At first glance, you probably don't realise how much the average family car have been influenced by the intensity and excitement of the World Rally Ch
Though the World Rally Championship might conjure up images of cars emblazoned with advertising speeding through muddy forests or rolling over and over again, the cars that are driven on the racing circuit are actually not dissimilar to many family hatchbacks and sedans. Sure, the WRC cars are stripped to the bone and have a lot more grunt, and of course they're tuned for racing, but beneath all this there's the chassis of a familiar car you might see driving around your local neighbourhood.
So if you're looking for an car inspired by rallying, it's worth noting that Japanese brands like Mitsubishi and Subaru produce vehicles which not only offer the driving excitement and toughness of a rally car, but also include all the creature comforts you need to keep everyone in your family safe and comfortable.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart models come in either hatchback or sedan guises. All Ralliart models come with a 2.0 litre turbocharged and intercooled MIVEC engine under the bonnet, so these vehicles are no slouches in the performance department. A high-performance suspension, dual chrome exhaust pipes, twin clutch sports shift transmission, 18" wheels, and chrome belt line moulding round off this sharp and elegant looking car which is capable of producing a powerful 177kW of power @ 6000rpm. Additional features include sports style seating, a 6-disc CD player with MP3 capabilities and optional premium Fosgate audio system with 9 speakers, alloy pedals, chrome trim, active stability control, hands-free Bluetooth option, and keyless entry. Not forgetting safety of course, all Ralliart models include passenger and driver airbags including side-curtain airbags, and knee airbags for the driver.
Mitsubishi has been producing rally cars since the 1970s and this technology and expertise extends to their family sedans and hatchbacks. But even with this racing pedigree, the Ralliart range remains affordable and practical. In the World Rally Championship, drivers like Tommi Makinen have been able to exploit the Lancer's speed and ruggedness to achieve success, and now the public can get a taste of this in an exciting but safe road-legal vehicle.
Other Japanese car manufacturers like Subaru also have a World Rally Championship history. Their high performance Impreza WRX range was introduced in the 1990s and like Mitsubishi, has achieved a great deal of success on the world rally stage. The Impreza range features permanent all-wheel drive, as do the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart sedan and hatchback, which ensures a firm but nimble ride, and secure handling in all weather conditions including rain and snow. But even on dry roads, the benefits of all-wheel drive inspire confidence for drivers and passengers alike.
