"The all new Lancer Ralliart will provide our customers with another option in the small sedan line-up," Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited CEO and President Robert McEniry said.

"They will get a tougher version of the street-model Lancer's looks, with selected Lancer Evolution performance and technology features, all at an attractive price point."

Powered by a revised version of the new 2.0-litre DOHC MIVEC inter-cooled and turbo-charged engine available in the Lancer Evolution, the overseas specification Lancer Ralliart generates an impressive 177 kW and 343 Nm of torque.

Featuring Mitsubishi's TC-SST (Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission) automated manual transmission, which delivers high-efficiency power transmission and lightning-quick shifting, the Lancer Ralliart also includes a full-time 4WD driveline with Mitsubishi's Active Centre Differential. The unit employs an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch centre differential, balancing drive torque between front and rear wheels according to driving conditions to provide the best performance possible.

The Lancer Ralliart is distinguished from its Lancer siblings by aggressive styling which features an exclusive front bumper design, rear air dam and dual mufflers. An imposing air intake in the lightweight aluminium bonnet serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose - delivering cooling air to the turbocharger while emphasising the vehicle's aggressive front face. Finally, exclusive badging and trim sets the Lancer Ralliart apart.

"The Lancer sedan family just keeps getting better and better," Mr McEniry said. "Our standard Lancer sedans have benchmark levels of safety and great looks, and the all-new Lancer Evolution promises a stellar performance experience when it arrives here in just a few months."

"Add to that this newest variant, the Lancer Ralliart which will provide outstanding sports driving at a very attractive purchase price, and the Lancer range looks very appealing indeed."

Mr McEniry added that all-new Lancer Sportback hatch variant will be coming to Australia within the next twelve months.

The Lancer Ralliart made its world debut just a few weeks ago and is not due to be released in Japan until later this year. Australian specifications of the vehicle will be confirmed closer to its third quarter launch date.

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Specifications
(Overseas Model):