The Ralliart Lancer variants will join the extensive Lancer line-up of Sportback and sedan models, and will provide a logical transformation to the ultimate performance Lancer, the Evolution sedan.

The Ralliart brand is legendary in performance car circles, with a proud heritage of designing vehicles with a strong and robust character, truly capable of excelling in the gruelling world of the WRC (World Rally Championships) and the Paris to Dakar Rally.

According to MMAL president and chief executive officer, Robert McEniry, the Ralliart Lancers are targeted squarely at a specific audience.

“These vehicles will appeal to true motor sport enthusiasts - women and men who love to drive and relish a sporting image.

“There is no denying that these vehicles have attitude, and in true Mitsubishi style, they have the pedigree and performance to live up to the hype,” Mr McEniry said.

Styling is indeed a stand out attribute of these vehicles. Aggressive body work including colour coded front and rear bumpers, front, side and rear air dams, black Ralliart grilles, bonnet outlets, dual chrome exhaust finishers and signature badges clearly signal the Ralliart Lancers’ performance intentions.

Available in either Sportback or sedan body styles, the Ralliart Lancers share a retuned version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged and intercooled DOHC four-cylinder engine that powers the Lancer Evolution, and which generates 177 kW of power @ 6,000 rpm and 343 Nm of torque at 4,750 rpm.  Importantly, all Ralliart Lancers will come standard with the acclaimed Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST) – complete with steering wheel paddle shifters - from the Lancer Evolution.

The inclusion of the TC-SST as standard on the Mitsubishi Ralliart Lancers give them unique advantage over their competitors in this hard fought segment and allows the driver to exploit the superior shifting control and time advantages this cutting edge technology offers.

In addition, the Ralliart Lancers will share much of the technical enhancements that make the Lancer Evolution a dynamically superior vehicle when it comes to safety, handling and vehicle control. The all-wheel drive system, including Active Traction Control, Active Stability Control, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, Active Centre Differential and Electronic Control (with console mounted switch) and Rear mechanical Limited Slip Differential all transfer from the Evolution to provide a seamless and safe – yet spirited - driving experience.

Vehicle dynamics are further supported by the high performance suspension, including front McPherson strut suspension and rear multi-link suspension, front and rear stabiliser bars and front strut tower bar.

And while there’s no doubt the Mitsubishi Ralliart Lancers are all about performance and style, creature comforts are not neglected. Serious drivers are well accommodated by the three-way adjustable front seats, complete with Ralliart sports cloth trim, replicated on the 60/40 split rear seats.

Aluminium pedals, deluxe floor console, leather accents to the sports steering wheel, gearshift and parking brake and the geometric print instrument, door and shift panels and front console complete the inside design ambience. Power windows, Smart Key central locking, automatic dusk sensing headlamps, automatic rain sensing wipers and climate control air conditioning ensure occupants enjoy features usually found only in luxury vehicles.

In addition, the Lancer Ralliart Sportback includes one touch folding rear seats, a handy rear height adjustable cargo floor to increase storage space, and a cargo cover to keep your valuables well protected.

With all this on offer, one could be forgiven for thinking that options were superfluous. However, Mitsubishi understands their drivers’ requirements well, and includes a comprehensive list of additional features including a sensational Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers as a stand alone option, or teamed with an electronic sunroof, or finally, an option package which includes the Rockford Fosgate, the sunroof and the acclaimed Mitsubishi Multi Communication System.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Lancers will be looking good in a variety of colours, including Cool Silver, Red Metallic, Solid White, Black Mica or Lightning Blue.

And finally – performance car fans will be very impressed with Mitsubishi’s excellent news on pricing. Meeting its competitors head on, the Mitsubishi Ralliart Lancer Sportback and sedan are available for an extremely aggressive $42,490 (RRP) – including the standard TC-SST.

In launching the Ralliart Lancers, an enthusiastic Robert McEniry said the pricing of the new vehicles was no mistake.

"This is a segment where we have not competed before, and a segment which represents an incredible opportunity for Mitsubishi."

"There is no doubt in my mind that the power and dynamic ability of these vehicles will put some common household name competitors completely in the shade. And we have the added advantage of TC-SST, at this extremely competitive price."