The Ralliart Lancer actually has the same 'square' 2.0litre engine as the EVO – just detuned a touch with a smaller turbo.  The Ralliart puts out 177kW of power and 343Nm of torque compared with the EVO's 217kW and 366Nm.
The Ralliart is only available with Mitsubishi's brilliant 6 speed twin clutch transmission, the same clutch pedal-less transmission we first experienced in the EVO MR last year.  A few so called purists still reckon they can change gears better than a computer but I readily admit the twin clutch concept can change gears faster, smoother and with a lot less wear and tear than I ever could.  The gearbox is controlled by steering column paddles or by the gear shift lever and can be driven in manual or auto.  A separate switch selects sport mode which makes for quicker changes and varies the shift points.  The only time the gearbox becomes just ever so slightly clunky is when crawling in first gear in heavy traffic – you can hear and feel the clutch engaging and disengaging - but your left leg doesn’t complain.
In auto mode around town the car is in 6th gear before you can say “dual-clutch”, making for great economy but not a lot of fun.  My only real gripe, as for the EVO, is that the paddles don't move with the steering wheel.  I know it’s normally not considered 'proper' to change gears while cornering, but there are circumstances where it's essential, and this is why I'd prefer the paddles to turn with the wheel.
While EVO has Mitsubishi's Super All Wheel Control System (S-AWC) with its 4 inter-related components – ABS, ACD (Active Centre Diff), ASC (Active Stability Control) plus AYC (Active Yaw Control), the Ralliart makes do with only the first three.  This “detuned” AWC system is brilliant, notwithstanding.  Gravel roads at speed feel like freshly laid tarmac in a regular car.  Even deeply stacked gravel along the edge of one of our favourite country roads failed to faze the Ralliart – it showed no inclination to ‘tram-track’ and the left side of the car could be steered into and out of the gravel at speed without fear. The heart of the system is the Active Centre Diff which can be switched from its normal ‘Tarmac’ state to ‘Gravel’ or ‘Snow’.  This electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch varies the torque split front to rear depending on the setting dialled in, while aiming to provide the ideal balance between traction and steering response.  It does the job well. 
Our test car was the 4 door sedan but the Ralliart is also available in Lancer's 5 door Sportback body.  To get to our secret gravel road we first need to negotiate a lengthy freeway drive.  This Lancer is a comfortable tourer on the open road with climate & cruise control, Bluetooth, a 6 disc CD and MP3 compatible sound system.  The Bluetooth, Cruise and Audio controls are all sensibly mounted on the steering wheel.  Dusk sensing lights and rain sensing wipers are standard and there are plenty of storage places and bottle holders etc. to suit driver and passengers alike.  The freeway is followed by a very demanding, narrow, twisty and undulating tarmac road.  The latter is where the Ralliart shines – almost as brightly as on the gravel.  Here it’s the gearbox which stands out.  In Tarmac/Sport/Manual modes the Ralliart simply excels but it’s this sort of terrain where you need moveable paddles.
Inside, the Ralliart shares the EVO steering wheel but not the Recaro seats.  The ‘sports seats’ are adequate however and a lot easier to get in and out of than the Recaros.  Seven airbags including side curtains and a driver's knees airbag head the list of secondary safety items and all Lancers rate 5 ANCAP Stars.
Recommended retail price for the Ralliart Lancer starts around $44,000 and it comes with Mitsubishi's 5 year/130,000km warranty including 24/7 Roadside Assist for the same period.  The power train is warranted for 10 years/160,000kms.
We love EVO but at this price level and with a warranty like this Lancer Ralliart is hard to pass up.

Test conducted February 2010
Test vehicle courtesy Mitsubishi Motors Australia