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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution / Ralliart Safety Review

August 7, 2009

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Five stars, front and side driver impact; four stars, front and side passenger impact
NHTSA

Good, frontal offset impact; Good, side impact; Top Safety Pick
IIHS

Outward visibility aft and to the right-rear isn't great
ConsumerGuide

With the sort of overenthusiastic driving—and risk-prone drivers—that cars like the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart tend to inspire, it's good to know that the vehicle is certifiably safe. Fortunately, both NHTSA and the IIHS give their respective stamps of approval to the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.

In NHTSA tests, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart earns a very respectable mix of four- and five-star crash test ratings. For both of the driver-side impact tests, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart garners a perfect five-star rating; passengers fare slightly less well, with both passenger-side tests yielding four-star ratings for the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's government scores are impressive in their own right, but the IIHS scores are where the Ralliart really establishes its safety cred. In IIHS tests, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart picks up the highest possible rating, "good," in both the frontal offset and side impact tests. Furthermore, the IIHS awards the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart a Top Safety Pick, citing the Ralliart's "good performance in front, side, and rear tests and optional electronic stability control."

In addition to a solid chassis and structure, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart comes equipped with a full array of safety equipment. MyRide.com reviewers point out that the standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, a full range of airbags, and daytime running lights, along with child safety locks for the doors. TheCarConnection.com's editors also note that a driver's knee airbag is standard on all Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliarts, and an electronic stability control system can be added as an option.

Unfortunately, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart suffers from one notable safety problem: poor visibility. As reviewers at ConsumerGuide report, the "high windowsills impart a slightly closed-in feeling" and are partly responsible for the fact that "outward visibility aft and to the right-rear isn't great, and it's made worse by the available rear spoiler." Poor sightlines are bound to make parking-lot maneuvers more stressful, and out on the open road, the spoiler can often obstruct police cars (a very valid concern for many Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart drivers).

Conclusion

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's body is as sound as they come, but beware poor-visibility lane changes.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Five stars, front and side driver impact; four stars, front and side passenger impactNHTSAGood, frontal offset impact; Good, side impact; Top Safety PickIIHSOutward visibility aft and to the right-rear isn't greatConsumerGuide With the sort of overenthusiastic driving—and risk-prone drivers—that cars like the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart tend to inspire, it's good to know that the vehicle is certifiably safe. Fortunately, both NHTSA and the IIHS give their respective stamps of approval to the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. In NHTSA tests, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart earns a very respectable mix of four- and five-star crash test ratings. For both of the driver-side impact tests, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart garners a perfect five-star rating; passengers fare slightly less well, with both passenger-side tests yielding four-star ratings for the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's government scores are impressive in their own right, but the IIHS scores are where the Ralliart really establishes its safety cred. In IIHS tests, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart picks up the highest possible rating, "good," in both the frontal offset and side impact tests. Furthermore, the IIHS awards the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart a Top Safety Pick, citing the Ralliart's "good performance in front, side, and rear tests and optional electronic stability control." In addition to a solid chassis and structure, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart comes equipped with a full array of safety equipment. MyRide.com reviewers point out that the standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, a full range of airbags, and daytime running lights, along with child safety locks for the doors. TheCarConnection.com's editors also note that a driver's knee airbag is standard on all Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliarts, and an electronic stability control system can be added as an option. Unfortunately, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart suffers from one notable safety problem: poor visibility. As reviewers at ConsumerGuide report, the "high windowsills impart a slightly closed-in feeling" and are partly responsible for the fact that "outward visibility aft and to the right-rear isn't great, and it's made worse by the available rear spoiler." Poor sightlines are bound to make parking-lot maneuvers more stressful, and out on the open road, the spoiler can often obstruct police cars (a very valid concern for many Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart drivers). ConclusionThe 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's body is as sound as they come, but beware poor-visibility lane changes. 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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