2009 Mitsubishi Lancer

At present, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer line-up consists of the DE (base price, $14,615), the ES (starting at $16,715), the GTS ($18,215), and, of course, the two killer-diller Evos (at $33,615 for the GSR and $38,915 for the MR). That nice, yawning, $15,400 gap between the GTS and the Evos price is exactly where the Ralliart comes in.

However, powering the 2009 Lancer Ralliart is a modestly defanged (say, one incisor) version of the Evo's mill. Using the same block, but with a 6500-rpm redline (instead of 7K), a single-scroll turbocharger (instead of the twin-jobber), a smaller intercooler and its own intake tract, the Ralliart delivers 237 hp at 6000 rpm, 54 less than the Evo's 291 hp at 6500 rpm. The torque numbers are similarly belt-tightened (253 lb-ft from 300), but the drop in peak rpm is interesting, going from 4400 revs to 3000. That's a more useful reduction. Particularly given that the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is about 130 pounds lighter than an Evo with a corresponding transmission.

In essence, the 2009 Ralliart is Mitsubishi's long-awaited answer to the Subaru WRX.

Going into this scrap, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart appeared to be holding an unusually strong hand of cards. In essence, the Ralliart is Mitsubishi's long-awaited answer to the Subaru WRX. From its re-sculpted nose to its judiciously trimmed tail-wing, it appears to be the result of a great deal of very practical-minded sifting through its flagship Evo's parts bin. And when any of the mighty Evolution's especially desirable components appraised a little too dearly, Mitsubishi improvised more affordable, Ralliart-specific solutions. Think of the car as a much more serious package than common-grade Lancers, a solid-step ahead of the sport-oriented GTS and in many ways a far more livable set of solutions than the relentlessly brass-knuckled Evo.

The Ralliart's four-wheel-drive system is last-generation Evo goods, but its engine comes from the current Evo. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes less power here (237 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque) due to milder cams and a single-scroll turbo, but the rest of its internals are identical to those of the Evo. Happily, this means that upgrades likely will be readily available from aftermarket tuners.

Although both 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart models will debut with a version of Mitsubishi's paddleshifted dual-clutch transmission - the same basic gearbox found in the Evo MR - we're keeping our fingers crossed for a proper five-speed manual. With three pedals, the last Evo's all-wheel-drive system, and the current Lancer's fantastic looks, the 2009 Lancer Ralliart would blow the WRX into the weeds.

As the rally-bred Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution continues to evolve, with escalating levels of power and technology (not to mention base price), it leaves its economy-car origins in the dirt. As the Evo moved up in performance and price, it created a hole in the Lancer lineup, one filled nicely by Subaru's Impreza WRX. In the interest of gaining back lost ground, Mitsubishi recently introduced the 2009 Lancer Ralliart, a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive sedan that bridges the gap between the Lancer GTS and Evolution X models.

That gap is rather large both in terms of performance and price. Consider that two-wheel-drive Lancers start at $14,665 for a DE model, with the sportier GTS topping the lower portion of the range at a base price of $18,915. With high-performance Evolution starting at $33,665 for a manual-equipped GSR (a fully optioned MR model costs nearly 50 grand!), it's easy to see why Mitsubishi chose to inject some affordable performance into the middle of the Lancer range.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart gets the same powertrain as the Lancer Ralliart sedan, which arrives in the U.S. soon. That car mixes the all-wheel-drive system from the Evo IX, Mitsubishi's new dual-clutch gearbox, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that develops 235 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque.

The Sportback's obvious advantage is the extra cargo space that the hatch in back affords. All 2009 Lancer Sportback models will have an adjustable cargo floor and folding seats with remote releases located in the cargo area. Mitsubishi hasn't announced the stuff-carrying volume of the new bodystyle, but we can assume it will beat the sedan's 11.6 cubic feet.

The turbocharged, all-wheel-drive, 247-hp 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart might as well be called the Evo Lite - it's fast, agile but still comfortable, and cheap enough that you don't mind its few flaws.

