I’ve been following the progress of the Lancer Ralliart for quite some time. If you at all follow the countless gallons of virtual ink these fingers have spilled over cars, you know that I’m currently on my second Subaru WRX Wagon. Sure, it’s not as hardcore as the STI. But I can’t afford an STI. And therefore I can’t make payments on an EVO, either (though I do get to drive one). So no Mitsubishis for me (er, maybe one). Well, well, well. Looks like Mitsu is pricing their new Ralliart within my budget. Less than $27,000 is the word on the street. Not bad considering 235 horsepower, 253 torque-power, a dual-clutch SST tranny and the tried, true, black and blue AWD guts from the EVO IX. Jalopnik’s newest editor — Andrew Stoy — wrote a “First Drive” type write up (what did the engineers drive?) where he agrees with me that on a “writer’s salary” the Ralliart is the car to get. Though, in my head, I still call it “Rally Rat.” So, good work Mitsubishi (though Autoblog’s Damon Lavrinc isn’t banking on that price). Now, where’s the sportback?