Well, American Airlines did not strand me someplace without Internet access, but they did manage to keep me up well past my bedtime, and the wittiest thing I can think of to say about my 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback test drive is that I think it may hold the record for the number of links to other reviews. Sorry, that's the best my tired, addled brain can do.
The good news is that I was wide awake when I wrote this review -- a challenging one, as the Lancer Sportback actually comes in two very different versions that appeal to two very different audiences, and I wanted to talk about both, even though I only drove one. And they say this job is easy! Anyway, check out my 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart test drive, and be sure to weigh in with your thoughts on how Mitsubishi handled the Lancer Sportback's ratio of fun to utility -- click the "comments" link below. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
By the spring you’ll be able to easily buy a Ralliart for the price of a GTI or less. Problem with this or any Mitsu is the beating you’ll get at trade-in time.
why would anyone who’s not in high school want this over a GTI? That goes for the Speed3 too. I’ll leave the STI alone – i think it still has a place as a 2nd car for an adult because it has some good history. But i’m 28 and I would feel silly driving around in a speed3 or ralliart.
Since I’m not looking for a five-door hatchback of any kind, I think I’ll pass.
Well Matt, since you asked in such a condescending tone, I’ll tell you why I took the Speed3 over a GTI…because I wanted a car that worked. I didn’t want it sitting in the shop more than my driveway. I’m the same age as you, and after test driving a GTI, I would never consider owning one (or an R32 for that matter). Besides, my 55 year old uncle wants a GTI, and he seems to be about the average age driver for that car (why do you think they tout the DSG, while the Speed3 is manual only?). Cry “immaturity” all you want, but I won’t need a dedicated spot for Metamucil in my Speed3.
If you want the best performance/dollar car out there, its the Speed3 hands down. It’s also more practical than a GTI (more rear cargo room). The engine alone is enough to give it the nod, but with gear like a limited-slip diff, it easily outhandles a GTI when stuff gets tight. Wait, you know what, you’re right, driving the Speed3 does make me feel silly…because I can’t stop smiling when I’m driving it!