Mitsubishi Galant/Mitsubishi Aspire (EA/EC). 1996–2005 (prod. n/a). 4-door sedan. F/F, F/A, 1997, 1998 cm³ (I4 OHC), 1834, 1999, 2351 cm³ (I4 DOHC), 2498 cm³ (V6 DOHC), 2972 cm³ (V6 OHC). Strong start for new Galant, winning Japanese Car of the Year for 1996–7. First production production car with gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine, while VR-4 débuted with twin-turbo V6. Evolutionary styling, but tidier and crisper than predecessor. Predictable, safe handling, with multi-link suspension, but bland interior. Twinned with Aspire (1998–2002), and complemented by Legnum wagon. Revisions for 1998 around grille, bonnet and taillights, with power increases for VR-4 and introduction of 2·4 DOHC. Launched in US for 1999 model year, with 3·0 V6 part of the line-up. Further revisions in 2000. Cancelled on the domestic market in 2005, citing poor sales, though by now, it was well past its sell-by date.

Manufacturing locations: Okazaki, Aichi, Japan; Normal, Illinois, USA

Marque: Mitsubishi | Model: Mitsubishi Galant | Predecessors: Mitsubishi Galant (E50), Mitsubishi Emeraude, Mitsubishi Carisma | Successor: Mitsubishi Galant (PS)

q.v. Mitsubishi Legnum