• Mitsubishi adds Lancer Ralliart and Sportback models to its lineup for 2004.
• Both of those new models as well as the Outlander SUV are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that uses new MIVEC technology to produce 160 horsepower.
• The Lancer Ralliart also has special suspension and transmission tuning and a look that will appeal to those who like their cars fast and furious.

Mitsubishi Motors offers more performance, variety and value in its 2004 product line to attract young families and spirited enthusiasts, and hopes to build in these market segments a loyalty to the Mitsubishi brand.

There seems to be something for everyone. In addition to the Lancer Evolution, Montero, Endeavor, Eclipse, Diamante and Gallant, Mitsubishi has a new, tuner-inspired Lancer Ralliart high-performance version in Lancer sedan and new Sportback wagon models, the car-based Outlander SUV with its distinctive styling as well as the versatile new Sportback wagon in family hauling trim and the base Lancer sedan.

The big news from Mitsubishi for 2004 is its new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control) offered in all but the base Lancer.

The MIVEC system, controlled by an oil pressure valve, features separate cam profiles for high and low engine speeds, which means higher maximum power and increased usable torque over a wide range. When the right foot goes down hard, the system extends the duration and stroke of the intake and exhaust valves for increased power.

Complementing the engine's top end, and following the age-old hot rodders trick, the intake manifold interior is smoothed and the intake runners are longer for greater efficiency and power. The engine also gains additional power from reduced backpressure, courtesy of a larger diameter exhaust system and large volume catalytic converter and muffler.

The stout little breathing machine churns 160 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 162 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The observant will detect a slightly aggressive tone in the exhaust note and appreciate the aluminum rocker cover.

The new engine is a welcomed improvement over the 2.0-liter engine producing 120 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 130 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm, which is still used in the base Lancer.

For enthusiast drivers, the star of the Mitsubishi line is the Ralliart, which is the American production version of the Evolution GT-A rally racer that has achieved a stellar name for Mitsubishi in the sport.

Transmission gear ratios in the five-speed manual are set to best use the engine's torque band and a triple synchro is added to second gear. The feel of the shifter, taken directly from the Evolution, boasts 12 percent shorter throws, which is noticeable from the standard version.

The Ralliart Lancer sedan and Sportback are equipped with sport-tuned suspension, including shock-damping increases of 150 percent in front and 85 percent in the rear to reduce body roll by limiting weight transfer. The front spring rate increased 20 percent to offset the additional weight of the larger engine.

Engineers increased the diameter of the steering rack, which improves steering stiffness and provides a sportier feel, and increased the size of the brake caliper piston and brake booster capacity to improve the feel of the pedal for the standard equipped ABS system. An Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (ABD) system aids traction control.

The Ralliart comes with standard 16-inch Euro-flange wheels mounted with 205/50 all-season tires give the package a sporty look and performance feel.

Both the Lancer and Sportback Ralliart versions have standard front side-impact bags and driver and front passenger air bags.

Cosmetically, front and side air dams, fog lights and a rear spoiler enhance the appearance of sedan and wagon. Sport bucket seats sourced from the Japanese-market Evolution GT-A complete the performance package and are quite nice additions, comfortable and supportive.

The Ralliart version in sedan and Sportback models makes an enjoyable driver, competent and comfortable in city traffic and around the winding hills north of Los Angeles where we put it through its paces. Don't expect the stars and the moon from the 160 horses, but power is quite adequate. The front-wheel drive understeer characteristics we'll just have to live with, and torque steer is more fun than problematic.

The Sportback, even in the more sedate LS model, carries the 2.4-liter engine, though it's mounted to a four-speed Sportronic shiftable automatic transmission, and the Sportback provides a useable 60.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded down and 24.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up.

Mitsubishi is targeting the Outlander for young families. The Outlander SUV, also using the new engine and shiftable automatic transmission, is not a truck, but more of an aggressive station wagon. It has a civilized ride height compared to many SUVs, which makes the extra lifting heft of getting in and out barely noticeable, though it doesn't offer a commanding view of the highway. The cargo area with rear seats down is 60.3 cubic feet.

Get sporty about the Outlander with extras such as a tubular roof rack, large rear spoiler, color-keyed side mirrors, privacy glass, fog lamps, 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and clear tail lamp lenses. Inside, the XLS upgrade comes with a white-faced instrument cluster. The headrests are open enough to see through.

For the value minded, the base Lancer ES sedan employs the smaller engine, which shouldn't be a factor to buyers considering a car at its price point, and it is well equipped. The list includes halogen headlamps with auto-off, intermittent wipers, rear window defogger, 14-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, air conditioning, wood grain accent panels, tilt wheel, power windows, power door locks, and driver and passenger air bags and more.

With performance and variety aside, the value piece of Mitsubishi's strategic equation looks like this: The Lancer ES begins at $14,000, the Ralliart Lancer at $18,000, the Sportback at $17,000 for the family version and $19,000 for the Ralliart version. The line gets to dealers in September.

The line is worth a look, no matter which model excites you.