Roadfly.com - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Road Test & Review

The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is the latest addition to the Lancer family. The Ralliart is powered by a new 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC intercooled and turbocharged engine that delivers an estimated 237 horsepower, 253 lb-ft of torque.
For 2010 the Lancer comes in three trim levels. The regular base Lancer sedan, the Ralliart and the Evolution X. The Ralliart has a few visual and performance features which make it a lot of fun to drive. The Lancer is most often compared to the Subaru WRX or STI and the Volkswagen GTI.
The Lancer Ralliart's full-time 4WD (all wheel drive) driveline features Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential (ACD). The ACD unit employs an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch center differential, vectoring torque to the front and rear wheels according to different driving conditions.
EPA figures are: 19 mpg city / 25 mpg hwy
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[@lildude8210]

Yayyy...Look who is back !!! Welcome back Jess we missed ya. Great review well done as always.

[@vintimv001]

yay shes back =)

[@burnitdown27]

your back :D i dont watch if its not you

[@Dankcatvacs]

@roadflytv its nice to see the editors actually read the comments

[@dazi4131]

jessi si back !! :))

[@searria]

i just drove a 2011 lancer se sedan today and it was a lot of fun to drive

[@BrayZap]

i learned on a lancer GTS and its incredible how easy it is to shift. like its butter

[@ksmuffin]

Good to hear man.

[@marcatude]

Getting this for my first car . My brother is giving me his :)

[@Pikapichu24]

Aww okay. Thanks for the responses. I've noticed that several dealers around my area are selling the RA for a couple thousand less than a WRX, but I guess this is the reason why.

[@TheTalalas]

ill give you a reallly nice peppy ride!

[@2011wrxswp]

In 2011 I test drove a new ralliart and a new WRX back to back. I was dead set on a ralliart before the drive but ended up with the 2011 WRX. Stock for stock there is a huge performance difference. WRX felt better in every way except the comfort and ease of the sst trans.

[@ColdNapalm42]

@searria You mean the ES? The SE model isn't out yet for the lancer line up...think it's planned for next year tho.

[@SuperSportSS]

Youre awesome Jessi. :)

[@GEOBOY2012]

I have one my self.love it

[@niceprince]

Wow ok. You're the first person I know of that didn't buy the Evo because of that lol. What are you in school for that requires that much daily gear if you don't mind me asking? Personally the GSR is the only one I've been looking for as I need a clutch for proper driving.

[@pkhtown]

Jesse Lang... I'm such a fan!

[@Nops341]

@ColdNapalm42 I was thinking about going down to the states to buy my EVO brand new, since they are the price of a used GSR here in Canada, then I would just get the touring package and all the goodies, which state was is that has no taxes again? Was it Maryland?

[@alijalab]

You Rock!

[@PR1NCETD0T]

does this car have just the actual single clutch manual transmission rather than the double clutch sst, or only the evos get the manual one?

[@Norbi77]

Amazing car

[@Pikapichu24]

So between the 2011 Lancer RA and the 2011 WRX, which one wins as far as overall performance is concerned?

[@elkina20]

I recommend this car

[@XEvolutionMR]

Love Ralli

[@Nops341]

@ColdNapalm42 So you have a Lancer GT? I know someone who has an SE, they said it wasn't sporty or fast enough... do you agree? Should a 17 yr old male buy a Ralliart with a premium pkg... or a Lancer GT with CVT transmission?

[@bottomlayer]

That gas mileage is terrible for such a small car. 17 mpg? Ouch! Jessi, good review, but sounded like you were being rushed a bit Charlie, what happened to the Grand Cherokee review you put up last night? I thought I saw it in my subscription box, but now I couldn't find it on your channel.

[@Nops341]

So you can drive the Ralliart in an automatic or manual... the difference is the entire transmission?

[@ColdNapalm42]

@bchreng Stock? WRX hands down. Planning on doing some tuning (under 400 WHP)...the RA.

[@Nops341]

I still don't get it... do you have to shift through gears with the Ralliart or is it automatic??? So confusing!!!

[@wisam111]

plus the stick shift in the wrx feels like its set in cement compare to Mitsubishi's trans which is amazingly smooth I drove both and I have a lancer ES

[@legnardor]

Does it comes with seat belt?

[@datboiwes333]

She's right about this car not drawing much attention. I never find myself saying "Ohh look at that Mitsubishi" lol

[@cococly]

The intercooler (you said Turbo) is located at the front of the Engine (behind the front bumper). It's not the same setup as a Subaru.

