The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is a compromise car. With half the sportiness of the mighty Evolution and half the friendly urban dynamics of the base Lancer, it offers a pleasant driving experience in all conditions. Yet, the Ralliart still has what it takes to compete against other sporty compacts like the all-wheel drive Subaru Impreza WRX and the front-wheel drive Mazdaspeed3.
When designing the 2009 Lancer Ralliart, the Japanese manufacturer extensively relied on technologies and features currently found in its vehicle lineup. Obviously, since the car is built on the same platform as the lower-end Lancer GTS, it uses the AWD system of the previous-generation Evo and the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine of the current generation.
Power figures are down, of course, courtesy of smaller air intakes and new ECU mapping. The result is impressive nonetheless, as the little mill cranks out 237 horsepower (54 less than the Evolution), putting the Lancer Ralliart in the upper echelons of its class.
Add to that Mitsubishi's remarkable twin-clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (SST) featuring steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and you get a civilized pocket rocket armed with one of the most effective gearboxes in the entire industry.
Even better: just like the top-of-the-line Lancer, the Ralliart offers three separate driving modes (Snow, Pavement and Gravel) along with a killer All-Wheel Control system. Each mode is different in terms of dynamics and responsiveness, although transparency and effectiveness remain a constant.
What may sound like a random configuration is actually a more than respectable combination of proven systems.
No surprises inside
The interior of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart fails to excite or surprise, however. The layout is plain and decidedly less sporty than the Evo's. True, you'll find a pair of sports seats inside the Ralliart, but the side bolsters are nowhere near as extreme and supportive. They do not hold the body in check as firmly and, unsurprisingly, comfort is not on the same level.
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| The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart making no compromises in daily driving conditions. |
When designing the 2009 Lancer Ralliart, the Japanese manufacturer extensively relied on technologies and features currently found in its vehicle lineup. Obviously, since the car is built on the same platform as the lower-end Lancer GTS, it uses the AWD system of the previous-generation Evo and the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine of the current generation.
Power figures are down, of course, courtesy of smaller air intakes and new ECU mapping. The result is impressive nonetheless, as the little mill cranks out 237 horsepower (54 less than the Evolution), putting the Lancer Ralliart in the upper echelons of its class.
Add to that Mitsubishi's remarkable twin-clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (SST) featuring steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and you get a civilized pocket rocket armed with one of the most effective gearboxes in the entire industry.
Even better: just like the top-of-the-line Lancer, the Ralliart offers three separate driving modes (Snow, Pavement and Gravel) along with a killer All-Wheel Control system. Each mode is different in terms of dynamics and responsiveness, although transparency and effectiveness remain a constant.
What may sound like a random configuration is actually a more than respectable combination of proven systems.
No surprises inside
The interior of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart fails to excite or surprise, however. The layout is plain and decidedly less sporty than the Evo's. True, you'll find a pair of sports seats inside the Ralliart, but the side bolsters are nowhere near as extreme and supportive. They do not hold the body in check as firmly and, unsurprisingly, comfort is not on the same level.
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| Not as violent as the Evolution's, the turbo engine of the Ralliart responds quickly and enthusiastically. |