My Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback GSR SST
The Ralliart version of the Mitsubishi Lancer. 237bhp turbo MIVEC engine.

29,500 miles

  Posted on 25th March 2013


I'm finally getting rid of the Carbotech XP8. Whilst they stop the car well, they are extremely dusty which has resulted in me buying a plethora of wheel cleaning products to try and get them clean.
I am opting for new pads and discs as both are quite worn, the new brakes will be EBC USR1384 discs and Yellowstuff DP4594R pads.
In addition a full set of Bridgestone Potenza RE050a's are going on, replacing the Kumhos. The latter have worn a lot on the outer edge and are not the gripiest tyres I've ever had on a car. The Bridgestones are used by quite a few Lancer and Lancer Evo owners with good reports.
First MOT done too.


Lancer Ralliart Lancer Ralliart Lancer Ralliart Lancer Ralliart

20,000

 Posted on 5th Jan 2012

I had the 20k service in December, I'd done about 19,300 miles. Since Aug/Sept 2010 I have been experiencing starting issues, it will turn over, but not fire. It usually starts on the fifth key-turn.

There's a new Mitsubishi dealer in my area, so I tried them for the service and asked them to investigate the starting issue.
At my request, they very helpfully checked the tension on the timing chain, as other owners have had this replaced and their starting issue went away. However, my chain was within tolerance.
I have emailed them links to a post on Evolution-M with regard to the fuel pump relay, as this is another suspected cause. I am waiting for a reply.

The filter I fitted last May is looking quite dirty and could do with being replaced, I might choose a different brand, one that doesn't need changing. At the moment I have re-fitted the OEM filter.


HKS Super Hybrid Panel Filter

 Posted on 14th May 2011

This filter is fitted by Mitsubishi in the FQ-360 and above Evo X's. With some help from Antony at Indigo-GT we found that the same part (70017-AM007) used in the Evo X will fit the Lancer Ralliart.

The filter is sandwiched between two parts of the airbox, rather than being a drop in type. Installation was very easy and took approx 5 minutes.

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback GSR SST

Unlike filters I've had on previous cars (K&N, Cotton Green) this HKS Super Hydrid panel uses foam and I'm not sure whether this is the cause of the prominent induction noise my car now has. Under 'normal' driving conditions it is vagulely more audible than the stock filter, however under hard acceleration you can really hear it :-)


4 week review

 Posted on 28th May 2010

I presume it is a characteristic of the MIVEC engine, but there is an 'additional' power band much higher up the rev range, starting around 4-4500rpm. Which would explain why when driving the Lancer in full-auto sport mode, that it revs so high (I think it actually redlines in 3 or 4th).

There can be times when the car is reluctant to pull away in 1st gear, which can cause problems when trying to quickly pull out onto a roundabout.

With some help from the guys on MLR I have identified that I have the wrong mats fitted in the car. All are OK with the exception of the drivers one, which features 2 'flaps' which get in the way of the footrest. The local dealer has ordered a set of replacement mats.


Collection!

 Posted on 3rd April 2010

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback GSR SST Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback GSR SST Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback GSR SST Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback GSR SST

As I am still anti orange bulb it didn't take long before I swapped the front indicators for the Silvatecs I'd rescued from the Mazda.
The exceedingly sticky dealer tax disc holder was changed for my black Richbrook and the dealer sticker was removed from the rear window.

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback GSR SST

Deposit

 Posted on 27th March 2010

Yesterday we had decided not to proceed with the car as we couldn't achieve what we wanted for the Mazda3 MPS. The deal on the new Lancer Ralliart was only valid for March and we didn't think we would be able to sell my car privately in time to raise the funds.

Unexpectedly we received a call on Saturday morning from the dealership, saying that they "really want to sell us the car", I explained that unless they offered more the Mazda this couldn't happen.

After further conversations throughout the day we finally agreed on a part exchange price, which left us with a deal we really couldn't refuse.

Later in the afternoon we drove to the dealership to put down the deposit, and of course while I was there I snapped a few pics on my phone.

All being well we shall collect the car on Saturday 3rd April.

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback GSR SST Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback GSR SST Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback GSR SST Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback GSR SST Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback GSR SST

Test Drive

 Posted on 25th March 2010

A dry clear day. The salesman drove first and I was surprised at the acceleration, the car was in full auto mode and the system was in normal as opposed to sport. We swapped over, it was strange to drive an automatic after having manuals for so long. Full auto mode was fine, although it felt a little like it was running away with you. I experimented with the SST 'flappy paddle' gear change, this wasn't as strange as I thought, however changing down the gears when approaching a junction felt a little odd. There is also the option for a sequential shift using the gear lever, this felt more comfortable and made more sense after driving a manual.

On returning to the dealership we discussed figures, a very attractive price was offered against the Lancer Ralliart Sportback, however we couldn't agree on a part exchange price for the 3MPS.


First Sighting

 Posted on 30th April 2010

I had vaguely started to look for car which could replace the Mazda3 MPS, currently there are no cars that inspired me, so I was running out of ideas.

As the last garage on the way home we called in at Mitsubishi to have a look at the Evolution X. While walking across the forecourt we noticed a 'normal' Lancer which looked quite nice, peering at the back of the vehicle I noticed a Ralliart badge. I wasn't aware that there was such a thing as a new Ralliart Lancer, so wandered into the dealership to find out more.

The idea behind the Lancer Ralliart is that it bridges the gap between the standard Lancer and the Evolution, only available as a hatchback (or sportback) so as not to appear to be a rival for the Evo.

Fortunately the salesman had time to show us around the car, the interior was nice, particularly the large screen navigation/sound system. I asked for a test drive but no-one was available, but I could book one for Thursday.

Reading the spec showed me that the car 'only' had 237bhp and 253nm torque, which was down on the 260bhp and 280nm of the Mazda3 MPS, theoretically it should put the power down well being 4wd, so I shouldn't notice the lesser power.

We would have to wait until Thursday to see how it handled.