The old Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback was a pretty ugly duckling. For 2009 though, the Sportback didn’t transform into a beautiful swan,

For 2009 the Lancer Sportback has transformed into a cool, predatory-looking machine. The Lancer Ralliart has a particularly fierce appearance. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

but a big predatory raptor that makes you think keeping your cat indoors is a good idea.

There is a wide gap between the base Sportback GTS and the hot-hatch Sportback Ralliart, yet both are solid in their segments. From the rear seat forward, a Sportback is exactly the same as a standard Lancer. What you get for $500 on top of the cost of an equally equipped sedan is an extra 1,000 liters or so of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and a much wider cargo opening. This gives a “compact car” the ability to haul furniture-sized objects a trunk just won’t handle – without rope and scratches on the bottom of the trunk-lid.

The new Lancer is already a good-looking car, and the Sportback has a better profile than the sedan. The extended roofline and larger rear-end gives the Sportback a sort of organic, reptilian look.

The interior is ergonomically sound and comfortable, making it easy to live with. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

Especially the Ralliart version – that wide-open grille will eat plenty of bugs every summer.

The Sportback starts with the sedan’s top-end GTS trim at $23,495, featuring a good list of equipment to make it worth the money.

The new Lancer interior is ergonomically sound and comfortable. It does fall short of the segment’s best in terms of overall perceived quality, but it looks good and is easy to live with.

On the road the front-wheel drive GTS is a fun runabout, with responsive steering and a planted feel. Handling is quite good while maintaining a descent ride. The 168hp and 167 lb-ft of torque from the 2.4L inline-four allow you to have fun with the five-speed manual transmission (a CVT automatic is available for an extra $1,300).

The Ralliart Sportback has a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four that produces 237hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

The Sportback Ralliart is a very different animal. It’s a lot more money at $33,498, but truly is a tuned down version of the mighty Lancer Evolution. It has a single scroll turbo instead of double, a smaller intercooler and a smaller intake, yet still gets 237hp and 253 lb-ft of torque out of a little 2.0L inline-four. It has all-wheel drive, with Mitsubishi’s Active Centre Differential Control (ACD) that moves torque between the front and rear depending on conditions. The ACD has three driver-selected modes being tarmac, gravel and snow. Active Stability Control (ASC) and ABS will help slow things down if the ACD puts the power down too well.

The Ralliart’s only transmission adds to its techno sophistication, being a twin-clutch six-speed sequential manual with and normal and sport modes, and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

The rear of the Sportback has an organic quality, and provides enough cargo space to move furniture-sized objects. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

Alternatively, it can be used just like an automatic too. On the inside the Ralliart gets the same steering wheel as the Evolution and aggressive Recaro seats.

The Ralliart is a unique feeling car. It is well planted thanks to the firm suspension and all-wheel drive, yet is snappy and light feeling in the corners. Changing modes in the transmission and all-wheel drive system give noticeable differences to the performance and driving character of the car. Impressively for a small engine, the Ralliart will pull well at low rpm, and quickly build power until you’re blipping through the gears like you’re playing your Playstation 3, only its real.

As competition, the Sportback GTS would stand beside a Mazda3 Sport, Toyota Matrix and Volkswagen Rabbit. The Sportback Ralliart would be headed against the MazdaSpeed3 and the Subaru WRX. Either car deserves your attention.

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