2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Road Test

That extra oomph of the specially-tuned Lancer starts at a lot less, price-wise, than expected. My test Ralliart's

That extra oomph of the specially-tuned Lancer starts at a lot less, price-wise, than expected. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

price tag came to a mere $24,188 with the optional 'Sun and Sound' package that includes the rockin' audio system plus power one-touch sunroof with vent feature and sunshade. The sporty model comes standard with a very smooth and fluid five-speed manual transmission, complete with a Lancer Evolution-inspired sport-shifter assembly, making gear throws short and sweet. A four-speed automatic with manual mode is optional at $1,020.

Add to that, keyless entry, power door locks and windows, heated power mirrors, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), plus air conditioning for $22,188, proving, as Mitsubishi Motors states, that "high performance and value are not mutually exclusive."

Also included in the price is a colour-keyed front, side and rear ground effects kit with rear spoiler, side air dams and

I found that the Lancer's interior design was probably one of its weaker elements. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

P205/50R16 tires with 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, which increase the Lancer's sport-tuned image. While the Ralliart isn't the most uniquely styled tuner on the market, it's not all that bad either.

I found that its interior design was probably one of its weaker elements. Despite its cloth-upholstered front sport bucket seats, carbon fibre-like finish, and neatly organized gauges and knobs, it lacked pizzazz. I would have liked to see some chrome accents around the instrument gauges or even tinted windows, or perhaps some crazy neon lights or just something to funk it up, just to make it that much more exclusive. Okay, I'm kidding about the neon lights, but they do look pretty snazzy at night.