Lacking the flash and rally-racing credibility of the compact Lancer sedan, Mitsubishi's Galant finds itself serving time as an undistinguished member of the bread-and-butter family sedan segment.
Forgettable styling, reliable performance and generally sturdy build quality have made the Galant a darling of the rentacar community, a fact that hasn't done much for its image.
For 2009 Mitsubishi's looking to improve the Galant's curbside presence, especially considering the much more exciting offerings from Honda, Ford, Chevrolet and Nissan, not to mention the redesigned
Specifications:
All specs are for the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart
Length: 191.0 in.
Width: 72.4 in.
Height: 57.9 in.
Wheelbase: 108.3 in.
Base price: $27,299
Price as tested: $29,424
Engine: 3.8 liter DOHC V6
Drivetrain: five-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 258 @ 5750
Torque: 258 @ 4500
Est. mileage: 16/25
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Mazda6 that's due shortly.
To this end, the Galant gets a reskinned body with more distinctive curves and a new silhouette. New four- and five-speed transmissions and improved performance for the range-topping Galant Ralliart also help to freshen the lineup.
The redesigned Galant looks nice, with additional chrome emphasizing the reshaped grille, multi-lensed taillights that look like custom units, and a new hoodline with a lower air intake. Out back, the rear window is larger, for better visibility. 17-inch wheels are standard.
To set it apart from the rest of the family, the Ralliart gets unique, wide-profile 18-inch wheels and special badging.
Inside, cheap-looking plastic trim on the dash clashes with the more upscale black wood and chrome on the console, betraying the Ralliart's rentacar roots. Seating is comfortable, and the perforated leather chairs with contrasting stitching are available with heat. Rear-seat passengers will appreciate the generous legroom. The Galant Ralliart includes sport aluminum pedals, a glass sunroof and automatic climate control as standard equipment, and a navigation system is available.
Unfortunately, just as the upgraded trim and equipment are catching your attention, the much cheaper-feeling door pulls and armrests from the standard car are falling under your fingertips, spoiling the impression.
The Galant Ralliart does the basics nicely, but falls short of feeling truly special.
The Ralliart shares its engine with Mitsubishi's Eclipse GT sports car, and the 3.8 liter V6 twists out 258 horsepower. This DOHC engine features Mitsubishi's MIVEC variable valve timing, with a somewhat sensitive throttle that's hard to modulate at low speeds. If you're expecting hard-edged Lancer Evolution-like performance, you'll be disappointed; unfortunately this car is a few pounds heavier than the Eclipse GT, so the 3.8's power doesn't go quite as far and its visceral punch is swallowed up by the car's bulk. In the end, the Galant Ralliart's performance feels solidly mid-pack, though its six-second 0-60 run is nothing to scoff at. Downshifts from the five-speed automatic transmission are quick and drama-free.
The Galant Ralliart gets a unique suspension compared to the rest of the lineup. MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear are augmented by stiffer shocks and springs, an anti-roll bar at the rear, and the 18-inch wheels. Traction control is also standard equipment.
The Ralliart is compliant and comfortable on the freeway and in the curves, communicating more like a family sedan than a sports sedan.
Larger disc brakes are also part of the Ralliart package. Response from the rack and pinion steering is acceptably quick; the Ralliart succeeds in not being completely dull.
Perhaps the Lancer Evolution and Ralliart have set the bar too high, but the Galant Ralliart comes off as less special than Mitsubishi's other performance cars. As a slightly sporty family sedan, it works fine, but Nissan, Audi and Mazda have executed the four-door sports car theme more successfully. That said, the Galant Ralliart is decent to drive, and its nicely loaded $27,299 starting price is attractive as well.
source:coloradodaily
