When Mitsubishi first brought out the Lancer Ralliart to complement its base Lancer sedan and monster Evolution IX, the

Almost an Evo X for about $9,000 less. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

little front-wheel-drive four-door was a paper tiger.  All show and no go, it did nothing to bridge the gap between DE Lancer and Evo, much less show the artistry of rallying.

All that has changed in 2009.  The newest version of the Lancer Ralliart is a true player, boasting sufficient horsepower and updated chassis dynamics to join its big brother as an enthusiast’s participant with enhanced performance capabilities.

The Apex Silver (with black cloth interior) 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart looks mean from first introduction.  With its arched fenders, deepened black front fascia, rear-window-splitting articulated rear wing cum picnic table, pronounced side sill extensions, to the yowl of its large double exhaust pipes, the Ralliart looks – and sounds – ready for primetime.

The ’09

Winged and ready to fly. (Photo: Mitsubishi)

Lancer Ralliart finally got the goods to back up the looks!  Powered by Mitsubishi’s 4B11 single-scroll turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 2.0-liter MIVEC four-cylinder engine, this Lancer has 237-horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 253-lb-ft of torque at a happily usable 3,000 rpm.  The result, as shifted through Mitsubishi’s Twin Clutch 6-speed Sportronic Shift Transmission (TCSST) is road-noshing pleasure.

All that torque at the low end requires a steadfast chassis, provided in the new Ralliart with all-wheel-control (AWD) featuring a computer-controlled active center differential that the driver can adjust for tarmac, gravel and snow settings.  There are helical front and mechanical rear limited-slip differentials to go with standard active stability control and traction control.

The Lancer

Standard 18-inch wheels on 215/45R18 tires are a sticky combination. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

Ralliart has a MacPherson strut Ralliart-tuned front suspension with a strut tower brace, high spring and damper rates and a nice, thick front stabilizer bar.  At the rear multi-link, tuned trailing arms keep the all 3,462 pounds of this sedan firmly planted to whatever type of surface lies below.  Well-tuned hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion steering has a quick 3.16 turns lock-to-lock that results in a turning circle of a lithe 32.8 feet, perfect for quick changes of direction. 

The all-wheel antilock brakes (with electronic brakeforce distribution) are great, too, with ventilated discs, 2-piston calipers and 11.6-inch rotors at the front and 11.9-inch fixed discs that have single-piston calipers at the rear.  Even with 3,500 hard miles on the odometer, the brakes were neither grabby nor touchy.

This

Yes, these are functional vents. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

is a relatively small car but it still has good space for people and cargo.  The Ralliart is 180 inches long, stands 58.7 inches tall and 69.4 inches wide.  It has a 103.7-inch long wheelbase and offers 5.9 inches of ground clearance.  An ample 39.6 inches of headroom at the front is complemented by a healthy 36.9 inches at the rear, as no sunroof is fitted.  Front legroom is 42.2 inches while rear occupants get 36.1 inches.  I found good knee space at the back even with the driver’s seat fully rearward.

Mitsubishi

A well-shrouded, easily legible gauge package. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

fits twin-dimpled gauges including a 160-mph speedometer and a 9,000-rpm tachometer that actually redlines at 6,500.  All gauges are black with white numbers and red pointers and there is no nighttime color change.  A ring of carbon fiber material adds cohesiveness to the front of the cabin, which is otherwise mostly black with only a few satin accents.  A grippy leather-faced steering wheel has audio, cruise and phone controls left, right and at the lower rim.  In addition to the usual cupholders between front seats, there are bottle holders in the front doors.

Paddle shifters are connected to the steering column and the Sportronic shifter can be used with paddles on the fly or by plunking the leather-faced lever into manual and moving it fore (down) or aft (up-shifts).  Once the transmission is activated via a lift ring, all shifts are crisp and quick, with none of lag usually encountered with this type of tranny.  You can manipulate the transmission

A well designed interior that could use a step up in plastics quality. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

in either normal or sport mode; the latter is best used when shifting manually as it holds gears until the engine is wailing in protest.  The Lancer Ralliart’s ECU also holds gears to the max during warm-up, which can get a bit disconcerting.

