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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution / Ralliart Review

August 7, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Dressed up with unique, Evo-like front and rear fascias
ConsumerGuide

It's parts-bin engineering, but the good kind
Jalopnik

Face doesn't look quite as mouth-agape-rocket-sled-guy
Motor Trend

There was a time when Subaru's WRX line of turbocharged models was the uncontested king of budget road rockets, but that time has passed—for in 2009 Mitsubishi has reintroduced the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, a vehicle that slides right in between the standard Lancer lineup and the rally-ready Lancer Evolution.

TheCarConnection.com's research shows that automotive experts approve of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's exterior styling, which is essentially a hybridization of the Lancer and the Evolution. ConsumerGuide notes that the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is "meant to bridge the gap—both in price and performance—between lesser Lancer models and the line-topping Evolution," although the exterior is more likely to be confused with the top-end Evolution than the standard Lancer. Motor Trend reviewers feel that the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's "appearance is pleasantly less menacing" than the Evolution's, and the "face doesn't look quite as mouth-agape-rocket-sled-guy," while the "rear wing won't draw the FAA's attention." ConsumerGuide observes that the Mitsubishi Lancer 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 Ralliart's hood is straight off the Evolution, and it features a functional hood scoop that is designed to keep the turbocharger well-fed and cooled. Overall, Jalopnik terms the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart "parts-bin engineering, but the good kind."

Inside, the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's cabin will be familiar to anyone who has spent time inside the Evolution. ConsumerGuide reports that the "interior shares several features with the Evolution models, including upgraded cloth upholstery, aluminum foot pedals, and a sport steering wheel," although unfortunately there's still an "less-legible electronic information display" than the kind found on competing models. ConsumerGuide also complains that "some testers find the audio controls to be an uncomfortable reach and its dashboard screen hard to read in sunny conditions." Despite these gripes, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's cabin is vastly more livable than the one found in the Evolution, as Jalopnik points out that the Ralliart "trades many of the Evo's all-out race compromises for a larger dose of convenience and comfort."

Conclusion

It's not exactly a sleeper car, but the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's styling is subtle enough that it won't get mocked at the office.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Dressed up with unique, Evo-like front and rear fasciasConsumerGuideIt's parts-bin engineering, but the good kindJalopnikFace doesn't look quite as mouth-agape-rocket-sled-guyMotor Trend There was a time when Subaru's WRX line of turbocharged models was the uncontested king of budget road rockets, but that time has passed—for in 2009 Mitsubishi has reintroduced the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, a vehicle that slides right in between the standard Lancer lineup and the rally-ready Lancer Evolution. TheCarConnection.com's research shows that automotive experts approve of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's exterior styling, which is essentially a hybridization of the Lancer and the Evolution. ConsumerGuide notes that the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is "meant to bridge the gap—both in price and performance—between lesser Lancer models and the line-topping Evolution," although the exterior is more likely to be confused with the top-end Evolution than the standard Lancer. Motor Trend reviewers feel that the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's "appearance is pleasantly less menacing" than the Evolution's, and the "face doesn't look quite as mouth-agape-rocket-sled-guy," while the "rear wing won't draw the FAA's attention." ConsumerGuide observes that the Mitsubishi Lancer 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 Ralliart's hood is straight off the Evolution, and it features a functional hood scoop that is designed to keep the turbocharger well-fed and cooled. Overall, Jalopnik terms the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart "parts-bin engineering, but the good kind." Inside, the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's cabin will be familiar to anyone who has spent time inside the Evolution. ConsumerGuide reports that the "interior shares several features with the Evolution models, including upgraded cloth upholstery, aluminum foot pedals, and a sport steering wheel," although unfortunately there's still an "less-legible electronic information display" than the kind found on competing models. ConsumerGuide also complains that "some testers find the audio controls to be an uncomfortable reach and its dashboard screen hard to read in sunny conditions." Despite these gripes, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's cabin is vastly more livable than the one found in the Evolution, as Jalopnik points out that the Ralliart "trades many of the Evo's all-out race compromises for a larger dose of convenience and comfort." ConclusionIt's not exactly a sleeper car, but the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's styling is subtle enough that it won't get mocked at the office. 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER RALLIART STYLING | [8 out of 10] ConsumerGuide: "Dressed up with unique, Evo-like front and rear fascias" Jalopnik: "It's parts-bin engineering, but the good kind" Motor Trend: "Face doesn't look quite as mouth-agape-rocket-sled-guy" There was a time when ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2009 Mitsubishi Ralliart takes on a very capable and fun-to-drive group of small sedans and hatchbacks. Its most direct rival is the Subaru WRX; for 2009 Subaru revised the WRX to get more power and a more aggressive driving feel than last year, though it still has a much smoother and quieter ride than the Ralliart. The Subaru is also tops in its class for safety and one of the few smaller cars named a Top Safety Pick. The Dodge Caliber SRT4 sits at the other end of the spectrum; it's a brute, with a peaky turbocharged engine and very firm suspension tuning that becomes hoppy on rough pavement. Its interior allows plenty of road noise, though the Caliber has some nifty features and spacious seating. In between is the Mazdaspeed3, which feels like a tuner car, with sharp reflexes and a powerful turbo engine, but it manages impressive interior comfort and refinement. VW's GTI isn't as overtly sporty; it's a daily driver with good performance and handling, compromised slightly for ride. At the top of the price range, but not all that much higher than a fully optioned Ralliart, is the BMW 135i; it's one of TCC's favorites for those who want a well-rounded performance coupe that offers good comfort.

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See the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution / Ralliart in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

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