2009 Mitsubishi Galant

2009 Mitsubishi Galant

The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant gains a face-lift (with a new grille and taillights), loses one trim level the DE and gains two: the Sport Edition and Sport V6. The 230-horsepower V6 returns, featured under the hood of the Sport V6. Later in the model year, Bluetooth connectivity and a rearview camera are slated to be offered.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant is a midsize sedan available in four trim levels: ES, Sport Edition, Sport V6 and Ralliart. The base ES comes with 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, full power accessories, cruise control and a six-speaker sound system with a CD/MP3 player. The Sport Edition adds 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, a sunroof, automatic climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power driver seat and heated front seats. The Sport V6 is equipped similarly but has a V6 engine and an upgraded Rockford Fosgate audio system with a six-CD changer and satellite radio. The Galant Ralliart trim level has the Sport Edition's features plus 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, exterior styling enhancements, leather seating, beige interior accent stitching and aluminum pedals. The Ralliart offers the option of a navigation system, the only Galant trim to do so.

The front-wheel-drive Galant line offers a trio of engine choices. The ES and Sport Edition are powered by a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that makes 160 hp and 157 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic with manual shift capability is standard on both trim levels. The Sport V6 features a 3.8-liter V6 with 230 hp and 250 lb-ft matched to a five-speed automatic with manual shift capability. The Ralliart gets a 3.8-liter V6 with 258 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
In performance testing, the Ralliart went from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds putting it at the head of the pack along with the V6-powered Toyota Camry, Chevy Malibu and Nissan Altima. Fuel economy estimates range from 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined for the four-cylinder trims down to 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined for the Ralliart.
With a cascading center stack, blue backlighting, white-faced gauges and metallic accents, the Galant's cabin is stylish in a contemporary way. Large controls for the climate and stereo systems are easy to use, and work in conjunction with a display screen located high on the center stack. Unfortunately, the Galant suffers from the typical Mitsubishi trait of some subpar interior materials quality. Most plastics and other surfaces just don't match the refined look and feel of the Galant's main competitors.

On the road, the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant is one of the more fun-to-drive family sedans. The Ralliart's V6 delivers plenty of power for passing and merging on the highway. Pushed around curves, the Galant maintains a flat, predictable stance and feels smaller than it is. A surprising amount of road feel is communicated through the driver seat and the steering. Although the steering is a little vague on-center, it is quick and responsive. None of this entertainment comes at the expense of ride quality, which is smooth, forgiving and ideal for weekday commutes.

Sumber: www.edmunds.com

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ES

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ES

Last year, the Mitsubishi Lancer had a minor problem. Visually, it promised to be more than its humble price tag would imply. The GTS trim level, in particular, boasted a giant rear wing and 18-inch wheels that fervently declared, "I can go fast." Problem was, it actually didn't. The car's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced class-competitive 0-60 sprints, but it had virtually no low-end power, requiring the driver to maintain an objectionably loud engine speed of at least 3,200 rpm in order to achieve even moderate passing power.

For the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer's lower DE and ES trim level, the old engine carries over for the more sedate-driving, economy-minded consumer. But for the driver who wants his or her fast-looking car to be, well, fast, Mitsubishi has dropped a larger 2.4-liter engine into the GTS's engine bay. Thanks to increased displacement, it produces 16 more horsepower and, more importantly, 21 additional pound-feet of torque. This engine is not only more responsive, it's also substantially quieter. Zero-to-60-mph times drop by about a second, and fuel economy although not particularly impressive -- is about the same as the smaller engine.

The 2009 Lancer isn't a mainstream economy car like a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, as it lacks the refinement, fuel economy and reputation to match up with these cars. But that's fine by us. In addition to its aggressive styling, the Lancer boasts above-average handling and an impressive array of high-tech features that until recently were reserved for luxury automobiles. Those interested in finding the sportiest option available could be happier with a Mazda 3, but if you're looking for a car that stands out as a viable alternative to the small sedan status quo, this Mitsubishi is worth a look.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact sedan available in DE, ES and GTS trim levels. The base DE comes with 16-inch steel wheels, a tilt-only steering wheel, power windows and mirrors, a trip computer and a four-speaker CD/MP3 stereo. The A/C and Power Package adds antilock brakes, air-conditioning, power door locks and keyless entry to the DE. The Lancer ES comes standard with these package items and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, upgraded upholstery, manual driver seat height adjustment, steering-wheel audio controls and a 60/40-split rear seat with center armrest. The ES Sport Package adds a large rear wing, a minor body kit, chrome exhaust and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The top-level GTS adds those items and also gains a more powerful engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped shifter, sport bucket front seats with upgraded fabric, Bluetooth and a six-speaker stereo.

The Sun & Sound Package available on the ES and GTS includes a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with an in-dash six-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack (RCA style) and satellite radio. When equipped with this package, the GTS can also be optioned with a navigation system that features a 30GB hard drive capable of storing digital music files.

Sumber: www.edmunds.com

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer

When you line up the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart next to its street-bred competitors, it might seem slow and expensive. But that's how a bean counter would make his purchase decision. A guy like that draws a line (with a straightedge) down the center of a sheet of graph paper to put pluses on one side and minuses on the other. He'd never be able to get his pointy head around the visceral experience the rally-inspired Ralliart supplies. But he might just have another point to make here.

As they now exist, a front-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Lancer GTS with its naturally aspirated 168-horsepower engine is priced at $18,665, while the twin-scroll turbocharged 291-hp all-wheel-drive Evolution GSR starts at $33,665. If we were to follow the accountant's rigid method of finding the average of these two cars, it'd be a three-wheel-drive Lancer with a single-scroll turbo making 229 hp and costing $26,165. And if we would add the $1,500 price of the Evo MR's state-of-the-art dual-clutch six-speed transmission with its shift paddles on the steering wheel, our dream car's price would rise to $27,665.

Sumber: www.edmunds.com