand. That used to be true in the U.S. market as well, but hatchbacks have had a hard time keeping up the sales pace in recent years. Nevertheless, Mitsubishi has added a Sportback (hatchback) edition of the Lancer for 2010, in the hope of stimulating even greater interest.
Lancer Sportbacks come in two trim levels: sporty front-drive GTS with the 168-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, or high-performance all-wheel-drive Ralliart with a turbocharged/intercooled 2.0-liter. Adapted from the engine that drives Mitsubishi's Evolution, the Ralliart's four-cylinder generates 237 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque.
Either a manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) may be installed in the GTS. The Ralliart comes only with a Twin Clutch Sportronic transmission, borrowed from the Evolution MR. Mitsubishi's Evolution, which descends from a series of all-out racing machines, unleashes a 291-horsepower turbocharged engine to its all-wheel-drive system.
With five-speed manual shift and the 2.4-liter engine, a Lancer GTS Sportback earns a fuel-economy estimate from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of 20 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway. Mitsubishi's CVT boosts the city figure to 21 mpg. In Ralliart trim, the Sportback's estimate drops to 17/25 mpg (city/highway). Gas-mileage proponents may instead turn to a regular Lancer sedan with the milder 152-horsepower engine, which gets EPA figures of 22/31 mpg with manual shift (23/30 with CVT).
Performance and Safety
Frontal crash-testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Lancer a 5-star rating for the driver and 4-star for the front passenger. Side-impact testing has not yet been done.
The Ralliart's transmission has Normal and Sport shifting modes. Drivers can manually shift using the console shifter or magnesium-alloy paddles; or choose fully automatic mode. Numerically-lower upper gear ratios help boost Ralliart fuel economy. Ralliart also has an Active Center Differential, with a selector for Tarmac, Gravel, or Snow.
