Jill Ciminillo

I have to admit, my first impression of the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback was a kind of disappointment. It looked good on the outside, but the ride was a little slow and uninspiring.

Then again, it didn’t help that I had recently driven the all-new Mazdaspeed3. And. LOVED. It.

But to compare this version of the Lancer Sportback to the Mazdaspeed3 is like comparing apples and oranges. Sure they’re both fruit, but everything else is different.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

So, when you compare the Lancer Sportback to other apples, it actually stacks up pretty well. Other apples on the chopping block include: the Mazda3 5-door, the Toyota Matrix and the Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door. It beats everything except the Matrix on pricing, and overall its 5-year/100,000-mile warranty beats them all.

In terms of looks, ride and handling, I’m partial to the WRX. But then, with a $6K price difference, I suppose Subaru can make sure there’s a little something, something to draw you in. And that would be a all-wheel drive and about 100 additional horsepower.

The Lancer Sportback isn’t sports-car peppy with 168 horsepower. But it does best the Mazda3 and Matrix. So, there’s that. And really, it does what you need it to do. No lagging behind. No scary merges with fast-moving traffic. There’s also just no fun, sporty passing maneuvers and racing sportsters from a stoplight.

There is, however, a lot of practicality and nice standard features. Especially at this price point. You won’t have to pay extra for an audio auxiliary jack, Bluetooth connectivity for your phone, stability control, anti-lock brakes or fog lights. Plus, there are optional upgrades including an automatic transmission, leather seating surfaces, sunroof and navigation, which some of the others don’t offer.

The two downers (and where the Lancer Sportback gets soundly thrashed) is in the mpg department and the cargo volume. The city/highway fuel economy for this compact hatchback is 20/27 mpg. Which isn’t terrible — though I would really like to see some 30 mpg numbers here. But both the Mazda3 and Matrix to a little better. Cargo volume is comparable to a midsize sedan at 13.8 cubic-feet. But all the competitors beat the Lancer Sportback in this arena, the Matrix getting as much as 7 cubic-feet more volume.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

The exterior of the Lancer Sportback has nice long, lean lines that makes it look sporty and fast, even though it isn’t. The arrow-like taillights and angry front fascia combine to form an attractive vehicle. I even like the rear spoiler on this car. Not too large, but just enough to give it some personality.

The interior is simple and intuitive, and I found no major distractions while driving. Plus, the standard Bluetooth made it easy to pair my phone, and I didn’t mind at all that the test vehicle was pretty basic without any options. The black cloth seats were comfortable, and though I didn’t have any spills during the test week, I imagine that cleanup would be easy and stains would be nil. Unless, of course, you’re spilling bleach. That would be a problem.

Since the test vehicle had no options, the as-tested price was $19,935. Not bad for an easy-to-drive car that helps you obey the hands-fee laws popping up across the U.S. However, I do have to admit, that I’d need to take look at the up-level Ralliart model before I could commit to the base model.

That little puppy could be a lot of fun with a 237-horsepower, turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive and a 6-speed twin-clutch Sportronic shift transmission. Unfortunately, you’ll also add about $8K to the price tag as the base price for the Ralliart model is $27,590.

Speed or compact functionality. Hmmm. Guess it depends on how much you can afford.

This week’s test car is a Acura MDX. For more automotive coverage and up-to-date raves and rants on Jill’s car du jour, be sure to visit her car blog, Drive, She Said.

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