What’s new: Mitsubishi has plugged the gap between the extreme Evo X and the Lancer range with this new 236PS Ralliart model. Our test car also had the semi-automatic SST transmission.
Excellent: This is not as raw a vehicle as the Evo, but the pedigree is obvious. All-wheel drive, fantastic handling, a good ride and a brisk turn of pace make for a very enjoyable drive.
Good: The SST ‘box is great at speed, and the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel are easy and intuitive to use.
Average: .but sadly the SST system suffers around town. It snatches too much when changing between the first three gears. Also, a lack of reach adjustment on the steering wheel is annoying on a car that costs this much.
Poor: Although the car has plenty of kit, the cheap plastic cabin of the basic model is a letdown.
Verdict: An estimated range start P11D of £21,500 effectively bridges the gap between the mainstream and the manic. A decent rival for the VW Golf GTI or Subaru‘s Impreza WRX.
