Maybe pretension is the wrong word, being that the Galant GTS boasts the highest specific torque rating of any naturally-aspirated midsize sedan in its class. Before I get a heap of emails filling my inbox I am aware that the Nissan Maxima offers 260 lb-ft of torque and the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP delivers 280. The difference is that both competitors, loaded up with similar features, cost quite a bit more than the

The Galant GTS boasts the highest specific torque rating of any naturally-aspirated midsize sedan in its class. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Mitsubishi. Fairly the Galant goes up against the Nissan Altima and Pontiac Grand Am.

Put your foot into the throttle and results are immediate, shooting the 230-hp sedan forward at an exhilarating pace. Fast yes, but the 3.8-L Galant V6 doesn't thrash and thunder nor does its 4-speed automatic with Sportronic manual mode do anything but deliver clean, crisp gear changes. It's a truly refined powertrain, surpassing the majority of its Japanese competition.

The base 160-hp MIVEC equipped 4-cylinder Galant engine is up to the task, and offers a welcomed improvement in fuel economy. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

I should also mention that the base 4-cylinder powertrain is quite decent too. If you're not planning on spending the money for the V6, don't drive it or you probably won't be satisfied with the four. But then again, I'm constantly reminded (by your thoughtful emails thank you) that some folks don't drive their midsize sedans like race cars and actually prefer the improved fuel economy and resultant savings of 4-cylinder cars. I have to admit to agreeing with this argument every time I'm at the filling station. So, with this in mind, the 160-hp MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) equipped 4-cylinder is up to the task, accelerating with reasonable alacrity all the while delivering stellar fuel economy.