On the contrary, the interior needed little to no nipping or tucking. The cabin layout is simple, refined and functional. The
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| The cabin layout is simple, refined and functional, featuring all the standard amenities expected in its class. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Price-point wise, everyone wins. The Ralliart is the most economic in its class alongside the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V; both starting at $21,998. With the sun and sound package the Lancer's MSRP came to $23,963. What a great price for a great car. Others in its class, like the $24,184 Toyota Corolla XRS, $26,950 Dodge SRT-4, $25,500 Honda Civic SiR, $26,995 Saturn Ion Quad Coupe Red Line, and $29,950 MINI Cooper S, don't offer much more performance for the additional coin - OK, the Saturn and Dodge go like jackrabbits but the others don't feel as quick as the Ralliart. For the money, it's a fantastic car. Only the $21,485 Mazda3 Sport GT offers as much for slightly less money. Choosing between the two would be tough.
Mitsubishi's new warranty might be the deciding factor, however, being that it covers the Ralliart bumper-to-bumper for 5-years or 100,000 kilometers, the powertrain for an astounding 10-years or 160,000 kilometers, plus it delivers a 5-year, unlimited mileage roadside assistance package. The coverage brings peace of mind. Not only would I have few worries during my three to four years of ownership, but as important I'd be able to ask for more when the time came to sell due to a fully transferable warranty. You gotta like that!
When it all comes down to it, the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart proved to be one of the best cars that I've driven in its class. Although I feel it lacks in exterior aesthetics, it looks a fair bit like an EVO, which is pretty awesome on its own. And like the EVO, the Ralliart compensates for its function-over-form styling in every other way.
Specifications:
- Price Range (MSRP): $21,998 - $23,963
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 162 hp, 162 lb-ft of torque, 2.4-L, 16-valve, SOHC I-4
- Transmission: 5-spd manual (optional 4-spd auto)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc with ABS, EBD
- Curb Weight (manual): 1,290 kg (2,838 lbs)
- Cargo Volume (trunk): 320 L (11.3 cu ft)
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 10.1 / 7.4 L/100 km
- Warranty (mo/km): 60/100,000 comprehensive - 120/160,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: Dodge SRT-4, Ford SVT Focus, Honda Civic SiR, MazdaSpeed Protegé, Mini Cooper S, Nissan Sentra SE-R (Spec V), Saturn ION Quad Coupe Red Line, Subaru Impreza, VW Golf GTI/Jetta GLI
- Web Site: www.mitsubishicars.ca
Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.