[@Nops341]

@ColdNapalm42 I really want a Ralliart, but I'm only 17 (almost 18) and I was told the insurance would kill me, plus I like the spoiler, sunroof, leather and sound package on the Lancer GT, how much do you think insurance would be for a 17 year old Canadian guy if you had to guess?

[@longboardguy]

She is a beauty

[@XatriXSK]

What's the name of that color? Stone Grey? Graphite Gray Pearl?

[@xXFL4WL3Ss]

I'm usually pretty hard on paddle shifters :O

[@faygochick769]

its the twin clutch SSt, only transmission available on the ralliart and Evo MR. Evo GSR is only available with the 5 speed manual.

[@Rico8458]

which is a better ride? Optima, Lancer, or Elantra?

[@andreyeliseyev]

Hey blondi !!! Can you drift on snow? This car can do much more then you describe ;)

[@columbuscrewfan20]

Imagine this thing in white with racing stripe. Omg u would be the coolest kid if u drive this to school

[@sparcomarco2007]

i was wanitng to no can i get a lancer gts 2011 with the evo hood and how much more would it cost to just add the rockford fosgate as a pick out in the dealer ship cuz i dont want to spend my cash on the package that its in for 3300 i just want that nothing els but with the navi

[@kjoey76]

I thought that the 11 model would have the 5 extra horses and a enkei wheel as standard with avail manual transmission for upgrades?

[@yobobjm]

Wait 0-60 in 5.4. Damn that's pretty good.

[@ColdNapalm42]

@Nops341 A twin clutch system isn't really an automatic per say...it's a manual system that allows you to shift faster then you normally could with a traditional clutch system. There is however a system on top of that so you can drive it like an automatic with no shift input from the driver.

[@mlacayoa]

miss Jessi in Roadfly

[@ColdNapalm42]

Parts for maint on the RA is expensive no matter where you are. The tranny fluid is like 300 bucks per flush and your looking at 160 for the filter. You will want to do one at 10-15k and then go to the 30k intervals. Ultimate racing is based in Canada. The RA tunes up really nicely tho.

[@814gt]

@kitikitiboy I have a 2011 wrx limited and a 2010 forester xt. I've had 7 honda/acura products in the past 17 years and I'm fully aware of what "fugly" means. Thanks for your comments kitikitboy!

[@AlienAxolotl]

Aswome car,and stylish!!!!! I -3 THIS CAR

[@ColdNapalm42]

@museken Not sure where this came from. She mentions the other lancers just sorta as a background for the RA. In fact this is the first RA review where they don't mention the EVO, so it's not like it's something new.

[@TheBowlingboy300]

i wanna test drive her and the car

[@DOHCEJ22E1]

The RA's 4B11 is pretty much the same as an EVO, only detuned. And the WRX/STi's ECUs actually run the engines pretty lean on heavy load from the factory (emissions purposes) & this is what kills power output. A tune on a stock WRX with no aftermarket parts will probably open up some power (maybe 5bhp) but it changes the powerband around so that it's smoother & more available when you need it. WRXs are very different from STis but RAs & EVOs have much more in common when tuned.

[@ABDsang]

I like the "TURBO"

[@DOHCEJ22E1]

Just a tune with aftermarket parts will vary. I've seen WRXs gain 30-40whp with dyno tuning. However, the Lancer turbos have always been easier to tune than the Impreza turbos.

[@viniciusdemoraes1990]

What is this place? Anyone know?

[@BruisedASScheeks]

Does she come with the car?!

[@SonyBoy365]

No bloopers?

[@Nops341]

@ColdNapalm42 Could you check out the Ralliart vs GT on Mitsubishi-motors.ca for me, I need someone else opinion, I really don't know what would be better for me...

[@shapingo]

Looking at some of these comments, do some people not realize that the Evo and Ralliart are two different models of lancer?

[@niceprince]

how often are you gonna buy a tv tho lol? plus couldnt you get someone to deliver it? freinds? rent a van or 20$ a day?

[@Nops341]

@ColdNapalm42 I already checked all that import stuff out, I recently had a friend that went down and bought an EVO MR from Texas, and there were no problems bringing it back here, I just don't know the cost yet...

[@miguel3079]

how much it cost?

[@ColdNapalm42]

@Graneable Bit lower? Only if your looking at the WRX limited...the base WRX, even with all the discounts you can haggle out of a mitsu will be still a bit less. The WRX while it has almost 30 more HP, at the wheel, it's only about 20. If you tune both up, the WRX gets another 10 WHP while the RA gains an ungodly 30 WHP. So basically with just a tune, that power evens up...and the RA just shines up nicer from there.

