From the NADAguides Garage: My review of the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart
By Jeff Glucker
Jeff Glucker is the co-founder and Executive Editor of Hooniverse.com. He’s often seen getting passed as he hustles a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero up the 405 Freeway. IG: @HooniverseJeff
Christian "Mental" Ward 
Antti Kautonen
Needs more descriptors:
I'm waiting for the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart Evo MCXXVIII Turbo AllRoad Family Package SouthWest Limited Platinum Edition Newfoundland Rally Tribute DUB Edition.
It isn't a Mustang… though I like the addition of a Roman Numeral trim
Of course it isn't a mustang which is why it uses all those descriptors on one vehicle rather than using one for each special edition.
And Dearthair, if I get that decal made up will you put it all down the back of your Corrado?
This is one of the few times that I'd say that the sedan looks better.
I'm surprising myself a lot with the conclusions I've been reaching lately.
I don't disagree, although I will say that even in Sportback form this is one of the most attractive Mitsubishi offerings in years, maybe ever.
They are doing a great job with styling… Have you seen the 2010 Outlander yet?
FuManChus fix everything!
I kinda wonder about the point of making a "sportback" in place of a full-fledged wagon rear.
After all, it's already awkward and off-putting to sedan fans, so why not wring more utility out of it? Especially given that the latest WRX 5-door is more of a hatch than a wagon compared to the previous generation.
"Spork" is an apt description
I'm typically American in my lack of love for the four-door hatch (Merkur/Sierra notwithstanding). However, I depart from my countrymen when I say … wagons FTW.
The problem I have with these body styles is the inability to hold a lot of wine. I feel that anything with a hatchback should be able to hold several cases of alcoholic grape juice, or at least three dogs, or, perhaps, all of my Mom's luggage. The slope of the rear window severely compromises luggage capacity. Other offenders include the PT Cruiser, Lexus RX series, and Venza. Plus, the Evo sedan just looks a lot better. Especially so when it is flying and Tommi is at the wheel.
<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2009/0504/as_rally_tommi_550.jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 399px; border: 0" alt="imgTag" />
I do believe most cars look better when flying, no matter who is at the wheel. Top Gear has made effort in several episodes to prove just that point, and it usually works.
Looks like the car is saying "YIPEEE!" and rightly so!
At first glance I thought this was just a trim package or something…. Love the front, not so sure about what is happening in the back.
Yep, I like it now. Needs more wagon though…
Yeah, spiffy car and probably is a real hoot to drive, but I have a question. Being an automotive Luddite and unfamiliar with modern all wheel drive systems (as opposed to regular old part time four wheel drive that you have to shift, with two ranges), it shocked the hell out of me when this guy I work with told me that if one tire on his Ford AWD SUV (soft roader, POS, no idea what it really is) was worn more than the rest, by a sixteenth of an inch or something, all tires had to be replaced because it would fry the whole system. Is this true? Is this the norm for most AWD systems? If so, why the hell would anybody buy a vehicle with one if they're that sensitive? I know this is a threadjack, but any answers to this?
I can't tell you if it's the norm, but I wouldn't be surprised, having been through thousands of drivetrain and controls patents. Most modern stability systems take their cue from wheelspeed sensors and a plethora of other inputs that can trigger dozens of unique responses. Multiple guess word example: (1.) Take an RX300 with a worn right front tire (2.) add traction control that triggers the right front wheel's brakes every time you turn right (3.) if it has AWD, multiply by three differentials that think the sky is falling, the vehicle will (A.) Wear (B.) Break (C.) Think it is broken and throw fault codes (D.) A and C, plus additional electronic problems stemming from panicking systems.
That's even worse than I thought. I figured that all the sensitive and complicated differentials would simply fry after a while. Thanks. I'll stick with the old junk I've always had. And pity the poor fool that I work with. He just blew a tire today and is running on a donut.
My '06 WRX is purely mechanical, aside from the ABS.
Subaru for the win.
Good. I've always thought the WRX was a nice car but knowing this makes me like it more.
My family's been very pleased with them…
–My sister has an '02 with 80-something-k miles.
–I bought my '06 in August of '07 with 8k miles on it. It's got 72k now. Runs great. Nothing but normal maintenance.
–My dad's going to be picking up new '09 or '10 in the next few months