After its complete makeover in 2008 on a new platform - Mitsubishi's Outlander crossover SUV - the Lancer line has added a new engine and new trim line for 2009. To the three basic trim lines - DE, ES, and GTS - a high-performance Ralliart trim joins the lineup.

An all-aluminum 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 152 hp (9 hp less in California) powers the DE and ES levels. Power is transmitted through a five-speed manual transmission or the optional continuously variable automatic transmission.

Move a step up to the GTS and you'll get a new 2.4-liter variant of the base engine that produces 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Both the 2.0-liter engine and its new bored-and-stroked big brother feature 16 valves and MIVEC, Mitsubishi's variable timing system on both intake and exhaust cams. To further increase smoothness, balance shafts have been incorporated. The GTS comes standard with a five-speed manual and offers a paddle-shifted Sportronic CVT transmission as an option. EPA estimates are 21/28 mpg for the manual and 21/27 mpg for the CVT. Traction control, xenon headlamps, and rain-sensing wipers are options at this level. Motor Trend estimates a 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds with the five-speed manual.

A big high-performance jump comes with the Ralliart, which is basically a baby Evo sporting a detuned version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 235 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. Power is pumped through the Evo's twin-clutch automated six-speed manual transmission, which drives all four wheels via Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential - a multi-plate clutch differential that's electronically controlled to send torque where it's needed through front helical and rear mechanical limited-slip differentials. The Ralliart also features twin exhaust tips and numerous options.

The Lancer cabin seats five comfortably and retains its upscale appearance from the 2008 makeover. Rear seats feature a 60/40 split in the ES and GTS trims, and a CD stereo is standard at these trim levels. The GTS also offers an optional nav system and keyless entry system. The DE base trim offers ABS and air-conditioning as options.

Standard safety features include front seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags with a driver knee airbag, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. ABS with brakeforce distribution is standard on the ES and GTS and optional for the DE line.