Lancer News : Sportback Previewed for Paris
Everyone has seen the concept vehicle, and it was fairly impressive, but now reality hits, and it’s not so bad. The photos are definilty part of the reason the vehicle looks stunning, but I must hand it to Mitsu, they executed this vehicle very well considering the restraints they had in terms of sheet metal development. Except for the rear 3/4 view, you might actually mistake the back half of this car for completely new unique sheet metal (which its not, the new part of the car doesnt start until after the rear door). [background version of this image available in gallery]
The base Lancer Sportback models will come with the choice of a 1.5L or 1.8L four-cylinder or 2.0L turbodiesel. The Sportback Ralliart, that serves up high performance with a side of practicality, will be powered by the 2.0L MIVEC turbocharged four-cylinder, making 237 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. This vehicle will come standard with the Twin-Clutch SST transmission, an Active Center Differential and all the go-fast goodies found on the 4-door ralliart.
Now, all the diesel and sub-2.0 liter talk is clearly for Europe only. Here in the US, we wil have to wait till the end of the year to get behind the wheel of one of these bad boys, and our version will certainly not have a diesel option. Expect the usual 2.0L/2.4L Mivec combination to fall into place. Also, for all you penny pinchers out there, I wouldnt expect a DE sportback either. Most of Youth consumers in the US have acquired ES or GTS models with a slew of options. Seeing that sportback is to be a Youthful utility vehicle, at the most expect ES / GTS/ Ralliart models.
