2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (Video Clip)

Technical

Two engines can find their way under the bonnet of the Lancer. The first is a SOHC 2.0L inline 4-cylinder that puts out a meagre 120 hp at 5 500 rpm and 130 lb/ft of torque at 4 250 rpm. The second, which is also found in the Outlander and Galant, is a SOHC 2.4L inline 4-cylinder that develops 162 hp at 5 750 rpm and 162 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. Two transmissions are available. A 5-speed manual is standard and a 4-speed automatic is optional. Both the ES and O-Z get front disc/rear drum brakes. The Ralliart has 4-wheels discs standard. A 4-wheel independent is stock.

On the road

The ride is stiff although not harsh enough to make the drive uncomfortable. The lowered ride-height, which equals a lower center of gravity, endows the Lancer with sharp reflexes and good handling abilities.

The brake pedal is nice and firm, easy to modulate and response is immediate and powerful. I did detect a little fade after repeated hard braking but it was nothing out of the ordinary. Steering is precise and intuitive.

The 2.4L has tremendous low-end torque which makes city driving a blast. The engine rumble is tons of fun and makes the car really sound like it just left the speed shop. The slick shifting 5-speed gearbox has nicely spaced ratios to make the most of the engine's powerband. Average fuel consumption was of 12L per 100 km.

Safety

The Lancer has standard dual front air bags, optional side air bags (Ralliart only), ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (Ralliart only) and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for both front passengers in a frontal impact. It also awarded the Lancer 2 out of 5 stars (a mediocre result) for the front passengers and 4 out of 5 stars for the rear passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it a "Best Pick" in its category.

Conclusion

Who or what is this Evolution or EVO that I keep referring to? It is only one of the most successful World Rallye Championship cars and, in my opinion, one of the most desirable automobiles on the American market. It sports a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that puts out 276 hp and 286 lb/ft of torque mated to a sophisticated AWD system. This car is a race-bred street car that has an active center differential, Recaro seats, Brembo brakes and looks to tame even a Porsche 911.

As interesting and desirable as the Ralliart can be, the base ES and O-Z versions have very little flavour. The Ralliart breaks down into this simple equation: $22,188 (162 hp, skirts, ride, handling and looks) + 0% interest (occasionally) + 10 year powertrain warranty = an amazing bang for the buck.

Good stuff:
2.4L engine
Front seats

Not so good stuff:
No EVO for Canada before 2007 at the earliest

Competitors:
Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
Toyota Corolla XRS
Mazda3 GT
Ford Focus ST