2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Road Test

Push the Ralliart and one thing will quickly become clear - you're more likely to run out of talent (or luck) before the car loses

There is little to be desired when it comes to its interior - this is where the Lancer shows its age most. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

composure. The sharp, tight turn-in can be attributed to a recalibrated rack-and-pinion, which has reduced assistance for greater feel, masking the Ralliart's portly 1,290 kg (2838 lb) curb weight. Both the 205/50R16 Goodyear Eagle RS-As and the 272-mm front discs with ABS and brake force distribution, bite with surprising conviction, which builds the confidence to tackle corners with more speed. Surprisingly, there's little that can upset it through mid-corner; neither jabbing the throttle nor lifting off causes the drama typically associated with front-wheel drive cars. Dare I say, this is the best-handling front-wheel drive Mitsubishi product currently in production.

While I'm head-over-heels for the Ralliart's dynamics, there's a little more to be desired when it comes to its interior - this is where the Lancer shows its age most. Because its design dates back to the '90s, prior to the tall-body styling trend, which is featured in the new Jetta, Civic and Corolla, its cabin is slightly more cramped, particularly for those taller than six feet. Its age also shows in the drab 'Simple Simon' layout of the centre console, with oversized HVAC knobs, and a basic audio head unit. While the Lancer's plastics are hard,

The Ralliart includes eight-way adjustable sport front buckets pulled from the Japanese-market Lancer Evolution GT-A and re-trimmed in a boy-racer red-flecked fabric weave. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

they're durable, and coated in a matte finish to prevent glare and reflection. Two different shades are used, as well as faux carbon fiber to lift the mood.

Other distinguishing features of the Ralliart include eight-way adjustable sport front buckets pulled from the Japanese-market Lancer Evolution GT-A and re-trimmed in a boy-racer red-flecked fabric weave, with faux Alcantara side bolsters. Sporty, white-faced gauges are also included, but they can be difficult to read at times when the headlamps are on; like the dash-top mounted clock, numbers as well as several of the illuminated icons become illegible while wearing polarized sunglasses.