Not Just Another Midsize Sedan

I like to read. I especially like to read novels that are part of a series by a particular author. For instance, as a child I was

I am baffled as to why and how Mitsubishi can be in such a dire position financially, because the cars are great. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

hooked on Dick King-Smith and his loveable animal tales. I recently jumped onto the Harry Potter bandwagon and I thoroughly enjoy the work of fellow Vancouverite Douglas Coupland. While each book by King-Smith or Coupland deals with different characters, plots, subject matters and issues, at the end of the day, whether or not the book is great, it's the author's unique and memorable style that keeps me coming back for more.

I can relate my experiences with the Mitsubishi Motors brand to the above analogy. Having tested a number of the company's products, I'm hooked. Each Mitsubishi I drive is made with high quality materials, is cleanly finished and possesses the unique and memorable

The Mitsubishi Galant is not a typical mid-sized, box-shaped, plain-Jane kind of sedan. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

styling that makes its cars a cut above the rest. Again, I say I am baffled as to why and how this company can be in such a dire position financially, because the cars are great.

Redesigned for the 2004 model year, the Mitsubishi Galant is not a typical mid-sized, box-shaped, plain-Jane kind of sedan. I find its athletic styling to be much more appealing than that of the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Volkswagen Passat. The 'lean and mean' factor is enhanced by the four-bulb ellipsoid projector-style headlight clusters with smoked lens covers, and the dark-chromed rear ellipsoid combination lamp clusters with crystal lens covers. It's simply not boring to look at.

While its figure looks sporty it also has the engine to back it up, a 3.8-litre, 24-valve, DOHC V6 that produces 230-horsepower at

While its figure looks sporty it also has the engine to back it up, a 230-hp 3.8-litre, 24-valve, DOHC V6 . (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

5,250 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Equipped with the optional Sportronic four-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control and clutchless manual shift mode, I felt the power was nicely distributed through the various gears.

In all honesty, the Galant was the first Mitsubishi I was not all that excited to try out. I thought to myself, "Not another mid size sedan!" But boy was I wrong. Its handling was rather sports-car-like. The four-wheel

I thought to myself, "Not another mid size sedan!" But boy was I wrong. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

independent, sport-tuned suspension was oh-so nice. While other mid-size sedans claim to have a sporty suspension, sometimes they don't feel that way.

But not in the Galant. Taking turns at a good speed is no problem. With its front and rear anti-sway bars, the vehicle is exceptionally stable. It seamlessly glided into tight turns and sharp corners. I felt confident pushing it because the speed-sensitive power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering conformed to any situation, upheld by an effective traction control system. The steering effort is tight, but not so much that it parallel parking or making u-turn becomes a chore.

While the styling was hot and it delivered plenty of get-up-and-go, perhaps it was the interior that made me feel cool driving a

>While the styling was hot and it delivered plenty of get-up-and-go, perhaps it was the interior that made me feel cool driving a mid-size sedan. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

mid-size sedan. Perhaps the interior of the Galant made it feel more sports-car like and less frumpy. Its cabin is top quality. The materials used look rich, the buttons and controls are easily recognizable and, unlike other sedans that tend to have a different colour of lighting for the instrument cluster and the rest of the buttons, the Galant's cabin is illuminated with a uniform blue, which makes it just that much better.

Also included in the inspiring interior is a 270-watt Mitsubishi/Infinity AM/FM/6-disc in-dash premium audio system with eight speakers. A quality stereo is always a bonus on top of an already quality ride. Good tunes, good ride, good times.

Speaking of a good ride, the Galant sports a set of P215/55R17 tires

Even in wet conditions, it was ready to challenge the curves of the road with confidence and control. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

with jazzy 17-inch alloy rims. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) are also standard with the grippy set of tires. Even in wet conditions, it was ready to challenge the curves of the road with confidence and control.

Confidence is a feeling I had when driving the Galant. Not only did it handle well, it also gave me the confidence that if something were to happen while behind the wheel, there would be an advanced dual-stage SRS front airbag system with seat-occupant and seat-position sensors to ensure a high level of safety. The LS and GTS trims both come standard with front side airbags, as well.

It was tough for me to find drawbacks with the Galant. If I were to be picky, I would say that the visibility out the rear

At the end of my test week I was honestly sad to return the Galant. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

window isn't the best. It sits quite high, which made it a little more challenging to parallel park, but there are worse cars out there.

It's not often that I become emotionally attached to a car, but at the end of my test week I was honestly sad to return it. Why? Because of its high-class interior with incredibly comfortable leather seats front or rear (heated in front), lean and mean exterior and superb handling; what more could one ask for? The Galant also has the most trunk space in its class and offers the best warranty in the business. It's puzzling to see why more of them aren't on the road. Quite puzzling.

Specifications (GTS):

• Price (MSRP): $33,098
• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 230 hp, 250 lb-ft torque, 3.8L, 24-valve, SOHC V6
• Transmission: 4-spd auto with manual mode
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
• Curb Weight: 1,615 kg (3,560 lbs)
• Cargo Volume (trunk): 377 L (13.3 cu ft)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 12.6 / 8.0 L/100 km (19 / 29 mpg)
• Warranty (mo/km): 60/100,000 comprehensive - 120/160,000
• Competitors: Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler Sebring/300, Ford Taurus/Five Hundred, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Magentis, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Pontiac G6/Grand Prix, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat
• Web Site: www.mitsubishicars.ca