|
Mitsubishi Galant sedan tweaked to deliver keen class value
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
|
Mitsubishi's first revision for the popular Galant sedan occurred at the beginning of this decade with a design so innovative that it captured "Car of the Year" trophies not only in the United States but from demanding consumers in the motherland of Japan.
Another generational gestation of Galant occurred three years back when production commenced at a new Mitsubishi assembly plant in America's heartland. That production shift from Japan to America signaled a strong intent by Mitsubishi to compete in the price-conscious classification of family sedans destined for consumption by our domestic market.
Now comes some fine-tuning for Galant, which rolls out for 1997 model-year designation in three revised trims. It sports a nose job and tail bob, contains new interior perks and wraps all in 4-door sedan style with base price dropping well below bottom lines of class best-sellers.
Galant's good looks revolve around the concept of aerodynamic efficiency, which enables a vehicle in motion to slice a wedge through thick air so smoothly that the resulting reduction of wind resistance produces higher fuel economy figures.
That's exactly what Galant's design does.
Presenting a smoothly rounded form from every angle, Galant earns a drag coefficient -- the measure of wind resistance -- of only 0.29, which ranks on top of the lot.
Fuel numbers also bump as high as 30 mpg for the price-leading Galant DE with manual transmission, so Galant's good looks serve a dual purpose by enhancing aesthetics while also saving pocket change at the fuel pump.
The overall smoothness and fluidity of Galant's silhouette seems particularly appealing. Note the slick sweep of a rounded prow accented by revised grille and new bumpers, followed by sensuously denticulated door panels and the crisp tail treatment.
New fascia, front and rear, look outright aggressive.
The interior plan, with seating for five stemming from two curvy front buckets and a 3-person rear bench, also changes due to applied improvements.
A Galant driver gains the most, since the center console armrest was enlarged and leveled with left door armrest. A sporty new 4-spoke steering wheel was added, and nice new colors adorn a spacious cabin.
This interior orients around the driver, as the cockpit sets all controls and analog gauges in responsive positions.
Dual airbags are also in place, denoting Galant's emphasis on safety features, with computerized anti-lock brake controls available optionally across the model line.
Trim levels pare from four to three this year, making Galant's step-grades easier to understand.
Entry edition Galant DE, replacing the former Galant S, stocks the basic hardware found on all models, including a 4-in-line engine with manual 5-speed transmission.
Additional equipment for convenience and comfort leads to Galant ES and on to the top model, luxurious LS, both with electronic automatic 4-speed transmission included.
My time with Galant, conducted over familiar lanes and multi-lane freeways of some hometown test routes, generated high subjective scores for the manner in which this sedan maneuvers in urban traffic and steers through sharp curves of suburban streets.
Acceleration, even when using the automatic shifter which typically diminishes a vehicle's performance, feels snappy and satisfying.
The three Galant trim levels share Mitsubishi's 2.4-liter 4-pack outfitted with overhead cam, four valves in each cylinder and multi-point fuel injection system. Horsepower reaches 141.
Galant's acute ability to accommodate any road surface and any sort of highway wiggle underlines the success of Mitsubishi's engineering team in loading some impressive mechanicals beneath the skin, such as the power-assisted rack and pinion steering system and a fully independent multi-link suspension.
Then there's the comfort angle.
Other aspects aside, this factor of comfort may be the issue where Galant scores its best points against rivals.
The feel, once you're strapped into the form-fitting front bucket driver's seat, is one of substance and solace, a sense that you're sitting in a machine composed of bulk and character, yet surrounded by the soothing appointments of a fine sedan elevated to luxury class.
That feeling even extends to Galant DE, which provides a number of comfort-oriented features despite its low entry-level price of $15,840.
The index of standards here ranges from power steering and tachometer in the instrument cluster to 5-way adjustable driver's seat, tilting steering column, the handy new center storage console with armrest, twin exterior mirrors, remote levers to release fuel door and decklid, intermittent wipers and rear window defogger.
Air conditioning at entry level remains an option, listing for about $900.
For Galant ES, air conditioning becomes a part of the standard package of features which extends to power equipment to operate locks, windows and exterior mirrors, plus cruise control.
Additional features for ES include a stereo AM-FM radio with cassette deck and power diversity antenna, upgraded cloth seat upholstery and a folding rear seatback with center folding armrest, map pockets attached to front doors, variable control for the intermittent wipers, floor mats and a cargo net in the trunk.
The top model, Galant LS, heaps on luxury items, beginning with soft leather seat upholstery.
From the front, you may recognize this edition because it wears foglamps and rolls on alloy wheels.
Driver's seat operates with power controls, as does the sunroof. Climate system functions automatically, and the stereo package upgrades to an Infinity system with amplifier. A universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors and seatback map pockets become bonus items.
List figures for Galant ES begin around $18,500, which look quite competitive, while the premium Galant LS totals to $24,500.
1997 MITSUBISHI GALANT
|
| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1997 MITSUBISHI GALANT Specs |
| Description: |
Mid-size sedan |
| Model Options: |
Mid-size sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
103.7 inches |
| Overall Length: |
187.6 inches
|
| Engine Size: |
SOHC 2.4-L I4
|
| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum/opt. ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
M/5: 23/30 mpg
A/4: 22/28 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 15,840 to $ 25,000 |
|
|
