There is some good news out there. Even as the stock market tanks, we’re living in exceptionally good times as far as new cars are concerned. Performance cars especially. The “base” versions are getting to be as or even more powerful than the top-of-the-line versions were as recently as five or ten years ago. Standard issue V-6 Mustangs and Camaros give you 300-plus hp, more (in some cases, a lot more) than the V-8 versions once delivered.
And how about the Mitsubishi Lancer? In Ralliart trim, you get the same basic package now that used to comprise the top-of-the-line EVO: Turbo engine, adjustable AWD system, dual-clutch automated manual transmission — and zero to 60 in the mid-high five second range.
And unlike the current EVO — which starts at almost $38k in MR trim — you can drive home a Ralliart for less than $28k.
WHAT IT IS
The Ralliart is a (much) hopped-up version of the Lancer compact economy sedan. It offers almost-EVO performance and most of the functional enhancements that make the EVO what it is, including the same three-way adjustable (snow/gravel/tarmac) AWD system with center and rear diffs. The main differences between the Ralliart and the EVO are that you can’t get a driver-controlled clutch (i.e., a conventional manual transmission) in the Ralliart and that you can’t get an EVO in anything except sedan form while the Ralliart is available in both sedan and Sportback (wagon) bodystyles.
Also, of course, the price. A Ralliart sedan has an MSRP of $27,695 while an EVO sedan starts at $34,095 (for the GSR) and $37,295 for the MR.
The Ralliart’s main competition is the $25,495-$28,995 Subaru Impreza WRX.
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