The Sportback is visually similar in front to the Lancer sedan, with which it shares most major underpinnings and features. A roof spoiler is integrated into the sloping rear hatch, which extends down to the rear bumper for easier loading and unloading. The Sportback's 60/40-split rear seats also have a one-touch auto-fold feature, which further increases rear cargo space.
The performance-oriented Lancer Sportback Ralliart gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 237 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. Additional tech features shared with the Lancer Evo include all-wheel control with active center differential and a twin-clutch six-speed Sportronic transmission with magnesium-alloy shift paddles.
The basic Lancer Sportback GTS comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque, coupled with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Available equipment includes Recaro sport seats, a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium audio system, a hard-disk-drive navigation system and a lane guidance system.
Inside Line says: The Ralliart offers the performance, plus many features, of the Lancer Evo at a more affordable price. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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