The Lancer Sportback and Ralliart Sportback
 

Mitsubishi has been eluding to the release of a five-door “Sportback” model, and considering that the Lancer’s biggest competition, the Subaru Impreza, has received the hatch-back treatment, it was only a matter of time before Mitsubishi countered. The Paris Motor Show brought the debut of the new form of the Lancer, and while the Sportback is intended to offer more function and room than the sedan model, Mitsu was quick to offer a Ralliart model for those who want a little bang for their buck.

The Sportback engine options for the European market begin with either a 1.5 or 1.8L four cylinder engine, but a 2.0 litre turbocharged diesel is available, and for those who want more performance, the Ralliart models come packed with a 2.0 litre turbocharged MIVEC four cylinder making 237 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. Along with the added power, the Ralliart models come with some performance bits from the Evolution, such as the Dual-Clutch SST transmission and the Active Center Differential, so help the Sportback Ralliart handle the corners at speed and aid with driving at normal speeds in poor conditions.

The Sportback, in both forms, is expected to hit European showrooms late in 2008, and while there are no public plans to offer them in the US, the popularity of both the sedan Lancer, and the cross-town rival Impreza, we figure that its only a matter of time before it hits stateside.

am' ready to trade my 08 dude, tried it for ralliart but mitsu is gettin greedy somehow. but hey those sport back versions, nice!

2004 Lancer Sportback
 

Altho the new sportback looks nice, I prefer mine. Yes, it's boxier: which gives me LOTS more cargo space. In fact, thanks to the tall roof I fit more in the back of my Sportback than most SUVs can fit. I'm a musician and can haul my keys, amps, guitars, etc., and (thanks to the split-seat) still fit in my 2 kids. That ain't gonna happen with the new sportback.

BTW - the 162 hp engine in my 2004 Sportback really motivates this vehicle, and the 4-wheel disc brakes are awesome even with a full load. The car has been very reliable - the only problems: 2 bogus "check engine" lights, and I just had to replace the rear disc brake pads at 29,000 miles (real ez, DIY for $40!).

My only gripe is the gas mileage (around 22-23 mpg). But then again, I' m a leadfoot, and drive mostly around town, hardly ever on highways.

I'd love to hear from other Sportback owners - i know there's not many out there!

Mick

Our 2010 GTS is a silver one. 2.4 liter with cvt. The sedan has a deeper trunk to fit items althought the sportback has a taller rear-end due to the hatch. It does seem the sedan has more cargo space.

It turn heads though since there's not many of them and they wonder what the heck it is from behind:).

I've had my 2010 GTS Sportback since late July, I'm still waiting to see another one. tm

2010 Lancer GTS.White.
Got mine in mid-July.
Absolutely love it

Ive got the GTS Sportback and am really excited about it. Its Octane Blue with gold wheels (which I like because I think its a slap in the face to the original sti colors ). I will say though, I am not a fan of the CVT paddle shifters...I love a MT. But with some upgrades in mind, it could turn out to be really fun in the end. Ive got a lot plans for her especially after yesterday when some asshole in his brand new sti had to show me up on the highway...what can you do???

09 Lancer GTS manual. Love my car! I checked out the sport backs a couple months ago. They are awesome looking but if you get one prepare to lose some serious rear headroom and cargo space (the 4 door has like 2x the cargo space).

Hi All,

I acquires a Lancer Sportback 2010 few weeks ago and I would like to now if an "auto lock" of the door when the car reaches a speed is available and can be activated ?
Is somebody can help me ?

Thank

Just purchased 2011 Lancer sportback ES with the CVT transmission. The manual calls for 0W-20 oil.......does anyone know if I can use a 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil in the car. It has the new 2.0L (4B11) engine in it.