Powerful 2.0-litre turbo engine
4WD traction makes for excellent dynamics
Semi-automatic transmission provides rapid gearshifts
Well-weighted steering provides excellent feel
Supportive front seats
More comfortable ride than Lancer Evolution X

Turbo lag and lack of low rpm performance
Engine noise at higher rpm
Steering wheel lacks reach adjustment

Overview

Released in September 2008, the Mitsubishi CJ Lancer Ralliart was available as a sedan or hatch (Sportback). Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive Ralliart was powered by a detuned version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4B11T engine used in the C4ZA Lancer Evolution X .

Engine and transmission

The 2.0-litre 4B11T engine had an aluminium cylinder block and head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing for the intake and exhaust valves (Mitsubishi’s MIVEC system).

The 4B11T engine was mated to Mitsubishi’s six-speed semi-automatic Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST), an automated manual transmission with a console-mounted shifter and steering wheel paddle shifters. The TC-SST provided a choice between automatic and manual shifting and two modes: Normal and Sport.

Dimensions and suspension

Based on the CJ Lancer , the Lancer Ralliart sedan was 4570 mm long, 1760 mm wide, 1490 mm tall and had a 2635 mm long wheelbase; the Sportback models, however, were 15 mm longer (at 4585 mm) and 25 mm taller (1515 mm). The Lancer Ralliart had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension (both with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars.

Mitsubishi CJ Lancer Ralliart specifications
Body	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Sedan, Sportback	2.0-litre turbo petrol I4	6sp semi-auto	177 kW at 6000 rpm	343 Nm at 4725 rpm

AWD system

The Lancer Ralliart was fitted with Mitsubishi’s All Wheel Control System (‘AWC’) which included an active centre differential and hydraulic multi-plate clutch to provide the optimal front/rear torque split. The AWC was also integrated with the electronic stability control system to brake individual wheels when required. Furthermore, the ACD included three drive modes: Tarmac, Gravel and Snow. The Lancer Ralliart was also equipped with a limited slip helical front differential and a mechanical limited slip rear differential.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Lancer Ralliart included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

In ANCAP crash testing, a similarly specified CJ Lancer sedan received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.56 out of 37.

Features

Standard features for the Lancer Ralliart included 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R18 89W tyres, a six speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, MP3-compatiblity and auxiliary inputs, climate control air conditioning, Ralliart sports front seats, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, front fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, 60/40 split and flat folding rear seats, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and folding mirrors, a height adjustable driver’s seat, tilt adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlets, trip computer, privacy glass, alloy-faced pedals, a motion-sensing alarm and an immobiliser.

Lancer Ralliart updates: September 2009, October 2011, September 2012 and August 2013

During its production, the Lancer Ralliart underwent several updates:

From September 2009, the Lancer Ralliart was fitted with an acoustic windscreen and leather-wrapped handbrake;
Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity was added in September 2010;
From October 2011, the Lancer Ralliart was fitted with a reversing camera; interior trim was also upgraded with partial leather seats and gloss black decoration panels;
From September 2012, the Ralliart was fitted with a Rockford Fosgate audio system (which included four speakers, four tweeters and a subwoofer), iPod connectivity and a 6.1-inch colour display with a rear view camera interface; and,
From August 2013, the Ralliart featured Mitsubishi’s Multi Communication System (MMCS) which included a seven-inch touch screen with satellite navigation and 3D maps.

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