2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)

The handling is another area that can make or break a vehicle. Being a sedan is easy--the ride can be floaty and comfortable. Being a performance car is another easy task--a stiff and jarring ride can be forgiven. It's when the two need to be combined that challenges exist. Remember Goldilocks, and how she tried bowl after bowl of porridge until finding the one that was just right, somewhere in the middle? Well, the Ralliart's suspension is that perfect bowl of porridge. It doesn't feel as stiff as it acts--the ride is firm but forgiving, comfortable and competitive all at once. It's quiet too--even my tester with snow tires installed transmitted minimal road noise back into the cabin. Sounds kind of like a good old-fashioned luxury sedan, doesn't it? Well hold on, Papa Bear, 'cause when you decide to take the long way home through the woods, the Ralliart treatment on this Lancer really comes to life. The steering ratio is quick without being over-stimulated, and with the stiffened springs and upgraded suspension, the car finds and follows its line in a very confident way. It's nimble and sharp, very lively to toss around, and doesn't wallow back and forth over its suspension like a sedan. Body roll is present but doesn't upset the car's wonderful stance. There is a strut tower brace up front which ties the two towers into the firewall to make an absolutely rock solid feel to the car's

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)

front end while cornering. What impressed me most about the Ralliart's handling is how well it does when you drive it hard. I've driven many front wheel drive cars which understeer, to varying degrees, as you corner with the power on or try and apply it too early. In the case of the Ralliart, the car follows its line beautifully, even with moderate to hard acceleration during and out of a cornering situation. All in all, I was impressed with the amount of grip available and even more with how it is delivered. In this price range, I can think of no better execution of the ride / handling tradeoff. Note that these comments are based on a tester with snow tires--and the factory rubber should prove even better.

Winter Driving Notes:
I awoke one morning to about 10 inches of fresh powder and a warning on my radio to motorists to avoid roadways due to hazardous conditions. So I did what any other young Northern Ontarian with a toque, pair of gloves and the keys to a front-wheel drive rally car would do--headed for the backroads. I wanted to try the Lancer out in some of the worst conditions it would likely ever see. There are a few things my tester had

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)

going for it in winter conditions. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution on one hand helps by metering out the braking power to the wheels that need it most, and as a result, the car stops in a straight line even when the tires are on surfaces of varying traction. The Lancer is relatively heavy too, meaning decent traction to get moving, and a fairly stable feel at cruising speeds over snow and ice. Lastly, the nimble handling helps the car be controlled easily should any skid occur.

Fit your Lancer with some snow tires, and it will make a competent winter companion.