Driving the Galant Ralliart

2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

Although we find that the front fascia of the car lacks a little inspiration, the rear is striking and distinctive. The rear spoiler is neatly integrated into the trunklid and taillamps, and the overall appearance is subtle.

The cockpit is very attractive, as the red stitching all over lends a sporty and pleasing appearance. Amyot felt that the leather doesn't breathe enough and absorbs too much body heat. We didn't really try out the navigation system, but it's a touch-screen model, which is the easiest type to use. It also displays information such as climate control and audio settings. Curiously, the fuel economy average is displayed in kilometers per liter instead of the usual L/100 km calculation. The average read 8.4 km/L, which means about 11.9 L/100 km.

2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

On the road, the Galant Ralliart comes alive. The suspension is firmed up, but not too much. We feel that Mitsu chose the perfect tires, since the car gladly lacks a bone-jarring ride. The shock absorbers are well-calibrated, which gives the car great handling characteristics. Even in tight curves, the rear end doesn't plow, and the car doesn't understeer. So, the mix of sporty handling with a high level of ride comfort is one of Ralliart's strong points that we liked the most.

The throaty V6 engine works hand in hand with the 5-speed automatic in providing solid acceleration times and great midrange passing power. There's no need to use the manual mode to get the best out of the engine, as Amyot recorded great times of 7.4 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint, and 5.5 seconds for the 80-120 km/h test.

Good handling and good performance combined together in a car makes it fun to drive, and it's the case with this Galant.

As for shortcomings, the spacious trunk's opening is spoiled by the location of the DVD player for the navigation system, which will probably get knocked often when loading bigger objects. Mitsubishi could've

2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com)

installed it a little deeper, or on the side of the trunk, since you don't fiddle with the DVD very often. I also find the turning circle of the car a little annoying.

For $34,998, the Galant Ralliart is definitely worth a look. Mitsubishi claims their rivals to be the soon-to-be-replaced Nissan Altima SE-R, the Mazda6 GT-V6, the Honda Accord EX-V6 NAVI, and the Toyota Camry SE V6. Let us also add that while the Galant Ralliart may not be as thrilling to drive as the Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Spec.B, it does cost $10,000 less...

At Mitsubishi, sales are increasing, the morale is up, and that optimism is reflected in their improving product range. The 2007 Galant Ralliart is a perfect example.