CAR Corner

The Mitsubishi Sportback builds on the already competent Lancer sedan, although the overall length is slightly longer to accommodate the new hatch. One-touch auto-folding rear seats split 60:40 to make room for “active lifestyle” parcels and Mitsubishi dropped the rear cargo area floor by three inches to create 52.7 cubic-feet of space when the rear thrones are folded flat.

Powertrain options will come from the standard Lancer and Lancer Ralliart range, meaning you get a 2.4-liter 168 HP, 167 ft-lb with either a five-speed manual or six-speed CVT automatic transmission in the Sportback GTS or if you opt for the Sportback Ralliart, you get a 2.0-liter MIVEC turbocharged engine with a whopping 237 HP and 253 ft-lb of torque. The Sportback Ralliart gets the quick-shifting six-speed Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) shared with the Lancer Evolution, as well as some nifty magnesium paddle shifters.