2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
12/10/2003
Greg A. Godsell
There are three different ways to get a fancy looking Lancer sedan. There is the OZ Rally package which is only fancy wheels and a spoiler. There is the outrageously fast 270hp AWD Lancer Evolution. Somewhere in between lies the Lancer Ralliart. Akin to the MAZDASPEED Protege, the Ralliart uses a number of Mitsubishi-offered aftermarket components to boost the performance and appeal of the Lancer while keeping the price somewhat affordable to their target market.
We've driven the OZ. It's not worth your time. We've lamented every day that has passed since we last drove the Evolution, but honestly, the $30K sticker and potential upkeep costs would keep the Evolution from being a daily driver for a lot of folks.
That's where the Lancer Ralliart fits in. A 160hp 2.4-liter adds some much needed power to the base model. Trim bits and wheels add flair to the outside. A healthy stereo adds lots of thump on the inside. At around $18k, that represents about $10k less than an Evolution.
Open the hood to look at the MIVEC engine. It's nice looking. But the first thing you will notice will be the bright red strut tower brace. Mitsubishi must have wanted you to notice it. There are unique wheels and a smallish spoiler. Outside the engine and wheels/tires, the balance of the Ralliart package is some trim bits here and there.
My preconceived notion going into this test drive was that this car was going to have factory-tuned car manners, like the Mazdaspeed Protege we drove last summer. I'm happy to report that this is not the case. Mitsubishi put sensible changes in the Ralliart. The ride is not too rough, yet the handling is reasonably capable. The extra horses in the MIVEC engine provide smooth acceleration and quick response around town. This car inspires confidence in its abilities.
Overall, this is a pretty good car for the money. It has decent acceleration. It looks good. Is it better than a Civic SI? or Sentra SE-R? Maybe not. It's a more useful compact car for passengers than either one of the others. It's got a little more room where it counts. It is solid. Handles well. $18k seems pretty reasonable.