[@Nops341]

@ColdNapalm42 I'm not sure if I want to get used used or new, If I get used, I wouldn't go any older than 2009, because it don't like the red tail lights, the black is awesome, and my dad agreed to totally support me and help out with some car and insurance payments, he's the best, I'm going to get the MR version instead of the GSR, because of the Twin Clutch SST tranny, and other obvious upgrades... thanks for all the help man!

[@ebreshea]

@katanamast279 ralliart is a trim of the base lancer, which starts at 19k. Ralliart you should compare to WRX STI, which starts at 34k. Yeah the hp is lower, but so's the price. EVO's ~40k, but with 296 hp. Also the Mitsubishi's have the twin clutch sst, while the subaru wrx sti is manual transmission only.

[@DOHCEJ22E1]

I've seen these increases on 4 dynos. However, when I say aftermarket parts, I mean beefed up FPR, FI, Intake/exhaust manifold/headers, VF39, etc. These will bring that buttery 205 very close to stock STi whp output with a good tune. If you want more than that, the block's internals have to be replaced. I compare the JDM 2L 207s because they're tough cookies & are more on the EVO 4G63/4B11's level. Today's WRX engine is a large improvement but it's a 2.5 vs an EVO 2.0...

[@Nops341]

@ColdNapalm42 And here in Canada, the MR comes with all the optional shit in the states, and I want the TC SST rather than the manual that comes with the GSR, but thanks for the advice, I want the MR with all the dressings...

[@bonnhew]

hi jesse lang!

[@ColdNapalm42]

@Nops341 Well there is the issue of finding an EVO MR...but the three no general tax along with no surcharge tax is 3 states. Oregon, new hampshire and delaware. None of those states have a good supply of EVOs and as such hard to get a good deal. Also note that there can be issues with getting financing as you may have to pay for the vehical in full before you can import it across the border (which I am sure has it's own set of fees) because you can't import vehicals with liens in most cases.

[@ezrahumane]

I drove this car...it was truly not as aggressive as I wanted. Im switching to WRX

[@chucko83]

@raulgomez902 WRX sedan FTW. i love those cars, they're fast, traditional manual and they look like an STI. even though the SST transmission is amazing, many would agree that shifting their own gears can be a lot more fun. chicago sucks with traffic but you gotta do a cruise to like starved rock or any where out side of downtown, haha.

[@ColdNapalm42]

@vaneztax No. It comes with the basic EVO IX AWD system...which is still quite good.

[@ChickenMcThiccken]

@kjoey76 you dont need a manual for upgrades. theres a shitload of mods for this ralliart. alot of the parts are evo x swappable

[@djbrissette]

If the mazdaspeed3 had available AWD, it'd crush the competition. I'd probably still choose it though

[@ColdNapalm42]

@DOHCEJ22E1 On what dyno? Moon dyno reads don't count. I have yet to see an american WRX make 30-40 WHP from just a tune unless they were done on one of the popular moon dyno brands. If you get rid of those, you find that aftermarket parts and tunes will run a surprisingly narrow range. It's almost as if using the same ECU map with the same equipment somehow makes the same power. Where the differences comes from is because people insist on using bad dynos to inflate numbers.

[@lunatiy]

isnt the raillart 0-60 in 7 sec, and evo 5,4

[@Dreadzedan]

@crammage I don't think this is made to compete with the Sti,but maybe a standard wrx, the Evo is made to compete with Sti.

[@galantvr499]

Lancer Evo IX and X best car in the world

[@vboytan]

@mercbenzamg63 You can actually put on 40 hp right off the dealership just by buying this device you plug into the car. It tunes the ECU to performance specification and it increases the air and fuel consumption which will land you +40 hp on the wrx. So yes you can tune it past 10 hp w/o any aftermarket mods. Considering that 10hp isn't even noticeable when you drive a car.

[@bottomlayer]

@razioth what the MS3 really needs is a sunroof!

[@ColdNapalm42]

@Nops341 No clue about canada...but in california ralliart in the same class as the GLS so the insurance is only a bit higher then the GLS due to the higher value of the car is you get a comp policy vs just the liability. And yes that is another reason to get the ralliart over the EVO. For me, an EVO would cost me 8 g per 6 month with an EVO. I pay 4g for my 3000 gt currently. The ralliart would be 2.5 g. Need to wait for some points to go down before I get an EVO or get the RA if I can't.

[@Masrider555]

Why the Evo Raillart 237HHP it should be over 400HP how to be sport car with only 200HP?

[@albboy96]

where i live, i can get a used one for 15000$ nd 123k kms, but what i dont have is the money :(

[@ColdNapalm42]

@chucko83 Because you can forgo all the options and get the RA for 25 grand...6 grand is gonna be ~150 bucks a month differance in payment...that matters to some people.

