The current-generation Lancer sedan has been sold since early 2007. (See a side-by-side comparison of the 2010 Lancer Sportback and sedan.) Mitsubishi has resurrected the Sportback name for 2010, but the new model looks completely different from the one sold in the U.S. as a 2004 model. Whereas that car was essentially a wagon version of that era's Lancer, the 2010 Lancer Sportback is more of a fastback hatchback.

Unlike traditional vertical liftgates, the Sportback's hatch is raked forward, giving it a unique appearance among hatchbacks. The base GTS trim, which is the model I tested, has a standard spoiler above the rear window and 18-inch alloy wheels, both of which enhance the car's sporty appearance.

When I first saw the Sportback I thought it was missing something; the car's design made it seem like its trunklid had been lopped off. I still think the car looks a little truncated, but I give Mitsubishi credit for taking a risk with the Sportback's styling rather than creating just another traditional hatchback.