2009 Mitsubishi Lancer: Evo X or Ralliart? Which Will You Choose

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

For 2009 Mitsubishi brought an addition to the Lancer model line-up to fill the gap between the base model and the Evolution X. The new 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart has been called the Evo Light or the car that most people can actually live with as their daily driver. So which really makes more sense, the Evo X or the Ralliart?

To explore this more we should look at the difference between the two cars. The Lancer Ralliart, which gets its name from the Galant and Starion Ralliart-badged cars from Mitsubishi’s past, has the same Evo X 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that has been detuned by intake and ECU changes to rein in the power to a respectable 235 hp (a 56 hp reduction from the Evo X). The rest of the difference read like a leftovers parts list from the Mitsubishi warehouse—the Ralliart has the AWD system from the Evo IX, the exhaust from the Evo X, Lancer GTS Chassis and back to the Evo X for the hood. So it’s not as simple as just saying you have a detuned Evo X, they really are different cars.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

Another interesting aspect of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is that you can’t get it with a manual transmission. The only available transmission is what they call the Twin-Clutch SST, which is a dual-clutch automatic with a paddle shift manual mode. Manumatic only—could be a plus or minus depending on what your daily commute looks like. This brings us back around to the point of this model—being the middle ground or compromise for most people’s daily reality.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

Who wouldn’t love a 291 hp Mitsubishi Evolution X? They have great styling, amazing power and rail like handling. They can even get you around in the snow with the sophisticated multi-mode AWD system. However, for a lot of people this type of car just isn’t practical for everyday use, whether it be because the suspension is to hard or drivability in traffic is almost painful or you need the 60/40 split rear seats to actually haul something. The Ralliart is positioned to bring you all the rally inspired fun you desire in a car that starts below 27K. So if you can stand to have base Lancer power up to about 2500 RPM for your daily driving and play in the turbocharged power curve that will peak at 4750 RPM, then this might be the daily road rally car you have been looking for.

Bottom line-- The Evolution X is an amazing amount of car for the under 32K base MSRP, so if you have the money and can live with a car that truly is a performance machine without regard to daily comfort and ease of use, then you will get yourself a car that has been selected as one of the Top Ten World Performance Cars. However, for those of us that need a little more versatility and comfort, the Ralliart will provide years of rally inspired driving excitement.

Want more info? Check out TheCarConnection.com’s expert reviews including their overall 1-10 rating of the Mitsubishi Lancer. Also, stick around Allsmallcars.com and check out our latest blogs on the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford Fusion Sport.