All-new Mitsubishi Lancer plan hatched

Underneath the light disguise is Mitsubishi's all-new Lancer, which will take on the Ford Focus and form the basis of the mighty Evo X.

These are the world's first pictures of the new model testing in the US, where it couldn't escape the lenses of our spies despite taking this corner at some speed in an effort to get away.

First seen in concept form at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year, the Lancer will be sold on British soil as a five-door hatchback for the first time. This test car has four doors and will underpin the sporty Lancer variants.

For buyers who can't stretch to the Evo X's £30,000-plus asking price, the 'warm' saloon will be badged Ralliart, and sold in UK showrooms.

No three-door or estate models will be built, as Mitsubishi is focusing its attention on the popular five-door car, which is set to make up the majority of sales. The new Lancer is due to arrive in the UK in July next year.

However, performance fans will have to wait until the end of October to take delivery of the mighty Evo X. The Subaru Impreza rival features the same 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant as the existing machine, with entry-level variants delivering around 300bhp.