2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

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 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.

Pricing should be competitive with the WRX, meaning in the $26-29,000 range. The newest WRX is a bit of a disappointment (at least in non-STI guise) so we think the Lancer Ralliart is an excellent opportunity for Mitsubishi to steal sales from Subaru, as long as buyers don't care about a manual transmission.

Click the link below for high-resolution Lancer Ralliart images.