been the Lancer, now in its ninth generation worldwide.

While automotive editor Sam Fiorani drove the versatile Sportback Ralliart model (see his review in the sidebar starting on this page), I evaluated the mainstream ES model and the Evolution MR-Touring.

With a price that clearly places it among some premium C-segment competition --the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series, the Mercedes C-Class--would the Evolution MR-Touring's advanced all-wheel-drive and rally heritage give it an edge to compete?

Having driven several Mitsubishi Lancer Evo models over the years, I was first struck by the almost stealthy appearance of the MR-Touring. Gone is the huge, boy-racer rear spoiler, replaced by a clean deck that does little to draw attention to the car. In the absence of the rear wing, the car's most distinguishing visual characteristics are the red Brembo brakes that poke through the forged alloy 18-inch BBS wheels.

Slipping into the tightly bolstered Recaro driver's seat with its luxurious leather seating surfaces (another premium component that helps explain the price differential from the ES), I was struck by the upgraded trim that tries to set the Evolution MR-Touring apart from its more plebian cousin.

Still, I had driven the ES first, and I had a difficult time divorcing myself from the car's humble origins. The interior is built on a foundation of low-rent plastics that scratch easily, as you would expect.