By Dan Trent
03 October 2008 11:12:50

Paris Motor Show: Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart shown

Don’t get too excited, but the big debut on the Mitsubishi stand is the new Mitsubishi Colt. But before you drop dead in awe, go with the knowledge that this time there’s a Ralliart version.
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart: click images to enlarge
Around 35% of the parts carry over from the previous car, but the new Colt has been redesigned away from the practical emphasis of its predecessor to be lower and wider, and fully equipped with Mitsubishi’s new signature “jet fighter” grill. More of a youth kind of thing, in other words.
 
The Ralliart version – which is really going to happen – gets a 148bhp 1.5-litre turbo engine, but there will be “Clear Tec” green variants, too, offering reduced CO2 emissions. We’re promised the Ralliart will be much sharper to drive than the previous hot Colt, the CZT. Only time will tell.
 
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
Oddly, Paris also represents the world debut of the Lancer Sportback, the car Mistubishi describes as a “sports hatch”, and we describe as ungainly. It’s odd because we’ve actually driven it already. You can check out our on-road thoughts in the MSN Cars review sections. That back end doesn’t look any prettier under show lights…
 
Also on the Mitsubishi stand is the new Racing Lancer. Based vaguely on the Lancer Sportback, this ‘crossover’ racing vehicle is part hatchback, part Paris-Dakar off-roader, all diesel. It’s powered by a new 3.0-litre V6 that will be Euro 5 compliant in road-going form. It is a seriously mean looking beasty.
Alongside this, the Lancer Ralliart looks somewhat subdued. Available in regular and Sportback guise, Paris represents the European debut for this 237bhp model. Still, as a kind of junior Evo we expect it will go down well enough with fast food take away car park aficionados. McBurnout, anyone?
 
Less furiously, Mitsubishi’s i MiEV plugin electric vehicle also makes an appearance, ahead of going on sale in Japan in 2009. Meanwhile, the Shogun, Outlander, and L200 all get an update – including new engines for improved power and efficient, and some extra equipment. Still, a new Colt, eh? Wow.
Mitsubishi
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Paris Motor Show 2008 - your vote

  1. Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?

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  1. Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?
    1. New BMW 7-Series
      12%
    2. Chevrolet Cruze
      1%
    3. Ferrari California
      23%
    4. New Ford Ka
      4%
    5. Lamborghini Estoque
      36%
    6. Lexus IS 250 Cabriolet
      4%
    7. New Renault Megane
      2%
    8. New Toyota Avensis
      4%
    9. Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer
      3%
    10. New VW Golf
      11%
28336 responses,