Wrote my review of the RA...
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From: Sherbrooke, Qc
Wrote my review of the RA...
I tried my hand at writing a review of the RalliArt... feel free to comment! 
www.epinions.com/content_140472520324
Note: This is my first real attempt at writing an article in english... so it might not always be in perfect english. I just hope it's not too bad...
www.epinions.com/content_140472520324
Note: This is my first real attempt at writing an article in english... so it might not always be in perfect english. I just hope it's not too bad...
Last edited by WoRkZ; May 20, 2004 at 01:41 PM.
Thread Starter
Evolved Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 0
From: Sherbrooke, Qc
I see it wont display to non-members... so here it is:
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
May 18 '04
Author's Product Rating
5 stars
Pros
Superb handling, best in class power, interesting short-throw transmission, lots of goodies
Cons
Less than impressive dealer network, mediocre stock radio, expensive sound system upgrade
The Bottom Line
If you like sporty sedans on a budget, buy this car! If you like comfortable compacts, this car is not for you...
Full review
This car is the most agile and powerful one might ever buy with such a small amount of money. Only the stock tires and some finishing touches hints to it's lineage of bland sedans. The Lancer RalliArt clearly has inherited a racing soul from the sports car division at Mitsubishi.
This car is quite agile while cornering but it is with quick lane changes and small corrections that the sports tuned suspension shines the most.
To further the driving pleasure you might get from the RalliArt, you are also offered a decent 5 speed short-throw transaxle mated to an impressive 2.4 liter engine. Based on a solid 4x4 engine design, the 2.4 MIVEC is reborn as a flexible 162 HP engine (146 at the wheels). But the most surprising part about the RalliArt's engine his the best-in-class 162 lb/ft of torque (148 at the wheels). This superb motor launches the RA into competition with much more expensive car as the Audi A4 1.8T and it's usual rivals. As a matter of fact, in this example the power-to-weight ratio is better in the RalliArt (which weighs a mere 2800lbs).
A better tuned intake also contributes to the performance, as well as a bigger, stainless-steel exhaust... the latter having the added advantage of making the car sound much like a sports car should.
Enthusiasts will also like the precise steering, superbly balanced to use just enough assistance while transmitting a much better feedback than most sporty sedans. Sadly, this delightful steering directs less than stellar stock rubber (mostly all-season Goodyear RSA). Most potential buyers would be well advised to negotiate for good high-performance rubber to be installed on the standard 16" alloy wheels before it leaves the showroom.
Note that the stock RalliArt wheels are nice Enkei parts, the same company who supplies wheels for the RA's big brother the EvoVIII. The esthetics package is completed by a grounds effects kit and fog lamps that give the car a more aggressive look, somewhere between the base model and the Evo.
As for the interior amenities, this Lancer leaves it's siblings in the dust! Even the mighty Evolution is not as well equipped. As standard features, note the presence of an A/C unit, cruise control, electric windows an mirrors (heated!), remote door locks... the list goes on.
But still, with the Lancer it all comes to the driving pleasure! Some buyers even had to battle their way through less than friendly Mitsubishi dealers to get their hands on one of these rides! In fact, it looks like the dealer network might not be as stellar as it's product... but still most buyers endure through the experience just so they can finally enjoy this superb sedan.
Aimed at sports car enthusiasts who can't shell out excessive amounts of money, this new Lancer represents the best car for the price. In this range, it's main rivals are the (a bit overpriced) Ford Focus SVT, the aging Nissan Sentra SE-R and the less exiting but more comfortable Mazda 3. Since the RalliArt is one of the most powerful, most agile and most equipped in this group, it seems destined to take it's place as king of the hill in the tuned sports compact market.
Enjoy!
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
May 18 '04
Author's Product Rating
5 stars
Pros
Superb handling, best in class power, interesting short-throw transmission, lots of goodies
Cons
Less than impressive dealer network, mediocre stock radio, expensive sound system upgrade
The Bottom Line
If you like sporty sedans on a budget, buy this car! If you like comfortable compacts, this car is not for you...
Full review
This car is the most agile and powerful one might ever buy with such a small amount of money. Only the stock tires and some finishing touches hints to it's lineage of bland sedans. The Lancer RalliArt clearly has inherited a racing soul from the sports car division at Mitsubishi.
This car is quite agile while cornering but it is with quick lane changes and small corrections that the sports tuned suspension shines the most.
To further the driving pleasure you might get from the RalliArt, you are also offered a decent 5 speed short-throw transaxle mated to an impressive 2.4 liter engine. Based on a solid 4x4 engine design, the 2.4 MIVEC is reborn as a flexible 162 HP engine (146 at the wheels). But the most surprising part about the RalliArt's engine his the best-in-class 162 lb/ft of torque (148 at the wheels). This superb motor launches the RA into competition with much more expensive car as the Audi A4 1.8T and it's usual rivals. As a matter of fact, in this example the power-to-weight ratio is better in the RalliArt (which weighs a mere 2800lbs).
A better tuned intake also contributes to the performance, as well as a bigger, stainless-steel exhaust... the latter having the added advantage of making the car sound much like a sports car should.
Enthusiasts will also like the precise steering, superbly balanced to use just enough assistance while transmitting a much better feedback than most sporty sedans. Sadly, this delightful steering directs less than stellar stock rubber (mostly all-season Goodyear RSA). Most potential buyers would be well advised to negotiate for good high-performance rubber to be installed on the standard 16" alloy wheels before it leaves the showroom.
Note that the stock RalliArt wheels are nice Enkei parts, the same company who supplies wheels for the RA's big brother the EvoVIII. The esthetics package is completed by a grounds effects kit and fog lamps that give the car a more aggressive look, somewhere between the base model and the Evo.
As for the interior amenities, this Lancer leaves it's siblings in the dust! Even the mighty Evolution is not as well equipped. As standard features, note the presence of an A/C unit, cruise control, electric windows an mirrors (heated!), remote door locks... the list goes on.
But still, with the Lancer it all comes to the driving pleasure! Some buyers even had to battle their way through less than friendly Mitsubishi dealers to get their hands on one of these rides! In fact, it looks like the dealer network might not be as stellar as it's product... but still most buyers endure through the experience just so they can finally enjoy this superb sedan.
Aimed at sports car enthusiasts who can't shell out excessive amounts of money, this new Lancer represents the best car for the price. In this range, it's main rivals are the (a bit overpriced) Ford Focus SVT, the aging Nissan Sentra SE-R and the less exiting but more comfortable Mazda 3. Since the RalliArt is one of the most powerful, most agile and most equipped in this group, it seems destined to take it's place as king of the hill in the tuned sports compact market.
Enjoy!
Evolving Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Canada
Excellent review!
I love reading reviews Do you know how impossible it is to find reviews on the Ralliart using google? Well, I found a few... but only a few.
Gives me a good idea of what I may be getting myself into.
I love reading reviews
Do you know how impossible it is to find reviews on the Ralliart using google? Well, I found a few... but only a few.Gives me a good idea of what I may be getting myself into.
Highly agree with you on the mitsu network. Theres only one dealer hear and to put it frankly, there asshats. i ened up going out of province to pickup mine, got it cheaper and with less hassels then localy, Yeah it was a bit troublesome getting paper work/isnurance etc before shipping, but at lest Ididnt have to deal witht he local dealer