Mitsubishi - 2009 New Car and Truck Line-Up
In a year that has already been difficult for most of the automotive industry, Mitsubishi has introduced only a few redesigned models in its 2009 line up. Of particular note is the Lancer GTS and Ralliart models that have been added for this model year. Mitsubishi has also made improvements in both its safety and reliability records of its 2009 vehicles.
Let us review the vehicle changes for 2009 first. The Mitsubishi Eclipse has redesigned front and rear styling for 2009. The GT model received more aggressive styling changes and also had a new dual exhausted system added to the vehicle. The new exhaust system increases the horsepower of the model from 263 to 265 horsepower.
The Mitsubishi Lancer received more than just a styling change. The GTS model has a new engine - a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine instead of a 2.0 liter that was in the previous model. In addition, the Lancer Ralliart was added as a model to the Lancer line up for 2009. The Ralliart has a 237 horsepower 2.0 liter engine that comes with all-wheel-drive. The new vehicle is supposed to help Mitsubishi compete with the Imprezza WRX.
Finally, the Mitsubishi Galant also received a styling change for the 2009 model. The vehicle now has a manual-shifting option for its automatic transmissions.
In terms of reliability, Mitsubishi recently came in eleventh place as an overall manufacturer in Consumer Reports' study on reliability. This placing puts Mitsubishi in the middle of the pack of all manufacturers, but at the top of the middle segment. One vehicle, though, that should be mentioned for its 2009 performance is the Eclipse. Although the Mitsubishi Eclipse had new styling for 2009, the changes were not significant enough to affect the vehicle's reliability rating. The Mitsubishi Eclipse scored too low on the reliability tests for Consumer Reports to recommend to customers.
Mitsubishi also made improvement, as did all manufacturers, in the safety of its 2009 vehicle line up. The performance of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer and the Mitsubishi Outlander in the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's test shows that Mitsubishi is doing something right for the safety of its redesigned vehicles. Both Mitsubishi models achieved a good rating, the highest rating available in front, side, and rear impact safety tests. Both vehicles also have electronic stability control available to customers. The vehicles made the Top Safety Pick list of the agency for these performances.
In summary, Mitsubishi has only had a few redesigned models for its 2009 line up. Of particular interest to automotive industry followers is the Lancer models that have been added for this model year. Mitsubishi finished above average for reliability in 2009. However, at least one of its vehicles, the Mitsubishi Eclipse could not be recommended to customers in a recent Consumer Reports' study. Finally, Mitsubishi is making improvements in terms of safety. Two of its 2009 vehicles - the Lancer and the Outlander - made the Top Safety Pick list this year.
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