2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Road Test

The only major option available on the Ralliart is the "Sun and Sound" package, which groups a bass-heavy, powerful 315-watt

The "Sun and Sound" package groups a bass-heavy, powerful 315-watt Infinity-Mitsubishi sound system with a six-disc CD changer and eight-inch subwoofer. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

Infinity-Mitsubishi sound system with a six-disc CD changer and eight-inch subwoofer, a power one-touch sunroof and side-impact airbags. Leather seat covers, additional pod gauges, and other accessories can be purchased at your local Mitsubishi retailer.

So, what'll the Ralliart run you? A lot less than you might have expected, with a starting price of just $22,188. Keep in mind, all the vitals, such as power windows, mirrors and keyless entry, and ABS brakes with brake force are all standard. In terms of price, it's cheaper than its main rivals by around $2,000, and is (just) undercut by the torque-steering Nissan Sentra SE-R V-Spec, and the Mazda3 GT by a few hundred bucks.

The Mitsu, however, has one last trick up its sleeve, its best-in-the-industry five-year/100,000 km comprehensive and

Mitsubishi has produced a warmed-over compact sedan that's as satisfying to drive as it is to look at. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

ten-year/160,000 km powertrain warranty. The Lancer is also relatively cheap to run, consuming approximately 10.4 litres of regular unleaded per 100 km when driven in the city and 7.4 L/100 km on the highway. Be forewarned: push hard and that figure will easily double; my first tank lasted all of 290 km!

No one said that building up an image of a car is easy work, especially for a vehicle that's lived its life in the shadow of one of the world's most highly sought after performance machines, but the Ralliart has successfully laid the foundations for future sporty Mitsubishis.