THE Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is a hot hatch with a fierce, pavement-eating face and a performance option to back it up.

It is a step-up model from the Lancer sedan and is sold in two trim levels — the front-wheel-drive GTS and the all-wheel-drive Ralliart, today’s test car.

The Sportback GTS emphasises style with utility and economy. It has a 168-horsepower, 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a choice of five-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission. Pricing starts at $19,910; add $1,000 for the CVT. Fuel economy is 21/27 mpg with the CVT, 20/27 manual.

Ralliart is, essentially, a detuned version of the high-performance Lancer Evolution 10, made famous from appearances in the Fast and Furious films.

With a starting price of US$28,310, it has a potent powertrain of a turbocharged, 2-litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed Sportronic twin-clutch automated-manual transmission with Normal and Sport modes. Mitsubishi claims 237 hp, but most enthusiast magazine tests put it closer to 250 hp. Power is distributed through an Active Center Differential.

And it feels it. Compared with the entry-level model of Mitsubishi’s higher-priced Lancer Evo, the Sportback Ralliart has about 80 percent of Evo’s ability, with more compliance and comfort for about $10,000 less.

Sport mode is engaging for enthusiasts to fire off quick shifts. Large, magnesium shift paddles are mounted to the steering column, not the wheel, so they are in fingertip reach even when the wheel is turned.

I flipped between Sport and Normal modes frequently to keep the performance on edge; it is a true Sport mode with a significant jump in quickness. The engine has a strong sound when the revs are raised, and it gives a big rev on manual downshifts.

It is a satisfying car to drive and the driver position encourages two hands on the glove-soft, leather-wrapped wheel. Seat support is good, even without lumbar adjustment, and the tall seat height allows comfortable entry and exit. Sightlines are good all around, maybe better than in the sedan.

The back seat has a narrow entry space for feet, but there is decent foot room and a raised bench seat. The centre position has an adjustable head restraint and the transmission tunnel is low, which doesn’t compromise foot space or riding comfort.

Mitsubishi has improved the appearance of its plastics and has added a layer of sophistication with a metallic-like trim strip along the instrument panel and extending into the doors. However, the back seat area is less refined and rough edges of plastic are noticeable.

The Sportback is slightly longer than the sedan version, but cargo capacity is huge when the 60/40 back seat is folded. The cargo opening is about 3 feet wide and tall, with room on the sides to stash other gear. Seatback releases in the cargo area are a considerate addition.

Standard Ralliart equipment includes Mitsubishi’s FastKey entry and starting system, Ralliart logo floor mats, aluminum-trimmed pedals, rear wing spoiler and Yokohama Advan summer performance tires on alloy wheels. Options include front Recaro sport seats, a navigation system with rearview camera and a Rockford-Fosgate audio upgrade.

SPECS BOX

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback RalliartBody style: midsize, five-door, five-passenger, all-wheel-drive hatchback

Engine: 237-horsepower, 2-litre four-cylinder with single scroll turbocharger and intercooler

Transmission: six-speed Sportronic, twin-clutch automated manual

EPA fuel economy estimates: 17 mpg city, 25 highway; premium fuel recommended

Cargo space: 13.8 to 46.6 cubic feet

Length/wheelbase: 180.4/103.7 inches

Curb weight: 3,572 pounds

Standard equipment includes: FastKey entry and starting system; Ralliart logo floor mats; aluminum-trimmed pedals; rear wing spoiler; front console accessory box; power locks-windows-mirrors; air conditioning with micron filter; sport meter gauges; six-speaker, 140-watt CD/MP3 audio system; fog lights; 214/45 18-inch Yokohama Advan summer performance tyres on alloy wheels

Safety features include: seven air bags including driver’s knee bag; hill-start assist; active stability control; traction control; ABS with electronic brake-force distribution

Base price: $28,310, including $720 freight charge

Where assembled: Japan

Warranties include: fully transferable five-year/60,000-mile powertrain package with five years of roadside assistance and three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited coverage

(Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at Mark.Maynard@uniontrib.com.)