2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and GTS 2.4-Liter

Reviewed by Susan Frissell

The new Lancer Ralliart is a pocket rocket. With a speedo rating of 160 mph, it's real tempting to get this little 4-door sedan up to speed. Hugely popular with the 20-something (and late teen) male set, Lancer's Ralliart version has done well.

The Lancer is available in just the sedan body style, but with a GTS trim level, Evo and Ralliart performance versions, as well as DE and ES models. Much improved over its predecessor, the Lancer now offers standard curtain airbags.

We drove the new 2009 GTS and Ralliart models recently. Very similar, the GTS and Ralliart are both performance sedans.

When Lancer first arrived it was a snappy sedan, but hardly outstanding. It has evolved into something more desirable and with its newly designed front end, now stands out. The other favorite among this age group of drivers is the Subaru WRX, and although aficionados wouldn't confuse the two, their looks were similar. In 2008, the Lancer took on a more aggressive styling to go with all its new and improved technology.

The engine was upped to a 2.0-liter, 152 horsepower engine, and although it feels as though it is a little slow off the starting line, once it kicks in, you're off and running. This, of course, is helped by Mitsubishi's turbocharger with front-mounted intercooler. The 2009 Lancer Ralliart is a much more agile vehicle than its predecessor, and when cornering is quite sure of itself. Equipped with AWD and active stability control with TCL, you'll get a "icy" warning when navigating icy or snowy pavement. The CVT tranny works well and the driver can choose to drive automatically, or with the Sportronic clutchless manual system with steering wheel paddles.

In terms of safety, the Lancer Ralliart is equipped generously with seven airbags and side curtain airbags. A driver's side knee airbag is also standard, and along with engine immobilizer, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitoring system and anti-theft alarm system, all provide the driver a little more peace of mind.

Other standard equipment on our test Lancer Ralliart included Sportronic paddle shifters, full-time all-wheel-drive, leather-wrapped steering wheel, sport meter speedometer and tachometer, multi-information display, retractable assist grips (a plus when getting into these low-slung seats), rear heater floor ducts, Bluetooth hands-free system, fast-key entry system with panic alarm, center console with armrest /storage, 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, 8-way adjustable driver's seat, height-adjustable steering column, dual front cupholders and visor vanity mirrors, front map lights, A/C and cruise.

On our test Ralliart version the only option included the ever-comfortable, form-fitting Recaro seats, high intensity discharge headlamps, an 850-watt Rockford-Fosgate PUNCH audio system with 9 speakers, 10-inch subwoofer, Sirius Satellite radio service and 6-CD/MPS in-dash head unit, $2,750.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and GTS offer a lot for the young car buff, yet pricing for this version is steep. At almost $30,000, you'll want to make sure you'll enjoy driving this kind of vehicle over the long haul. It's quiet and sure of itself and is adaptable to over-the-road driving, as well as local fun-runs. The young drivers in your family, if not pining for one of these, will surely volunteer to do any errands.

The GTS is a little more affordable; our test vehicle topping out at just over $23,000. Our test vehicle came equipped with just three options: Sun and Sound Package (650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Audio System-see above, $1,780); Navigation Package (HDD Navigation w/music server and single CD/MP3/DVD head unit, Diamond lane guidance, Auxiliary video input jack, $1,800) and Rear Wing Spoiler, $180.

Standard equipment includes Performance handling, Sportronic paddle shifters, power steering, A/C, automatic climate control, steering wheel mounted cruise and audio switches, multi-information display, tach, retractable assist grips, driver's seatback pocket, 60/40 split/fold rear seat, seatback with center armrest, 12-volt accessory outlet, remote keyless entry, floormats, etc.

The audio system, as expected, is very good in the GTS. We didn't particularly enjoy the feeling of "bottoming out" when hitting a bump or two. Reminded us of low-riding sports cars of old. Although a fairly comfortable riding vehicle, the Lancer GTS isn't as comfortable as the Ralliart and leaves a little to be desired when driving over various roads.

SPECS

MSRP: $26,490; total vehicle price $29,915; destination $675

Engine: 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve, MIVEC I4, 152 hp., 146 lb. ft. torque

Transmission: 6-speed CVT automatic, with Sportronic

Wheelbase: 103.7 in.

Length: 180.0 in.

Width: 69.4 in.

Height: 58.7 in.

Weight: 2,922 (DE); 2,944 (ES); 3,032 (GTS)

Fuel Economy: 21/22; 17/25 mpg. Ralliart version

Fuel tank capacity: 15.3 gal.

Wheels: 18-inch alloy

Tires: P215/45R18 Yokohama

Warranty: 5 yrs/60,000-mile basic; 10 yrs/100,000-mile powertrain; 7 yrs/100,000 anticorrosion

GTS:

MSRP: $18,990; total vehicle price $23,340; destination $650

Engine: 2.4-liter DOHC I4 MIVEC

Transmission: CVT 6-speed automatic

Specs same

Fuel Economy: 21/27 mpg.

Wheels: 18-inch alloy

Tires: 215/45R18 all-season