Comparo: 2009 Audi A3 2.0T, Mitsu Lancer Sportback Ralliart, Subaru WRX265

Story and photos by John LeBlanc Wouldn't it be wonderful if we lived in a country where we could enjoy 12 months of driving without worrying about the weather? But this is Canada, eh. And that means we face threats daily, whether it's a flash flood in July or a chance of 10 centimetres of snow in January. That's why the idea of a sporty hatchback with all-wheel drive makes a whole bunch of Canuck common sense. But which of these three, new-for-2009 AWD sport-compact five-doors is best from the driver's seat? THIRD PLACE: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart Aided by a turbo, the $33,498 Lancer Sportback Ralliart's 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine sports the most torque of this trio with 253 lb.-ft. Horsepower is also generous, rated at 253. A porky curb weight (1,620 kg) and turbo lag, however, conspire for off-the-line drowsiness. Zero-to-100 km/h in the Mitsu takes over seven seconds – almost 1.5 seconds more than the 180 kg lighter Subaru. The Ralliart also delivers the worst fuel-economy ratings here: 12.2 L/100 km (23 m.p.g.) city, 8.0 L (35 m.p.g.) hwy. Denied the higher-performing Lancer Evolution's active yaw control (that distributes torque between the rear wheels), the nose-heavy Ralliart isn't nearly as willing to leap into corners as its rivals. Like the Audi, there's no available stick in the Mitsu. But at least Mitsubishi's six-speed dual-clutch autobox impresses with its refinement, versatility (Drive, Sport and Manual modes) and quick shifts. With a suspension set up more for high-speed cruising than back-road blitzing, the Sportback Ralliart delivers the cushiest ride here over poorly paved roads. Plus its cockpit offers an excellent driving position. There's also a thick leather steering wheel and the paddle shifters are done right – downshifts on the left; upshifts on the right. The Sportback Ralliart is a relatively swift, refined and comfortable ride, but against the A3 or WRX265 it's just not engaging or fun to drive. WHY BUY? Functional cockpit; dual-clutch automatic; comfortable ride. WHY NOT? Slow; heavy; no available stick; surprising amount of roll in the corners. SECOND PLACE: Audi A3 2.0T Quattro Surprisingly, 2009 is the first year you can buy a four-cylinder A3 2.0T with AWD. This one, which starts at $36,900, features an optional suspension package, which combines with other changes to make this the best-driving A3 yet. Like the Mitsubishi, the Audi comes with a mandatory six-speed dual-clutch autobox – and weighs a lot too at 1,627 kg. Despite the heft – and only 200 hp and 207 lb.-ft. of torque – the turbocharged Audi splits its rivals' 0-to-100 km/h times at 6.5 seconds. Fuel economy is a tad better than the Ralliart at 11.1 L city, 8.0 L hwy (25/35 m.p.g.). With power now going to all four wheels, the Audi is much better balanced in hard cornering. Steering is the best of this trio, but it's not as tossable as the Subaru. The A3's interior is a step up in execution and use of materials. The $3,700 Sport package doesn't help the A3's value, but it does include the magnetic shock system, a must for enthusiasts. The A3 is never as nimble or engaging as the WRX265. But set the suspension in Sport, and it delivers body control, ride quality and balanced handling never before experienced in an A3. WHY BUY? Premium interior; balanced handling; sharp steering. WHY NOT? No manual tranny; magnetic shocks optional. FIRST PLACE: Subaru WRX265 With the largest mill (2.5-litre flat-four), most horsepower (265) and the least amount of weight to schlep around (only 1,440 kg), it's no surprise the new WRX265 is the straight-line champ here – from rest to 100 km/h takes 5.5 seconds. And the Subaru's power comes on in a more linear fashion than the Mitsu and its glacial turbo lag. Once you do come to a turn, it doesn't get all stupid on you. Now using the STi's front upper strut mounts and stiffer front and rear springs and thicker anti-roll bars, the WRX265 corners with much more zip and purpose than either of its rivals. Firm and composed like the German-bred A3, the WRX265's ride isn't nearly as soft as the Ralliart's. But with better performance than the Audi at a price ($34,895) similar to the Ralliart, the WRX is the AWD sport compact five-door drivers will be most happy with year round. (For 2010, all WRXes get 265 hp, in base and Limited models.) WHY BUY? Performance; handling; value. WHY NOT? No autobox.

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