2012 Mitsubishi Galant

 OVERVIEW

The aging Mitsubishi Galant competes in the highly competitive mid-size sedan segment. While the first Galant was a compact car, the latest model is quite sizable. Now in its ninth generation, the sedan is offered in ES and SE guise.

The Galant was revised for the 2009 model year, and then given a minor cosmetic refresh for the latest model year. While the Galant's new design isn't revolutionary, it does give the car a fresher look.

Most notably, the new Galant does away with the old car's black bar front grille, and replaces it with a metal mesh grille. A new lower intake is flanked by integrated fog lights. The hood is also sporting a new look, now featuring sharp creases.

Out back, the Galant receives new taillights, as well as newly sculpted rear fenders. Mitsubishi says the Galant's interior has also been revised, but the only real noticeable change is a new shift gate.

The other major change was the removal of the Sport trim level, and the V6 engine option. Now the Galant will be available in just two flavors -- four-cylinder ES, and four-cylinder SE.

Both four-cylinder models receive motivation via a 160 horsepower, 157 lb-ft of torque 2.4-liter MIVEC four-cylinder, mated to a Spotrtronic four-speed automatic transmission.

All models come standard with dual-stage front air bags, front passenger occupant sensors, side curtain air bags, and seat-mounted side-impact air bags.

Optional features include a Rockford premium audio system, Sirius satellite radio, an alarm system, a rear spoiler, and a sportier steering wheel with audio controls.

Key Competitors
Before pulling the trigger on the Galant, consumers should strongly consider more modern options like the sleek and value-packed Kia Optima, the commodious Volkswagen Passat and the ever-popular Toyota Camry.


SPECIFICATIONS

General
Body Style: Sedan
Size: Midsize
Market Segment: Standard
Weight: 3395 lbs

Exterior
Length: 191.1 in.
Width: 72.4 in.
Height: 57.4 in.
Wheelbase: 108.3 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.5 in.
Front Track: 61.9 in.
Rear Track: 62.0 in.
Weight Distribution: 53/47
Drag Coefficient: TBD

Interior - General
Seats: 5
Passenger Volume: 101.0 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume: 13.3 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD

Interior - Front row
Volume: TBD
Leg Room: 42.6 in.
Head Room: 39.6 in.
Shoulder Room: 57.3 in.
Hip Room: 55.5 in.

Interior - Second row
Volume: TBD
Leg Room: 37.0 in.
Head Room: 37.0 in.
Shoulder Room: 56.6 in.
Hip Room: 53.7 in.

Propulsion
Fuel Type: Gas
Engine Type: 2.4L I4
Power: 160 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 157 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
Highway Fuel Economy: 30 mpg
City Fuel Economy: 21 mpg
Forced Induction: None
Direct Injection: No

Chassis
Layout: Front Wheel Drive
Front Suspension: Strut-Type
Rear Suspension: Multi-Link

Wheels
Front: 16" Steel
Front Tires: P215/60R16 94H
Rear: 16" Steel
Rear Tires: P215/60R16 94H

Trailering & Hauling
Trailer Weight: TBD
Payload: N/A

Tongue Weight: TBD


BASIC SPECS

Base Price $21,899
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3395
City (MPG) 21
Hwy (MPG) 30
Horsepower 160@5500
Torque (lb-ft) 157@4000
Wheelbase 108.3
Length (in.) 191.1
Width (in.) 72.4

Height (in.) 57.4