There were no options on the Lancer Ralliart driven for this test, giving it an as-delivered price of $27,165, including destination.  While it’s wired for satellite radio installation, no such item was installed.  There was no navigation system either.  This Lancer Ralliart then, is a basic vehicle, but one that certainly works extremely well under all driving situations. 

All seat adjustments are manual and it can be raise and lowered.  The steering column is adjustable as well.  No lumbar support is fitted but none is really needed and

One of the best sequential manual transmissions made. (Photo: Mitsubishi)

lateral support is more than adequate during enthusiastic driving.

Mitsubishi fits advanced dual front airbags, seat mounted side airbags for the front occupants and head curtains front and rear.  Rear headrests are adjustable and there is a LATCH system for children’s seats.  The Lancer Ralliart has a tire pressure monitoring system and engine immobilizer to aid passive safety.

Above the three-ringed heating, air conditioning and ventilation controls (simple and easy to use) and the adequate audio system lies an LED display with time, temp and audio information.  At the center of the gauge cluster, one can access info like dual trip odometers, range and mpg by using the “info” button to the left.  All mirror controls are on the door.  The 12-volt plug also doubles as a lighter and there’s a miniature ashtray next door.

The trunk is finished in inexpensive carpeting and has no hooks for the attachment of netting.  The small spare and all tools lie below the floor.  Capacity for the trunk is 10 cubic feet with the rear seats up; no doubt that this more than doubles when the 60/40 fold is utilized. 

Mitsubishi fits the Lancer Ralliart with Yokohama Advan 215/45R tires riding on 10-spoke 18-inch rims.  The rubber has good stick.  Federal mileage figures for this machine are 17/25 and Mitsubishi requires the use of premium fuel. 

This car is a blast! (Photo: Mitsubishi)

My figures over a 300 mile week ranged from an enthusiastically driven low of 17.5 mpg to a relatively sedate (I’m lying) 22.5-mpg over-the-road reading.  At 80 mph, the Lancer Ralliart hits 3,250 rpm en route to its 6,500-rpm redline.

While the Lancer Ralliart feels substantial, the doors do require a good thunk to close and the front of the cabin feels more stable than the rear.  The ride is firm but not jarring and there are no rattles. 

This is a well-modulated machine with grand warranty coverage at 5 years/60,000 miles for the powertrain, 3/36 bumper-to-bumper and 7 years/100,000 miles for anti-corrosion.  Mitsubishi also gives five years of roadside assistance.  The primary source of parts for the new Ralliart is, of course, Japan, but the transmission comes from Germany.  It is finished at Mizushima, Japan before being transported to the States.

You can call the Lancer Ralliart “Evo Lite”, but it deserves more praise than that.  Vastly improved from its previous dismal iteration, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is a fine driver’s machine on its own, one any owner can be proud to happily thrash down the highway.  Smiles not included in MSRP.

Specifications (Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart):

• Price Range (Evo X GSR MSRP): $32,998 – $38,158
• Destination Charge and Pre-delivery Inspection: $1,495
• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: front engine, AWD
• Engine: 237-hp, 253 lb-ft of torque, 2.0L, 16-valve DOHC, I-4 turbo
• Transmission: 6-spd sequential-manual w/ paddle-shifters
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, BA, EBD
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,570 / 1,760 / 1,490 / 2,635 mm (180.0 / 69.4 / 58.7 / 103.7 in)
• Track (f/r): 1,530 mm (60.2 in)
• Curb Weight: 1,570 kg (3,462 lbs)
• Tires: 215/45R18
• Cargo Volume (trunk): 283 L (10.0 cu-ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 12.2 / 7.9 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive – 60/100,000 powertrain
• Competitors: Acura CSX Type S / TSX, BMW 128i, Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Honda Civic Si, Lexus IS 250, Mazdaspeed3, Mini Cooper S JCW, Subaru Impreza WRX, Volkswagen GTI, Volvo C30 T5 / S40 T5
• Website: www.mitsubishi-motors.ca

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(PP) Premium Paint Charge

(P3) Premium Package

(J005) Standard Gloss Paint