Leading edge performance, front of the class handling, and stand out from the crowd styling ensure that practicality and safety are only some of the reasons midsize buyers are looking hard at the 2006 Mitsubishi Galant sedans. For 2006, Gallant is offered in four well equipped trim levels – Galant DE, ES, LS and GTS.
For the 2006 model year Mitsubishi designers focused much of their attention on improving Galant aesthetics. Road wheels, cabin interiors and instrument panels received most of the attention. Consumers will notice many meticulous, even subtle enhancements that clearly distinguish the appearance and quality of the 2006 Galant from others in the competitive midsize class.
"We listened to the market and added a variety of new and improved features to make the 2006 Galant a truly competitive midsize model," said Paul Cummings, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. "We have proven that utility and style can be combined with performance to provide our customers with a refined, powerful and exciting family sedan."
Exterior
The exterior design of the 2006 Galant makes a bold visual statement about the product and the owner, by distinguishing itself from the traditional, conservative styling of most four-door sedans. Its athletic fender arches, European inspired fascia and arching roofline are purposeful and individualistic. The blended bumpers communicate an image of strength and safety. Its strong silhouette is wedge shaped, highlighted by a waistline that rises toward the rear. Large fenders accommodate the wide track and reinforce a solid stance. For 2006, the road wheels have been updated to complement its distinctive visual statement. Galant DE and ES now feature 16" steel wheels with new 8-spoke wheel covers, while the Galant LS model features new 16" alloy multi spoke wheels, standard. The top of the line Galant GTS sports competition style 17", 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels.
Interior
The Galant interior exemplifies stylish and contemporary values. Its dashboard is dominated by sculpted centre stack housing intuitive controls for driver and passenger. Enhancements for 2006 include chrome ring accents on the instrument cluster, black control knobs for heating and cooling, as well as a new black metallic finish for the center audio panel. Atop this center panel is an available 12.4 cm color LCD display that provides climate and directional information, as well as a new for 2006 drive computer that features mileage information, a door alarm indicator, maintenance recorder, compass and calendar. The display also functions as an interface that can allow owners to customize many of the interior functions.
At night, instruments are illuminated with a striking ice blue LED hue. Mitsubishi designers also added a silver metallic finish to the audio buttons, and vertical and horizontal instrument panel accents on the ES, LS, and GTS models. Plush seats offer generous room and superior comfort. Depending on the model, they are covered in cloth, premium fabric or leather and feature deep accent lines to emphasize the seat width. A new Brownwood accent panel has been added to GTS models featuring the crème interior, which perfectly complements the Blackwood panels on other Galant interiors.
Drivetrain
Sporting performance has always been Galant strongpoint, and for 2006 two spirited engine / transmission combinations are available. Popular DE and ES models offer impressive power and fuel efficiency with Mitsubishi's renown 2.4 litre, SOHC, MIVEC equipped 4 cyl and a sophisticated 4 speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control. Top of the line GTS and LS drivers enjoy 230 hp from a 3.8 litre, 24 valve V6 – the largest in its class – mated to a 4 speed Sportronic™ automatic. The Sportronic™ normally operates in fully automatic mode, but the driver may choose to invoke clutchless shifts for more spirited driving at any time.
Chassis & Suspension
A steel unibody structure with extensive reinforcement provides protection in the event of a collision. Advanced dual stage front air bags and front seat mounted side-impact air bags are standard equipment. All seating positions have 3 point safety belts. Front seats have height adjustable shoulder anchors plus pretentioners and force limiters for the front belts.
Responsive and precise handling is the result of a well designed fully independent suspension that provides superior stability and ride quality. The front end uses MacPherson struts, with the addition of a large rigid cross member to help control torsional flexing. The rear utilizes a multi-link configuration with trailing arms and coil springs. Hydroformed cross members help to reduce flex and road noise. The power steering system is a rack and pinion design with excellent road feel.
All Galant models feature four wheel disc brakes, with the front discs vented for better cooling. Anti-lock braking (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) is standard equipment on ES, LS and GTS models, and a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) that alerts the driver when tire pressure is low, is optional on ES and standard on LS and GTS models.
Packages and Trim
The Mitsubishi Galant is a very well equipped automobile. Standard features on every Galant include automatic transmission; air conditioning; power steering, brakes, windows, door locks, sideview mirrors and trunk release; auto off headlights; keyless entry and much more. Some models, especially the GTS have a long list of standard equipment, including items like leather seating surfaces. Other equipment packages include the following:
- Audio Package – Standard on GTS, optional on ES
- 270W Mitsubishi/Infinity® 6-CD premium audio system with 8 speakers + MP3 playback and steering wheel mounted audio controls; sport touch steering wheel; theft deterring security alarm system.
- Sunroof Package – Standard on GTS, optional on ES
- One touch power sunroof; overhead storage console and front map lights; illuminated sun visors.
Source: Mitsubishi
