2009 Mitsubishi Galant

NEW FOR 2009:

- Restyled model

For 2009, the Mitsubishi Galant is redesigned; the nameplate was temporarily discontinued in model-year 2008, awaiting its release.

The Galant consists of the ES, the GT, and the Ralliart, with engines carried over from the 2007 models. The ES uses a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower; the GT uses a 3.8-litre V6 engine that makes 230 horsepower, while the Ralliart uses the 3.8-litre with MIVEC electronic valve timing that produces 258 horsepower. The ES uses a four-speed automatic transmission, while the GT and Ralliart use a five-speed automatic; both feature manual shift mode.

The makeover also includes new styling, with a new grille, hood and front bumper design, new rear-end styling, and new paint colours, including Maizen Blue, Quick Silver, Canyon Beige and Rave Red.

Features on the ES include 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, variable intermittent wipers, heated mirrors, four-wheel disc brakes, "leatherette"-wrapped wheel with audio controls and tilt adjustment, cruise control, floor mats, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, six-way manual driver's seat, trunk pass-through, tire pressure monitoring system, and CD/MP3 stereo.

The GT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, black headlamp bezels, fog lamps, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, garage door opener, power sunroof, heated seats, traction control, anti-theft alarm, centre LCD audio display with driving computer, and six-CD/MP3 stereo with SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

The Ralliart adds 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, eight-way power driver's seat, projector-beam headlamps, side air dam, front strut tower bar, rear stabilizer, ventilated rear brake discs, aluminum pedals, and navigation system.

Nicely restyled, the new Galant features improved styling and offers buyers a relatively modest starting price for its considerable features, along with the company's extra-long warranty. Side and curtain airbags are carried over from the 2007 model, although electronic stability control is still unavailable on any model, even the upper-line Ralliart.