Auto News 5

Renault's Dacia unit may shift output to cheaper sites in Morocco if a pay conflict in Romania escalates. Workers at Dacia's assembly plant went on strike for two days demanding a 40 percent pay increase.

We spend a lot of time on the Internet -- pretty much whenever we're not driving, writing about or working on cars.

General Motors said it will invest 4 billion euros ($5.2 billion) in Opel to support new model launches, renewing its commitment to its European division. Opel plans to introduce 23 new or refreshed models and 13 new powertrains by 2016.

General Motors said it will invest 4 billion euros ($5.2 billion) in Opel to support new model launches, renewing its commitment to its European division. Opel plans to introduce 23 new or refreshed models and 13 new powertrains by 2016.

Volkswagen-brand sales in China increased 12.9 percent to 206,800 units in March, cementing China's status as the automaker's key growth market.

Mitsubishi will extend its production and shipment stoppage of its Outlander plug-in hybrids until it finds the cause of an overheating lithium-ion battery in one of the vehicles, the automaker said today.

The US Big Three carmakers will not take part in this year's Tokyo Motor Show in November because they believe that the "closed" Japanese market is holding back sales of their cars, according to media reports.

Polish car production fell an annual 24 percent in the first quarter following a decision by Fiat to transfer output of its best-selling Panda minicar from Poland to Italy and layoff workers at its Tychy factory.

Ford says hybrid sales in the first quarter of the year in the US totalled 21,080 units, a gain of 324% on last year.

News 10 Apr, 2013

Motor Codes has announced the winners of its annual garage awards

As political tensions rise on the Korean peninsula, GM CEO Dan Akerson has said that the company is closely monitoring the situation and has made contingency plans to protect its assets and employees in South Korea.

Research firm Frost & Sullivan has revealed its forecasts on some of the important social trends that will shape Britain in the future.

News 10 Apr, 2013

The latest issue is out now, featuring our full story on the new BMW X4 and first UK test of the new SEAT Leon vs rivals

The new

Daimler is likely to cut its 2013 profit outlook when it reports first-quarter earnings later this month amid weak demand, especially in Europe. "Not much tailwind is anticipated from the markets in the coming months.

Daimler is likely to cut its 2013 profit outlook when it reports first-quarter earnings later this month amid weak demand, especially in Europe. "Not much tailwind is anticipated from the markets in the coming months.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) considers Maruti Suzuki India's deals with its parts suppliers anti-competitive. The commission believes Maruti Suzuki was abusing its dominance in the market by restricting the supply of spare parts and charging a high premium on them.

The boss of PSA/Peugeot-Citroen's namesake brand says he's already seeing benefits from efforts to move upmarket, which the automaker considers crucial to returning to profit.

From GMM

A cloud of uncertainty has moved above October's scheduled running of the Korean grand prix.

The tension between South Korea, home of F1's fourteenth round of the 2013 championship, and the rogue North has been escalating at an alarming rate in the past hours.

Most alarming is the rhetoric.

North Korean media quoted a regime spokesman as saying: "The situation on the Korean peninsula is inching close to a thermonuclear war due to the evermore undisguised hostile actions of the United States and the South Korean puppet warmongers".

And a bulletin on state-run North Korean television reportedly warned of an "all-out war, a merciless, sacred, retaliatory war".

"(North Korea) does not want to see foreigners in South Korea fall victim to the war," the bulletin reportedly continued, warning that "all foreigners, including tourists (should) take measures for shelter and evacuation".

Western foreign affair analysts, however, insist the threat of war is actually low, while the US embassy said that "despite current political tension", there is "no specific information to suggest there are imminent threats" to peace.

Moreover, there have been no reports that suggest the huge North Korean army has been briefed for a major war.

"The (US) embassy has not changed its security posture and we have not recommended that US citizens who reside in, or plan to visit, the republic of Korea take special security precautions at this time," it added.

The latest reports, however, say spy satellites have identified two North Korean nuclear-capable missiles that are ready for launch, and that the US is deploying a missile defence system to Guam.

Japan is also on the alert, with missile interceptors moved to key locations around Tokyo.

The border to China has been closed and tourists are being turned back, with a border official confirming the "North Korean government is now asking foreign people to leave".

United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon warned that if the "very dangerous" situation is not handled correctly, it could become "uncontrollable".

Highlights*
Compared with the regular Lancer, the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart boasts sportier looks, a more powerful turbocharged engine, and higher-grade components.

Lowlights*
If you like manual gearboxes, you'll be disappointed. This model comes exclusively with a 6-speed, twin-clutch transmission, although paddle shifters are included for quick, manual shift capability. Moreover, there's no height adjustment on the driver's seat, and the engine burns quite a bit of fuel. Finally, the firmer suspension affects ride quality.


Pricing
The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart offers a single trim level, and it starts at $31,798. 

Fuel consumption
As mentioned, fuel consumption ratings for the Ralliart are not as decent as the standard Lancer's. Expect 11.9/7.9/10.1L/100km (city/highway/combined). 

Styling
Closely resembling the top-of-the-line Lancer Evolution, the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart's front grille is not nearly as intimidating. However, the specific bumpers, functional hood scoops, 18” alloy wheels, rear wing spoiler, and dual exhaust tips beautifully convey its sporty nature. The standard halogen headlights can be replaced with high-intensity discharge (HID) xenon headlights for improved visibility.

Cargo capacity
The trunk can hold up to 283 litres of cargo.  

Powertrain
Under the aluminum hood of the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is a 2.0L, turbocharged 4-cylinder MIVEC engine. A healthy 253 lb-ft of torque backs its 237 horsepower. Beyond the aforementioned twin-clutch transmission, the powertrain also includes the brand's All-Wheel Control (AWC) system. 

Safety
To keep everyone safe and on the right track, drivers benefit from stability and traction control, ventilated front and solid rear brakes with ABS, as well as brake assist. Should the inevitable happen, seven airbags will protect occupants, including a knee airbag for the driver.  

Other notable features
An active centre and limited-slip rear differential improve the Ralliart's handling whatever the conditions. There's also a sport-tuned suspension with a front strut tower brace and stabilizer bars at both ends. Inside, leather-wrapped Recaro sport seats are available.

Warranty
The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart carries a 3-year/60,000-km comprehensive limited warranty, a 5-year/100,000-km powertrain warranty, plus five years of roadside assistance. 

Competitors
Honda Civic Si, Subaru WRX, Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Photo: Mitsubishi

* Based on expert reviews.
Poirier-Defoy Michel, L'auto 2013, Montreal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.441