2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK Review

Overview

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is the latest addition to the multiple award-winning Lancer line up. It comes with a unique and aggressive styling as the rally-inspired Lancer Evolution with greater flexibility to suit active lifestyles. Its overall length is just a bit longer than the four-door Lancer sedan but gains substantial cargo-carrying flexibility when the 60:40-split rear seats are folded flat by its one-touch auto-folding feature. An entry-level ES model is new for 2011. Fuse voice-activation system is also new and there are a few rearrangements of features between trim levels.

Powertrain And Performance

The Lancer Sportback GTS features Mitsubishi's efficient 2.4-liter engine that churns out 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. This engine can be teamed with either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed CVT automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters. The rear cargo floor of the GTS can be cleverly lowered three inches, yielding 52.7 cubic ft. maximum cargo space. The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart trim has been discontinued for the model year 2012.

Build And Styling

The Sportback, with its signature "jet fighter" grille, can be immediately recognizable as a Lancer from the front. However it is completely new from the C-pillar rearward. It has some premium interior features like those found on the Lancer sedans. The top end Ralliart comes with a standard 140-watt CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers. A 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate Premium Sound System, in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, plus Sirius Satellite Radio is available. A hard disc-drive navigation system with Mitsubishi's exclusive Diamond Lane Guidance to provide route guidance is optional. Recaro sport seats that provide optimal support for the driver and front passenger are also optional.

Safety Features

An advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags, a driver's knee air bag and Active Stability Control (ASC) are standard. Every Lancer Sportback has a built-in Anti-Theft system with immobilizer key, and the Touring Package adds HID (high intensity discharge) headlamps. The GTS is equipped with Reinforced Impact Safety Engineering (RISE), a unibody construction designed to help absorb energy in a collision.