For those that require extra room provided by a utility vehicle, but aren't prepared to step up to a SUV, Mitsubishi is proud to announce the arrival of their new Lancer Sportback.
Based on the popular Lancer sedan, and beefed up to haul the whole family, the Sportback helps revive a nearly extinct species of automobile Ð the affordable compact sport wagon.
With the Sportback, Mitsubishi clearly has its sights set on competitors like the Ford Focus, Mazda Protege 5, Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix.
With a large four-cylinder powerplant and an optional Ralliart street-tuner model, Mitsubishi expects Sportback to rise to the top of consumer's shopping lists.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback will be available in two trim levels: base LS and sporty Ralliart.
Ralliart is Mitsubishi's international performance brand and includes the requirements of the development gurus responsible for the high-performance Lancer Evolution.
As a legitimate member of the Ralliart family, the Lancer Sportback Ralliart takes to the street with a full sport suspension, including unique spring rates, specific damper tuning, tighter bushings, a stiffer steering rack and a particularly stiff three-point front strut tower brace.
The tires are upgraded to V-rated 205/50R16 rubber mounted on Euro-flange alloy wheels. Antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution are standard and the exhaust system is opened up to produce a more authoritative and enthusiastic sound.
The Lancer Ralliart sports a rally style thanks to a lower body kit that includes front, side and rear air dams, a unique grille, tinted headlamp lenses and projector-beam fog lights.
Both the Lancer Sportback LS and Lancer Sportback Ralliart are powered by a new 2.4-liter Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control (MIVEC) engine. MIVEC provides two different cam profiles for the twin intake valves, allowing a hydraulic actuator to engage a more aggressive high-lift mode at engine speeds above 3500 rpm.
With more lift and duration from the high-speed cam lobe, the intake valves open further and stay open longer, which takes advantage of the airflow momentum built up in the intake system.
The result is 162 horsepower and 162 lb-ft. of torque on the Ralliart trim line and 160 horsepower and 160 lb-ft. of torque on the LS. More importantly, the low-speed cam lobes allow torque to build at lower engine speeds, so the Lancer Sportback exhibits a more effortless lift-off from a stop.
The only transmission available in the Sportback is a four-speed automatic unit. Unlike the Lancer sedan, a manual gearbox is not currently offered in the Sportback.
The Sportback LS features a comfort-oriented suspension. Our tester, a Sportback Ralliart, was relatively flat in corners, but noticeably harsh on bumpy roads.
If you've got a family to haul, I suggest the LS model for its softer suspension. But if you like to spend your free time carving up twisty roads and zipping around town, the Ralliart version should stimulate your needs.
The base LS model includes air conditioning; a 140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers; white-faced gauges; a height-adjustable driver's seat; tilt steering wheel; power windows, door locks and side-view mirrors; and remote keyless entry. The front shoulder belts are also fitted with pre-tensioners and force limiters.
The rear seat offers 60/40 split-fold versatility, reclines for comfort and includes a center armrest with fold-out cup holders for convenience. In the cargo area, under-floor and side storage compartments, 12-volt power outlet and four cargo tie-down hooks are also standard.
The Ralliart version includes an all-black interior with high-end sport seats, a white-faced sport gauge cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter and parking brake lever and a carbon-style accent panel on the dash.
Although the Lancer Sportback measures only 181.3 inches in length and 66.8 inches in width, the interior offers plenty of head and legroom.
With the rear seat folded, both Lancer Sportback trim lines can swallow 60.7 cubic feet of cargo, easily offering plenty of space for weekend errands and shopping.
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart
Engine: 2.4-liter (162 hp) I4
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive Type: FWD
Fuel Economy: 22 city/28 highway
Base Price: $19,197
As Tested: $19,792 (including $595 for destination)
Website: www.mitsubishicars.com
