Mitsubishi Ralliart Lancer 2008 AIMS
October 9, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
Mitsubishi has unveiled the highly anticipated new Ralliart Lancer, a model which is set to compete directly with the standard Impreza WRX for the first time.
Available in both sedan and sportback guise, the Ralliart Lancer is powered by a slightly detuned version of the Evolution’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.
The motor develops 177kW of peak power and 343Nm at 4750rpm.
This is coupled to the brand’s new SST twin clutch transmission as standard from the Evolution complete with steering wheel paddle shifters.
The all-wheel drive system, including Active Traction Control, Active Stability Control, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, Active Centre Differential and Electronic Control (with console mounted switch) and Rear mechanical Limited Slip Differential have all been handed down from the Evolution.
Vehicle dynamics are further supported by the high performance suspension, including front McPherson strut suspension and rear multi-link suspension, front and rear stabiliser bars and front strut tower bar.
The new Ralliart Lancer is priced from just $42,490 which includes the standard TC-SST.
Print it: 
Nice. Very nice.
Why would anyone get a WRX now that this thing is on offer?
This doesn’t look too bad.
A question someone may be able to help me with – I have always been a Mazda or Subaru driver, basically due to the perception (and reality) that they build high quality cars. Can anyone give me an honest assessment of the true quality of what one of these is likely to be? I mean, I know it’s hard to compare but what is everyone’s opinion of Mitsubishi build quality/reliability? I’m seriously considering this as my soon-to-be-purchased next car.
Thanks for any opinions.
My old man has a VRX and I think it is a well built car. The interior is well thought out and well put together, no rattles, controls are all in the right place. It’s been accused of being ‘plasticky’, something which I’ve never actually understood. What else are they meant to use? I don’t want the inside of my car to look like a Victorian dining room. I’ll stick with the plastic.
Overall I am very impressed with the build quality, I think the VRX is a genuinely excellent car, only complaint is that the engine is a little on the tinny side (could go a new exhaust and it suffers from a lack of torque off the line, but above 3,000 the thing is quite quick).
So, I would be inclined to believe the Ralliart is even better.
I’m sure it will be quite fast.The looks are very ordinary though and you can’t tell the difference between the VRX and this Ralliart version.
The rear looks good but overall still looks like a brick on wheels :)
Thanks GTRmon, your comments re plasticky and tinny are pretty much what I’ve heard about Mitsubishis over the years. Hopefully they are getting better in terms of the materials they are using, but I guess the only way to decide for myself is to go and check them out and drive one.
Thanks again.
Does it come with manual gearbox? I like the fact that it looks like an ordinary VRX. This car has potential for some serious power too.
The quality and layout of the plastics is much improved over the older Mitsus, much improved.
It might not have “quality plastics” as a some people expect, but it’s an inexpensive car, and it more than makes up for it in goodies, especially in the VRX.
yea, they need to differentiate it more from the VRX. Somehow. And yes, the interior is plastic… HARD plastic.. I don’t mind but some people prefer the softer squishy more luxo type of plastic… that does make the car feel more expensive. That said it is still well laid out.
I had hopes for this, but looks way too similar to the VRX and other than the bonnet doesnt borrow enough of the EVO. Maybe if they added the EVO flared guards, would have mad eit look a little meaner. Would still rather the WRX, but im waiting until this time next year for the facelifted version.
$42.5k…hmmm looks a bit expensive next to the competition – especially since in doesn’t have the best scores in the reviews.
Have to see now that money is tight. Mitsubishi should have released this car last year
I’ve had two Lancers. IMHO, they are well built but use cheap plastics – much like the other Jap small cars.
Hmm… this car with the Aspire interior and minus spoiler for a couple K more would make it a pretty sweet package.
My gf has the Olympic edition (cut down from Aspire), and build quality is great, no rattles whatsoever unlike my Aurion, friend’s commodores and falcons or any aussie built car to that matter which rattles. I think the Japanese workers really do take time and care in its assemblies QA.
Though I agree its hard plastic, all round, but mind you its quality plastic not those ones found in the CE model lancers. but plastic is plastic, I prefer to have some soft spots that you find in the larger cars.
At the right price, the ralliart would be a good buy no doubt.
GTRmon Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
It’s been accused of being ‘plasticky’, something which I’ve never actually understood. What else are they meant to use? I don’t want the inside of my car to look like a Victorian dining room. I’ll stick with the plastic.
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GTRmon it’s not the use of plastic that is the problem. It’s the quality of the plastic which is poor. Like everythng else in life, there is plastic and then there is platic. Mitsubishi use a poor quality cheap plastic in all Lancer’s and yes that includes the EVO too. I test drove one the other day. Really tried hard to convince myself that the $60K odd drive away for one was justifiable. I couldnt do it. The interior is fit for a sub $20K car not $60K+. Even the leather used on the steering wheel is crap. Anyone with an unbiased opinion would come to the same conclusion after sitting in one. Sure it goes like the clappers around corners at light speed. But for me at the end of the day it’s got to be an all rounder and the interior or ugly cheepy dash just doesn’t cut it. Might be fine in a cheapy VRX but not in an EVO or even this Ralliart (not that a WRX is any better). Another I don’t understand is why they dont offer this car at a cheaper price point with a manual transmission? The semi auto is a $5K+ extra option on the base EVO, so I assume with a manual they could be selling this thing at around $37,500 RRP. At that price point it’s good value.
Xris – you talk about wanting an “all rounder” and then you went and test drove an evo? Mate it doesn’t sound like you where ever in the market for an evo anyway…
AWD, DSG, 2L turbo with 177kw….and you blokes are arguing about interior plastic…
Looks very nice to me – I’d buy one over a WRX which looks like some sort of horrendous Kia Rio abortion with a bonnet scoop.