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If you’re a fan of the teardrop hatchback design of the Saab 900s of the late ’80s, check out the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback GTS. There was talk again this week of Swedish carmaker Saab, now owned by the Dutch car company Spyker Cars, working on plans to reintroduce the iconic teardrop shape to its upcoming 9-3 (possibly) and...








If you’re a fan of the teardrop hatchback design of the Saab 900s of the late ’80s, check out the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback GTS.



There was talk again this week of Swedish carmaker Saab, now owned by the Dutch car company Spyker Cars, working on plans to reintroduce the iconic teardrop shape to its upcoming 9-3 (possibly) and 9-2 (probably) models.



I don’t think the Lancer Sportback GTS’ passing resemblance to that iconic Saab is completely lost on Mitsubishi, which brags of the Sportsback: “At the intersection of fast and function, you’ll find an ingenious, European-inspired design.”



And, if the rear of the Lancer Sportback GTS reminds buyers of those enigmatic Saabs, then the Lancer’s front grille is an upturned homage to the current Audi grille.



Most importantly, European-inspired design or not, today’s Lancer Sportback GTS provides car buyers with a hatchback option that is stylish and unique-looking compared to the many unimaginative compact boxes out there.



So rather than waiting a few years for your sporty European hatchback, you can be assured that this athletic five-door Japanese compact fills the bill and costs a whole lot less than whatever Saab may come up with.



The 2010 Lancer Sportback GTS, with a manual transmission, starts at $19,190. The automatic version, with a continuously variable transmission and magnesium, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, starts at $20,190. A high-performance Ralliart version, with a 237-hp turbo-charged engine and all-wheel control, starts at $27,590.



The 168-horsepower 2.4-liter all-aluminum engine in the Sportback I test drove had plenty of punch for a car of its size. The Sportsback’s 18-inch wheels, which are standard equipment, and the car’s rigid-body construction are designed to provide better stability at higher speed, if at the cost of a cushy ride.



Although, in all likelihood, the typical Lancer Sportback GTS buyer will be more interested in lap times than riding in the lap of luxury.



The Lancer, of course, also comes in a non-sportback version. The four-door sedan version of the Lancer has a highly appealing starting price of $14,790.



The base Lancer DE comes with a 152-hp 2.0-L engine for that price. The ES model follows. For an opening price of $16,990, on the ES you move up to 16-inch rims and side mirrors and door handles painted to match the car’s color, versus the basic black on the DE.



The Lancer GTS gets you into the bigger 168-hp 2.4-L engine and adds a 140-watt CD/MP3 six-speaker stereo system and Bluetooth hands-free compatibility for a starting price of $18,990.



As in the five-door Sportback model, the Ralliart sedan model includes the 237-hp 2.0-L turbo-charged engine, all-wheel control and an automatic six-speed twin-clutch Sportronic transmission, which Mitsubishi boasts can “click off shifts much faster than any human driver.”



The price you pay for the turbo Ralliart is a little steeper at $27,190. And, again, the 168-hp four-cylinder with 167 lb.-ft. of torque has enough vigor to make sure you’re not left behind at the light.



A sedan or hatchback body style, three engine sizes, your choice of a five-speed manual, CVT automatic or twin-clutch Sportronic transmissions and the availability of all-wheel control make great ingredients for creating a highly individualized, super sporty and affordable ride that is sure to appeal to the young at heart.



A Lancer Evolution model blows everyone out of the water with a 291-hp turbo 2.0-L engine, super all-wheel control, RECARO seats and Brembo brakes for a starting price of $33,590.

Tags: Mitsubishi, is-featured

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Mitsubishi's Lancer Sportback GTS: Different for a reason was originally published by New Orleans Auto Reviews: Mitsubishi. Read the full story by clicking here.