CYPRESS, California — Mitsubishi confirmed that its U.S. dealers will begin selling the new Lancer Sportback this summer as a 2010 model. The five-door hatchback will be offered in GTS and Ralliart versions. Prices will be announced later.

The Sportback is visually similar in front to the Lancer sedan, with which it shares most major underpinnings and features. A roof spoiler is integrated into the sloping rear hatch, which extends down to the rear bumper for easier loading and unloading. The Sportback's 60/40-split rear seats also have a one-touch auto-fold feature, which further increases rear cargo space.

The performance-oriented Lancer Sportback Ralliart gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 237 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. Additional tech features shared with the Lancer Evo include all-wheel control with active center differential and a twin-clutch six-speed Sportronic transmission with magnesium-alloy shift paddles.

The basic Lancer Sportback GTS comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque, coupled with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Available equipment includes Recaro sport seats, a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium audio system, a hard-disk-drive navigation system and a lane guidance system.