2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Road Test

A Thoroughly Satisfying Sport Compact

In the Canadian market, as far as Mitsubishis are concerned, Lancer and Evolution are two mutually exclusive entities. While you

Until the five mph bumper regulation is changed, the closest thing Canada will get to the mighty Mitsubishi Evo is the Lancer Ralliart. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

might catch a glimpse of the legendary machine that rewrote the rulebook on performance cars on magazine stands, or at an SCCA Pro-Rally event, it's nothing in comparison to our neighbours to the south, who receive their very own version of the rally weapon.

Since Mitsubishi's entry into the Canadian market in 2001, I, along with most enthusiasts, have been anticipating the arrival of the Lancer Evolution... but four years and three 'Evos' later, still nothing. Every time I ask, there's always the same excuse - problems with Canada's "no-damage" five mph bumper regulation and the car's front fascia-mounted oil cooler (the U.S. makes do with a 2.5 mph regulation). But until our government either changes this ridiculous rule, designed solely to placate insurance companies, or Mitsubishi replaces the current EVO with a new model designed with the Canadian market in mind, the Japanese company at least has concocted a little something to soothe our adrenaline-fueled cravings - the Lancer Ralliart.

First things first: do not confuse the Lancer Ralliart with the Lancer

First things first: do not confuse the Lancer Ralliart with the Lancer OZ-Rally. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

OZ-Rally. There is much more to this machine than the OZ, which is a decently equipped and visually tarted-up version of the basic ES model. Aside from sharing a few exclusive colours with the Ralliart, there's nothing to back up the "Rally" claim its name suggests. To me, the whole model is rather pointless and lacks appeal, particularly when the only major difference is "special" 15-inch alloy wheels, a size that was cool a decade or two ago. I'm also stumped about the partnership with OZ anyway - the Italian wheel maker doesn't even sponsor or supply Mitsubishi's rally team with their wheels. But we're not here to dwell on the marketing ploy that is the OZ; let's move on to the much more worthy Ralliart.