2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Even sport wagons love the sunset...
Even sport wagons love the sunset…

From the NADAguides Garage: My review of the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

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  1. Deartháir Avatar
    Deartháir

    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.

    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      It isn't a Mustang… though I like the addition of a Roman Numeral trim

      1. PowerTryp Avatar

        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?

  2. Tanshanomi Avatar

    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.

    1. Alff Avatar

      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.

      1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
        Jeff Glucker

        They are doing a great job with styling… Have you seen the 2010 Outlander yet?

        1. Tim Odell Avatar
          Tim Odell

          FuManChus fix everything!

    2. Tim Odell Avatar
      Tim Odell

      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

      1. Alff Avatar

        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.

  3. joshuman Avatar

    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&quot; style="width: 550px; height: 399px; border: 0" alt="imgTag" />

    1. FreeMan Avatar
      FreeMan

      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.

    2. JeepyJayhawk Avatar

      Looks like the car is saying "YIPEEE!" and rightly so!

  4. JeepyJayhawk Avatar

    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.

    1. JeepyJayhawk Avatar

      Yep, I like it now. Needs more wagon though…

  5. CptSevere Avatar

    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?

    1. skitter Avatar

      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.

      1. CptSevere Avatar

        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.

        1. Tim Odell Avatar
          Tim Odell

          My '06 WRX is purely mechanical, aside from the ABS.
          Subaru for the win.

          1. CptSevere Avatar

            Good. I've always thought the WRX was a nice car but knowing this makes me like it more.

          2. Tim Odell Avatar
            Tim Odell

            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