Latest Lancer gets a sporty new sibling

Mitsubishi has announced brand new versions of its Lancer Sportback models for Europe.

The Lancer Sportback and Lancer Ralliart Sportback will include the same design identity that is currently defining the brand, with their inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille.

The Lancer Sportback will be powered by one of three engines - a 1.5-liter or 1.8-liter gasoline engine, or a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine. A fourth engine will be coming later in 2009, a brand new diesel.

The Lancer Ralliart Sportback, meanwhile, will get a sporty upgrade in the form of a new turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC2 engine, mated to a Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission with an active center differential. The Ralliart version will also be all-wheel drive.

Each new Lancer Sportback will offer an "auto-folding function" which enhances luggage compartment convenience, according to Mitsubishi, through adjustable rear floor height and rear seatbacks that can be tipped forward via a lever located in the luggage compartment.

The Lancer Sportback will be introduced into several European countries beginning in the Fall of 2008.