2005 Mitsubishi Galant GTS V6 Road Test

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.