Vehicle: 2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart
Price as tested: CDN$36493

Performance: Ralliart is the performance designation for Mitsubishi products. That means the subject to this test drive is the performance-oriented Galant. This Galant features a 3.8L V6 with Mitsubishi’s advanced MIVEC variable valve timing. That means its 28 more horses and 8 lb/ft of torque more than GTS. Despite it has 8 more pounds feet of torque, its maximum torque arrives 500rpm higher than lesser motor. That means the result isn’t significantly better than its lesser silibing. In the meantime, 28 more horses shows up 500rpm higher than standard 3.8. All those upgrades didn’t created desired effect even with the MIVEC. However, the engine remains one of the smoothest and most responsive V6s in the market. When it revs pass the redline, the extra 28 ponies hang on to itself really well. The 5-speed automatic with Sportronic is a willing partner to this motor. The shifts are smooth and never hunt for gears.

Handling: With 258 hp going through the front wheels, there are 2 things bound to happen. Torque steer and understeer are obvious partners to this Ralliart. Despite of all the chassis upgrades, rebound suspension and steering settings; Mitsubishi engineers still can’t get away from the fact that this is a high horsepower front-driver. Just like all the “Project America” platform I have driven before, Ralliart’s steering is precise and provide excellent feedback. The response is quick without being twitchy. The amount of body rolls are acceptable. Even with all those understeer and torque steer, Ralliart remains a docile and swift sedan to perform through corners.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs, 4-channel/4 sensor and standard ABS; Ralliart’s pedal feel is exceptional. The stopping distance is short and modulation is solid.

Interior: Just after 2 years on the road, Galant’s interior started to feel outdated. There are plenty of cheap materials that are brittle. Both turn signal and wiper starks feel like something made in the 70s. The center console looks bulky even though it offers excellent ergonomics. The leather seats, however, are comfortable and well-foamed.

Conclusion: If the new Lancer and Outlander are the indications of Mitsubishi’s future, the next Galant will be both a contender and great car. The current car, however, has been consistently beaten by its peers.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 MITSUBISHI GALANT RALLIART
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 3/5