Postby squala » Sat Aug 13, 2011 11:18 pm
Having tested the RA a few weeks ago, I have to say it was really stunning. The acceleration was mind-boggling even in stock form. It will leave everything for dead bar the XR6 Turbo and the like, but having read how much tuning potential it has for just a few more K, even those cars can be taken cared of.
The SST seems to be friendly at city driving as well. It shifts really quickly in normal mode and I didn't find it jerky unlike what other reviews said. It may not be ultimately as smooth as a real automatic, but how it teams up with the engine when needed is just world-class.
Ride isn't much firmer compared to normal Lancers, so it's still bearable in spite of Melbourne's road conditions.
The only downsides, as in all Lancers in the range, are the usual acres of plastic inside and the lack of telescopic steering. The boot has also shrunk to cater to the 4WD system. There's likewise the issue of some warning signs coming on if you're running with the space saver spare. Putting a full size wheel may practically leave you with no more trunk space. I do find it ridiculous to fit a performance car with an extra tyre that's a lot narrower and shorter in diameter.
But in the end, all the positives far outweigh the negatives. If you don't mind such problems, then go ahead and fork out the money for it.
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7 airbags
6-speed SST
5-star safety
4-wheel drive
3-diamond badge
2 overhead cams
1 awesome ride
0 demerit points and gutter rash