[@Nops341]

@ColdNapalm42 I also might need to buy new if I don't find the perfect EVO MR for me, I want all the bells and whistles in Snow White colour...

[@Nops341]

@ColdNapalm42 I really really really want to get a Ralliart, but I don't know weather to buy new or used, automatic or paddle shift, premium package or not, I can afford $1000 per month, for car payments and insurance, so I don't know if I should downgrade to a Lancer GT, which is the same as a Ralliart, just no Turbo, dual exhaust, or different grille, plus the suspension and obvious 4WD and engine differences, I can put a $15k downpayment on it, so I'm really stuck...

[@ColdNapalm42]

@Nops341 Well up to you...but just so you know, MR with either a touring or premium package sell for less on the used market in souther california then MR without. So you could be paying extra for something your gonna get less for. Not sure what the market is like up there...and in nor cal, those packagaes add value, but for areas with a lot of race minded people, those packages costs you even at resale.

[@ColdNapalm42]

@Rogan9 You do realize that an EVO packaged like the as tested RA in this review is gonna run you over 45 grand right? 45 vs 31 is a pretty big differance I would say. A base RA vs the base EVO GSR is 28 vs 35...which isn't an insignificant amount of money. The STI will of course be a few grand cheaper then the EVO. And if you go to a good dealer, the EVO as a halo car will not be discounted as much as the RA will be...which makes the price difference even bigger...and there is insurance.

[@nls8520]

Jessie you look a bit like Gwyneth Paltrow at 1:18

[@6marco5]

1 of 1'000'000 Woman !

[@datsatoilet]

Script or no script.. She is still hot!

[@gotscrilla86]

She had me ALLL the way up until 3:23.....wtf....

[@latinoladino1048]

I agree. Blondes lok

[@Nops341]

@ColdNapalm42 I think the only reason I thought it may be $50k is because it's a $44k car, and with taxes it might be $50k and I do want all the packages, because I've been in and driven an MR, which is absolutely amazing by the way, but I found it to be to stripped down, needs a better stereo, better seats and a few more things, and I think the Rockford Fosgate stereo and Recaro racing seats could do that for me

[@ColdNapalm42]

@Nops341 Well the trouble is that if you finance the car in ANY states, there is a lien against the car from whoever has done the fiancing. Importing items with liens can be quite difficult as any default on your part becomes hard to collect. That means you need to barrow the money from a bank in canada and then you can buy the car and pay it all off and pay the bank in canada back. If you want an EVO MR with the wing and black tail lights, you MUST buy the 2010 evo MR...2011 MR has no wings.

[@zadjaliz]

Where is the car ? !!!!

[@ColdNapalm42]

@Nops341 Yes the entire tranny is basically a race spec tranny (albeit with clutches only rated for around 400 hp...and to replace them is kinda expensive...yes the MR has the same limit). It is has the fastest shift...doesn't matter if you have the computer do the shifts for you, or you use the paddles to do the shift yourself. It's quite nice.

[@ColdNapalm42]

@Nops341 Okay the lancer GT has the 2.0 liter 4b11...which is anemic for a car that weight around 3000 lbs. Seems that canada doesn't have a trim that uses the 2.4 liter 4b12 engine. So yeah from an exciting fun drive stand point, the GT will be really boring. You get good gas milage...but that's about it. So unless you want just a plain old commuter car, you want the RA.

[@ColdNapalm42]

@Nops341 But basically you need to read up on canadian import laws on this...and your gonna have to talk with a bank about getting financing. It takes time to do all this...but with the exhange rate so much in your favor it may definately be worthwhile. Also make sure that the US EVO meet all req for registration in canada. There maybe some differences, like say a different cat that may need to get switched out. If you need to spend a good chunck of money to make it compliant, it's bad.

[@ColdNapalm42]

@Nops341 For example, I would pay 2 grand LESS for a MR with either of those packages compard to one without as that is what it'll costs to reduce the weight. So the base 2010 is 32 grand. If it has the premium package, I would not pay over 30 grand for it. Since your paying 4 grand for the package, you losing out on 6 grand in such a market. No small change. It sounds like the EVO or even the RA may not be for you in anycase.

[@ColdNapalm42]

@Nops341 The Z that dp2 mentioned maybe a better fit (oh although I messed up on of my posts it seems, it should be 330 HP at crank, not WHP). The Z has better...well everything other then performace over an EVO (and the nismo one looks wicked if that matters). Actually for what you can afford, you could probably even go infiniti and get world class nice on a car that is some mighty fine driving for somebody not interested in the tracks. Go spend a few weekend test driving and have some fun.