What is it? The Ralliart is an addition to the Lancer line that is wedged between the everyday Lancer small sedan and its sportier alter ego, the Lancer Evolution (better known as the Evo). The Ralliart borrows some styling cues and important components from the Evo. Under the hood is a 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Mated to that is a automatic manual transmission that can run in programmed automatic modes or like a manual gearbox when using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Like the Evolution, the drivetrain of the Ralliart is all-wheel drive. A new active center differential apportions power fore and aft and both front and rear axles have limited-slip differentials. Sporty Recaro seats, Brembo brakes, and HID xenon headlights are optional.

What is new or notable? One high-tech feature is a navigation system with a 30-gigabyte hard drive and a high-end audio system.

CR's Take: While the Subaru WRX became the most popular Impreza, Mitsubishi has forced buyers to choose between the pedestrian base model, and the not-so-cheap all-out performance Evolution. The new Ralliart may prove to be the sweet spot with performance and price in the middle.

When will it be available? Fall 2008.

Consumer Reports New cars: A to Z

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