Technical

The DE and ES models share the same SOHC 2.4L inline 4cylinder engine found under the bonnet of the Outlander and Lancer Ralliart. It develops 160 hp at 5 000 rpm and 157 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. Both LS and GTS varieties are equipped with the large SOHC 3.8L V6 of the Endeavor. It puts out 230 hp at 5 250 rpm and 250 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. The only transmission made available for both engines is an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic. The V6's has a manual mode called Sportronic. 4-wheel disc brakes, a fully independent suspension and speed-sensitive power steering are standard. The GTS gets a sport tuned suspension and 17" 5-spoke alloy wheels. The other versions feature 16" steel wheels with covers or optional 16" alloy wheels.

On the road

Even if the 3.8L's horsepower numbers are modest for an engine of its size, the Galant moves with ardour. Acceleration is hard and fast regardless of the Galant's 1 655 kg weight. The secret, which it is not, is all that torque. There are, although, two catches tied into one, concerning all this power. You have guessed the first one: high fuel consumption, 14.75 L per 100 km to be exact. The other issue is that Mitsubishi recommends premium fuel for the Galant. A 67 litre tank can easily equal a $70 gas bill.

The 4-speed automatic transmission's reaction times are quick and it is well mated to the large engine. In an upcoming test, I will describe my experience with an Outlander. I will simply say that the 2.4L I-4 severely lacks gusto and does not impress. The Galant is 90 or so kilograms lighter than the Outlander. This weight difference should improve performance for the sedan.

The Galant GTS' ride is firm, just the way I like it. However, I can certainly imagine it being too taut for most potential buyers. The brake pedal is stiff and provides positive feedback. The turning radius of the GTS is quite wide at 12.2 meters. Steering is heavy with a sporty feel but it is still sufficiently assisted for parking manoeuvres.

Safety

The Galant has standard dual front and side air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (not available with DE, optional with ES), traction control (V6 only) and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for frontal impacts and lateral impacts for all passengers. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it "Good" which positions it 5th out of 19 cars in its category.

Conclusion

The Galant suffers the same fate as other Mitsubishi products: they simply are not selling as well as they are built and designed. The competition in the midsize car segment is one of the most ferocious. Even if Mitsubishi has been around for nearly 90 years, the name does not have the same connotation as Honda or Toyota. That is not to say that these products are not reliable or of the same quality, they have simply not yet been given "a break".