On a whole, though, the Lancer Ralliart is a fun, composed, and healthy set of utterly logical compromises, and one heck of a bargain. And while I wouldn't buy one in place of an Evolution VIII, IX, or X, I'd take one over a WRX any day.

Subaru has the Impreza, the WRX, and the WRX STI. Mitsubishi has the Impreza covered with their Lancer and their EVO goes to battle against the STI but they lack a direct competitor to the regular WRX. Not anymore.

Take the narrow-body 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, add Mitsubishi's dual-clutch SST gearbox from the EVO, mix in a turbocharged four-cylinder engine developing an estimated 235 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque, add the all-wheel-drive system from the now departed EVO IX and you have the Lancer Ralliart. Standard equipment includes eighteen-inch wheels, Bluetooth, and keyless starting along with steering column-mounted paddle shifters. Options include Recaro seats, satellite radio, a sunroof, a 650-watt stereo, xenon headlights, and a navigation system.

On the road, it's clear that Mitsubishi spent money on the Lancer's long equipment list rather than chassis development--the wonderful steering and handling found in the Lancer Evo clearly doesn't come from the base Lancer.

While you can't really expect Evo-like thrust from a $23,000 econobox, the front-drive 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer's 2.4-liter four-cylinder does provide decent acceleration.

While we knew that the Lancer GTS wouldn't be a hard-core driver's car, we do wish it carried a greater amount of the Evolution's DNA.

Enter the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. This is the latest addition to the Lancer compact car family. Positioned between the front-wheel-drive GTS with the 2.4-liter engine and the halo Lancer Evolution X sports sedan, the Ralliart is packaged as a 'baby Evo', taking some of the technology from the Evolution and putting it into a similar-looking car with a lower price.

As much as we hate to fan the flames of war, Mitsubishi's Lancer Ralliart and Evo X are related in the same way as the Subaru Impreza WRX and STI models. With a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive arrangement, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer will also be a major threat to the lumpy new Subaru WRX.

The Ralliart is powered by Mitsu's new 4B11. This is the same 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC intercooled and turbocharged engine found in the new Evo X. However, it has been detuned to a still-respectable 237bhp and 253lb-ft of torque. The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's 4B11 retains the semi-closed deck four-bolt main block and the reinforced reciprocating Evo X assembly that includes pistons by Mahle and strengthened connecting rods.

If you perceive the car as a detuned, deboosted Evo X you are setting the table for disappointment.

The Mitsubishi Lancer models were completely re-engineered and redesigned for the 2008 model year. They feature an aggressive front fascia and a wedgy profile.

Inside, there's roomy seating for five. Instruments and dash are pleasing to the eye, and control knobs and switches for the various functions are easy to use.

The Lancer ES is a well-built and good-looking 2.0-liter economy car that gets a EPA combined fuel economy of 25 or 26 miles per gallon (30 mpg Highway with 2.0-liter engine and manual five-speed). The base 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ES lacks the visual flair of the others, but choose the optional Sport package and the ES offers much of the eye-catching appeal of the Evo at half the cost. A stripped-down model is available called the DE, but it's primarily intended as a fleet model with air conditioning optional.

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a lovely car, even with its fish face. Mitsubishi calls it shark-like, but it's more like a largemouth bass.

Fuel economy for the Lancer ES is an EPA-estimated City/Highway 22/30 mpg with its 2.0-liter engine and five-speed manual. The automatic loses just one mile per gallon on the highway. The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ES offers decent steering response and tracks well through corners, with no excessive body lean. It tends to lose some concentration when pointed straight ahead for long stretches. The Honda Civic feels smoother, the Mazda3 sportier. Brake pedal feel is solid in the Lancer ES.

Mitsubishi has everyone covered in the compact class with the 152-hp Lancer ES for those with their minds on economy; the 168-hp Lancer GTS for those with spirit and an eye for value; the 237-hp Ralliart for those with a sense of adventure; and the 291-hp Evo for those with a need for speed. The best news is that these four look enough alike that maybe you can split your personalities.