* Click HERE to see a video on the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart *
Geared for the young
Between late 2002 and up until mid-2004, Mitsubishi had one of the most energetic and interesting advertising campaigns in a long while. Their ads featured smiling young men and women driving what seemed to be hot cars to some of the hippest tunes of the moment. They were actually some of the few commercials that my friends and I actually sat through to watch. If we look at the initial sales numbers that Mitsubishi recorded when they started selling cars in September of 2002, the marketing would seemed to have worked. Unfortunately, the effects have not lasted as long as MMSC would have liked.
The Lancer, Mitsubishi's entry level car for North America, arrived along with the company in Canada as a 2003. In 2004, it had already received its first redesign. What was most attention-grabbing was the arrival of the Ralliart version: larger engine and wheels with a sportier look that was reminiscent of the fabled ultra-road racer Lancer Evolution which was and is not available in Canada
A starting price of $15,998 will get you a base ES sedan. $25,818 will allow you to step in an automatic Ralliart with options. We got to test a Ralliart with the Sun and Sound package which retails for $24,798.
Exterior styling
Of the three Lancer versions (ES, O-Z and Ralliart), the latter is by far the
most appealing visually. It is delivered with a complete skirt kit, twin-5-spoke 16" alloy wheels and a lowered ride-height complete with a very necessary trunk mounted spoiler. Our loaner was Phoenix red. The visual difference is staggering when compared to an ES. It looks like it belongs on a rental fleet whereas the Ralliart should be at an import tuner show.
Interior styling
The dashboard of the Lancer is simple and functional. My favourite part is that I can imagine myself behind the wheel of the EVO because the dash is almost identical. The interior plastics are cheaper than their appearance would suggest. The front seats provide oodles more support than they actually look like they would. The driving position is very beneficial as important controls fall well underhand. The steering wheel would be more pleasant to manipulate if it was not so big though. The shifter has tight short throws and the perfectly weighted clutch make quick-shifting a blast.
The Infinity audio system's sound is quite good. The strong bass, which comes from the optional 8-inch trunk mounted subwoofer, is pronounced and may not please everyone. Although, I believe that most potential buyers of the Ralliart will have the sound pumping every opportunity they get.
The Lancer's interior volume is generous: there is plenty of leg and head room for four passengers to ride along comfortably. The trunk is good-sized however the subwoofer does take up some useful space.
Geared for the young
 |
The Lancer, Mitsubishi's entry level car for North America, arrived along with the company in Canada as a 2003. In 2004, it had already received its first redesign. What was most attention-grabbing was the arrival of the Ralliart version: larger engine and wheels with a sportier look that was reminiscent of the fabled ultra-road racer Lancer Evolution which was and is not available in Canada
A starting price of $15,998 will get you a base ES sedan. $25,818 will allow you to step in an automatic Ralliart with options. We got to test a Ralliart with the Sun and Sound package which retails for $24,798.
Exterior styling
Of the three Lancer versions (ES, O-Z and Ralliart), the latter is by far the
 |
Interior styling
The dashboard of the Lancer is simple and functional. My favourite part is that I can imagine myself behind the wheel of the EVO because the dash is almost identical. The interior plastics are cheaper than their appearance would suggest. The front seats provide oodles more support than they actually look like they would. The driving position is very beneficial as important controls fall well underhand. The steering wheel would be more pleasant to manipulate if it was not so big though. The shifter has tight short throws and the perfectly weighted clutch make quick-shifting a blast.
The Infinity audio system's sound is quite good. The strong bass, which comes from the optional 8-inch trunk mounted subwoofer, is pronounced and may not please everyone. Although, I believe that most potential buyers of the Ralliart will have the sound pumping every opportunity they get.
The Lancer's interior volume is generous: there is plenty of leg and head room for four passengers to ride along comfortably. The trunk is good-sized however the subwoofer does take up some useful space.