Mitsubishi Galant

Model Overview

The Mitsubishi Galant is a mid-to-high-end executive saloon nameplate produced by Mitsubishi Motors. Its name is derived from French, meaning "gorgeous" and "valiant", while also carrying the connotation of being "well-honed". The nameplate first made its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1969 and spanned nine generations until its retirement in 2012, predating both the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Galant stands as one of Mitsubishi Motors' most successful models, registering cumulative global sales of over 5 million units. In November 2006, the ninth-generation Galant was introduced for CKD production by Soueast Motor, positioned as a D-segment saloon to go head-to-head against key rivals such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

Design Language

The Galant’s design styling evolved continuously over the decades. The first generation (1969) adopted aviation-inspired aerodynamic contours and made history as the first Japanese passenger car to feature a hardtop bodystyle. The second generation (1973) drew styling inspiration from the iconic curves of a Coca-Cola bottle. The third generation (1976) introduced full aerodynamic styling, a distinctive slanted radiator grille, and dynamic waistline creases.

The exterior of the ninth-generation Galant was co-penned by former Mercedes-Benz chief designers Olivier Boulay and Gerhard Steinle, alongside Chen Congren, head of Taiwan’s China Motor Corporation (CMC) Design Centre, fusing European flair with Asian aesthetics. Up front, it features a prominent chrome grille flanked by eagle-eye headlamps, with overall body dimensions measuring 4,860 × 1,845 × 1,485 mm and a 2,750 mm wheelbase. The cabin, designed by Gerhard Steinle, incorporates a "wraparound wood-grain trim" motif that extends seamlessly and symmetrically from the centre console armrest to the rear doors, trimmed predominantly in a two-tone beige and brown colour scheme.

Powertrain Performance

The Galant range's powertrain offerings evolved over four decades, shifting from naturally aspirated units to turbocharged powerplants. The first generation was powered by 1.3L (4G30) and 1.5L (4G31) "Saturn" engines, achieving a top speed of up to 175 km/h. The second generation upgraded to a 2.0L Astron engine (4G52) pushing 125 hp, incorporating Silent Shaft balancer technology and cross-flow combustion chamber technology. The fourth generation (1980) debuted the all-new Sirius engine, equipped with Electronic Controlled Injection (ECI) and a turbocharger.

The locally assembled ninth-generation Galant was offered with 2.0L and 2.4L naturally aspirated engines mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, with the 2.4L variant featuring MIVEC variable valve timing. The 2.4L unit generated a maximum power of 115 kW and a peak torque of 213 Nm.

Chassis and Handling

The Galant's underpinnings saw continuous refinement across generations. Early models utilised a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) layout, before switching completely to front-engine, front-wheel drive (FF) from the fifth generation (1983) onwards, providing improved cabin roominess and better fuel economy. The fifth generation also brought Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) and Electronic Power Steering (EPS), enabling drivers to switch driving modes via an onboard computer according to road conditions.

The seventh generation (1992) saw its chassis upgraded to a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension setup. Meanwhile, the locally assembled ninth generation rode on front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension.

Cabin and Equipment

The Galant consistently struck a fine balance between passenger comfort and onboard tech. The first-generation Colt Galant featured a 2,420 mm wheelbase and was available in both 4-door and 2-door coupe guises. Early 2-door models featured a pillarless hardtop design with an upscale interior trimmed in genuine wood, an audio system, air conditioning, and optional leather upholstery on range-topping variants. The fifth generation added Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) and Electronic Power Steering (EPS). The ninth-generation CKD version delivered generous rear legroom and substantial boot space.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The locally assembled ninth-generation Galant featured a comprehensive safety suite, boasting ABS with EBD, dual SRS airbags, HID Xenon headlamps with auto-levelling, a full-colour reverse CCD camera display, front and rear parking sensors, a collapsible steering column, an integrated immobiliser system, high-luminance LED tail lamps, and water-repellent door glass. Additionally, it incorporated Mitsubishi's RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) high-rigidity safety body structure. The Japanese-spec Galant Fortis offered dual front airbags, side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, and curtain airbags as optional equipment.

Market Performance and Reception

The Galant picked up numerous prestigious global awards over its lifespan: the third generation was crowned "Car of the Year" in New Zealand; the fifth generation earned Germany's coveted "Golden Steering Wheel" award; the sixth generation was named "Japan Car of the Year" and "Import Car of the Year" in the United States; while the eighth generation bagged the "Japan Car of the Year" title once again. The eighth-generation Galant that bowed in 1996 first debuted as the Legnum estate before the 4-door saloon was introduced, shortly after which it clinched the 1996–1997 Japan Car of the Year award.

In the motorsport arena, the sixth-generation Galant VR-4 featured the legendary 4G63 turbocharged engine mated to a full-time 4WD system, locking horns with the Subaru Legacy in the World Rally Championship (WRC) and clinching 6 rally victories. The iconic 4G63 engine was originally proven in the Galant before becoming the beating heart of the legendary Lancer Evolution series.

However, the Galant’s market journey was not without its hurdles. Following its CKD introduction by Soueast Motor, the ninth generation shifted its positioning from the sporty credentials championed by its predecessors to a comfort-biased D-segment cruiser, powered by a 2.4L engine paired with a 4-speed automatic. With established segment leaders like the Accord and Camry dominating the market, the Galant struggled to carve out a compelling edge in brand cachet and equipment levels, leading to sluggish sales. At its 2006 launch, it carried a price tag ranging between RM199,800 and RM219,800, with the 2.0L model not offered initially. The Mitsubishi Galant was officially phased out in 2012, bringing an end to an illustrious run that spanned over four decades.