Pop quiz: What performs like a high-end sedan — with a stable ride, easy shifting and plenty of maneuverability — but looks like a sports car? The answer: the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. Yes, we know the market is flooded with sedans that are all prettied up, but the Ralliart really does the small sedan segment proud. If you’re shopping for a sedan, you owe it to yourself to take a test drive.
There are various Lancer models and reviewers give high points to the Sportback but we found the Ralliart especially steady and smooth, even in stop-and-go traffic. You may hear some reviewers grumble about engine and wind noise but that certainly wasn’t an issue in our test drives. The ride was plenty quiet.
What was especially pleasing was the Ralliart’s performance, especially the easy shifting of the manual transmission. It was one of the smoothest performers we’ve tested in recent years. Combined with just-aggressive enough braking and acceleration, the Ralliart is an ideal car for a daily drive.
| 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart sedan |
| » Engine: 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
| » Transmission: 5-speed manual |
| » MSRP: Starting at $27,495 |
The downside of the model we drove is the fuel economy. It’s only 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and requires premium fuel. That’s clearly going to knock this car out of contention for some buyers.
Those that hang in, though, will find extras that will also make the daily commute just a bit less stressful. The model we tested had high-tech gizmos galore including a 12-volt accessory outlet, high-end stereo with six speakers, fast-key entry system and more.
Buyers can choose from a variety of option packages that allow them to indulge their various passions. The model we test drove included a power glass sunroof, fast-key entry and USB connectivity.
That’s not to say that standard features aren’t plentiful. Power windows, doors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are among them. It’s just nice to know customization is available.
You may hear some reviewers gripe about the size of the interior, but we found it plentiful. Passengers have a healthy 92.3 cubic feet of space. That includes 39.6 inches of front headroom and just over 36 inches of rear headroom.
The downside is in the rear legroom, which is 35.9 inches compared with a fairly generous 42.3 inches in the front.
You likely won’t want to pack five adults into the Ralliart for a cross-country drive, but it’s fine for a family to get around town.
Another bonus is that although the Ralliart can accommodate a family, its styling isn’t stodgy. In fact, it’s just understated enough to be sophisticated and just handsome enough to be sporty. That sets it apart from the abundant boxy models.
Mitsubishi’s Lancer is clearly a first-class small sedan.
