And if you want to drive quick enough to force the brakes to fade two new Lancers join the fray this year to feed your need; the Sportback, a fast and functional 162-hp 5-door wagon, and the Ralliart, also a 162-hp bomb that's just a notch or two below the EVO.

The Sportback and Ralliart are two new Lancer models that join the fray this year. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Rather than attempt to overwhelm you will all the details of each specific model, I'll deal with the Sportback, Ralliart and EVO road tests separately and concentrate primarily on the LS, ES, and O-Z Rally Lancers for the time being.

The Lancer's interior quality is above average, with reasonably high quality plastics, great seats and what looks to be durable materials. (Photo: Mitsubishi)

All models feature an attractive interior, with ample room for five adults - thin ones in the rear seats would be a good idea but few height restrictions apply. The Lancer's interior quality is above average, with reasonably high quality plastics, great seats and what looks to be durable materials. The audio interface is easy to figure out, and kicks out a decent decibel level even in standard 140-watt form. Mitsubishi is smart to deliver an excellent 4-speaker sound system with AM/FM and CD modes to the younger audience it is focusing this model at - LS and OZ models get an extra two speakers.

Other base features include air-conditioning, power windows and door locks, color-keyed grille and bumpers, tinted glass, auto-off headlights and 30-minute timed-off interior lights, a height adjustable steering wheel, center console with armrest and storage, and height adjustable front shoulder belts.