Mitsu's Lancer Sportback to Appear in Geneva

Steadily, the Mitsubishi Lancer family is growing. It started out

with the sedan in various stages of trim. Then, after much anticipation came the Evo X, still a sedan but the ultimate Lancer, and to many, the ultimate Mitsubishi. Now comes a model positioned in between regular Lancer's and the Evo, to fill out the range. Mitsubishi launched the turbocharged, all wheel drive Lancer Ralliart in Detroit, a vehicle seemingly designed to make life for Subaru's Impreza WRX difficult, and now for Geneva, it's going to be the production version of the Sportback, the five-door Lancer.

The Lancer has been on sale as a sedan here in North America for over a year, as well as in Asian markets and Australia, but it hasn't yet arrived in Europe. One of the reasons why is that compact sedans aren't a particularly appealing bodystyle, not at least in comparison to the hatchback. Effectively replacing the Lancer Sportback station wagon, the new five-door is less of a family hauler, but more of a stylish and conventional hatch. It draws heavily from the 2005

Sportback Concept, although some changes have been made. For instance, the new car has a solid C-pillar, where as the Concept had a small window that continued into that pillar.

In Europe, Mitsubishi will offer the Lancer with a much greater selection of engines than in North America. Buyers will be able to choose engines ranging from 1.8 liters through 2.4 liters, as well as a diesel engine for lower CO2 emissions and fuel savings. A turbocharged gas engine (2.0L) from the Ralliart is expected to be offered, and Mitsubishi may even consider offering the Evo X in this package.

We can't wait to see the finished product when it's revealed early next month.