The 2012 Mitsubishi Galant is the latest in a line of fantastic cars for Mitsubishi stretching back more than 40 years. This is a name known around the world for delivering high levels of luxury at affordable prices.

The 2012 Mitsubishi Galant (MSRP starting at $21,899) is offered in ES and SE trim levels. Power comes from a 16-valve 2.4-liter single overhead cam four-cylinder engine that features the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system; it churns out 160 hp at 5,500 rpm and 157 lb/ft of torque at a smooth 4,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a four-speed Sportronic automatic transmission that also offers manual shifting. The powerful engine does not come at the sacrifice of fuel efficiency, further increasing the value proposition that is the Mitsubishi Galant. It delivers fuel economy of up to 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Among the standard features on the ES trim level are a keyless entry system, cruise control, auto-off halogen headlamps, an auxiliary audio input jack, a vibrant six-speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, air conditioning, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, trunk access pass-through, rear-seat heater ducts and variable-speed intermittent windshield wipers.

 

The SE trim packs a lot of luxury, starting with a DVD-based navigation system with rear backup camera and a large, seven-inch touch-screen display monitor. It also includes a 650-watt Rockford Acoustic Design premium audio system with AM/FM/six-CD/MP3 player, digital signal processor, steering wheel audio controls and eight speakers. Bluetooth is also standard on this trim.

 

Other enhancements at the SE trim level are automatic climate control, heated front seats and side mirrors for comfort and safety, an eight-way power driver's seat and power sunroof as standard equipment. Leather seating is available as an option.

 

In the 2011 model year, the ride height of the Galant was lowered .5 inches to give it a sleeker looking stance and improve its aerodynamics. A new chrome beltline molding creates a more polished-looking finish on this near-luxury sedan. The SE trim offers 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and parabolic foglamps while the ES has 16-inch steel wheels with full covers.

 

Mitsubishi goes beyond the occupant safety offerings found in other midsize sedans. There is a six-airbag supplemental restraint system with dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags. The Galant also comes standard with Active Stability Control, Traction Control and four-wheel disc Anti-lock Brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

 

Even the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is a cut above. Most simply tell you a tire is underinflated without indicating which one. That means manually checking each tire, which can be a cold, time-consuming process in the winter. Cold weather is a common time for tires to lose pressure. This Tire Pressure Monitoring System signals specifically which of the tires is underinflated, helping to avoid a potential safety hazard and improve fuel efficiency.

 

The 2012 Mitsubishi Galant also features the company’s patented Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction that helps reduce the potential for injury to the vehicle’s inhabitants in the event of a collision by absorbing and dissipating the crash energy and keeping it away from the passenger compartment.

 

The 2012 Mitsubishi Galant brings significant value and high levels of standard equipment to the midsize luxury sedan market around the world. Come see why it's the value leader in midsize sedans.