The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is a real impostor. It looks like a typical Lancer and retails for a cheap price – basically, an ordinary sports sedan. But once you step behind the wheel, watch out: this thing handles almost like an Evo.
I'm serious. Throughout my test week, I had the impression that the high-performance Lancer Evolution had rubbed off on its lower siblings, save for a few key ingredients, of course. Heck, that's probably why the Evo is posting disappointing sales numbers and might not be returning next year.
The Ralliart is about to take over as the top-of-the-line Lancer (for how long?) and it makes sense. This is much more than a relatively-affordable sports car.
Nearly identical
Let's face it, the Ralliart and Evo look awfully similar. To be clear, though, I'm not the biggest fan of the Lancer design. As a wannabe tuner's car, it hits most of the targets but not all of them.
Styling appeals more to young drivers than old ones. However, at $31,798, few can afford a copy. As it stands, the Ralliart doesn't really scream power or performance; it merely tries to pass as a more powerful and higher-performing machine.
This model, after all, rides on the Lancer GTS platform, not the Evo's, although it borrows from the latter its aluminum hood with scoops, prominent front fascia and sport dual exhaust.
Meanwhile, the interior is surprisingly dark and plain; I expected a bit more flair and bling. Mitsubishi designers slightly revamped the dashboard and the steering wheel for 2011, but you'd be hard-pressed to tell. Overall, the layout drives home a solid point, but the simplicity of it all kind of turned me off. Thank God for the front buckets, which are generously bolstered almost like true sports seats.
I'm serious. Throughout my test week, I had the impression that the high-performance Lancer Evolution had rubbed off on its lower siblings, save for a few key ingredients, of course. Heck, that's probably why the Evo is posting disappointing sales numbers and might not be returning next year.
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| It looks like a typical Lancer and retails for a cheap price – basically, an ordinary sports sedan. But once you step behind the wheel, watch out: this thing handles almost like an Evo. (Photo: Mitsubishi) |
The Ralliart is about to take over as the top-of-the-line Lancer (for how long?) and it makes sense. This is much more than a relatively-affordable sports car.
Nearly identical
Let's face it, the Ralliart and Evo look awfully similar. To be clear, though, I'm not the biggest fan of the Lancer design. As a wannabe tuner's car, it hits most of the targets but not all of them.
Styling appeals more to young drivers than old ones. However, at $31,798, few can afford a copy. As it stands, the Ralliart doesn't really scream power or performance; it merely tries to pass as a more powerful and higher-performing machine.
This model, after all, rides on the Lancer GTS platform, not the Evo's, although it borrows from the latter its aluminum hood with scoops, prominent front fascia and sport dual exhaust.
Meanwhile, the interior is surprisingly dark and plain; I expected a bit more flair and bling. Mitsubishi designers slightly revamped the dashboard and the steering wheel for 2011, but you'd be hard-pressed to tell. Overall, the layout drives home a solid point, but the simplicity of it all kind of turned me off. Thank God for the front buckets, which are generously bolstered almost like true sports seats.
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| The interior is surprisingly dark and plain; I expected a bit more flair and bling. (Photo: Mitsubishi) |