The 2009 Ralliart is meant to bridge a gap--both in price and performance--between lesser Lancer models and the line-topping Evolution.
The Car
Ralliart is meant to bridge the gap--both in price and performance--between lesser Lancer models and the line-topping Evolution. Due in September, the Ralliart should have a base price around $27,000, which would place it squarely within reach for those buyers who aspire to an Evo but either don't have the cash or prefer something a little more toned-down for daily driving. The manual-transmission Evo GSR bases at $32,990 and the automatic-equipped Evo MR starts at $38,290, so the Ralliart should slot in nicely between those models and the more-mainstream Lancer GTS, which checks in at $18,990 with a continuously variable transmission.
The Ralliart is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that is similar to the powerplant found in the Evo, but this engine makes 237 horsepower, instead of the Evo's 291. Like the Evolution MR, the Ralliart comes only with a 6-speed "twin-clutch" automated manual transmission. Like both Evolution models, the Ralliart comes only with all-wheel drive. The AWD system adjusts the amount of torque assigned to the front or rear wheels based on different driving conditions. The system can be set to adjust for road conditions via a "Tarmac, Gravel, Snow" selector.
The big-brother Lancer Evolution shares its scooped hood with the Ralliart, but not its bulging, wide-body fender panels. Ralliart wears the smooth-sided body panels of standard Lancers, but is dressed up with unique, Evo-like front and rear fascias and black taillight bezels instead of red.
The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart should have a base price around $27,000 when it goes on sale in September.
Keyless entry and starting are standard on Ralliart, as is a stereo with MP3 capability. An available Sport Package adds premium audio with a 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio, and sport bucket seats. Also available is a navigation system that provides real-time traffic information and includes a 40-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files.
The Drive
Consumer Guide recently had the chance to drive the Ralliart--along with an Evo MR and a manual-transmission GTS--on the streets of north suburban Chicago. Our back-to-back-to-back seat time was revealing.
For the most part, the Ralliart performs the way its specifications would suggest. After stepping out of the Evo, the difference in steering feel is the first thing that jumps out at the driver. While the Evo has razor-sharp steering that gives instantaneous response to every input, the Ralliart feels notably more relaxed. On-center feel is far less tight, but the car still supplies more-accurate feedback than the GTS. In terms of ride quality and outright handling prowess, the Ralliart again finds a happy middle ground. Its sport suspension provides sharper moves than a GTS, but a less-punishing ride than an Evo.
Ralliart's acceleration is brisk once the car is underway, but a predictable step or two behind Evo. The automated-manual transmission allows drivers to shift manually via steering-wheel paddles or the console-mounted shifter, or to simply leave it in automatic mode and forget it. The gearbox operates seamlessly in automatic mode, and shifts are timely in manual mode.
The transmission also includes a sport setting that's activated by a console-mounted switch. In automatic sport mode, the transmission holds onto gears for about 1,000 rpm longer before upshifting. In manual sport mode, the gearbox matches engine rpm when the driver downshifts, in order to provide better acceleration out of a corner. Leaving the gearbox in the sport setting is probably not a good idea while driving over suburban streets--the extra revs aren't conducive to good fuel economy or a relaxed driving experience. The sport setting is best saved for attacking twisty country roads.
The Buyer
Mitsubishi may be aiming the Ralliart at Evo-intenders who can't quite get their hands on one, but the real value in Ralliart is that it performs better than the GTS without sacrificing much in the way of road manners. In suburban traffic, the Evo always feels like it's straining on a leash. It's a bit too on-edge for commuter duty; rather, it's most at home on the backroads or a track. On the other hand, the GTS is rather plebeian.
The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart has all-wheel drive and a 237-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Dedicated high-performance fans will probably hold out for a full-fledged Evo. But Lancer buyers looking for something more than the GTS might find the Ralliart tempting.
07.31.2008
