AUGUST 2004 ISSUE  
? The Rise of the Middle Class
? Honda Accord
? Hyundai Sonata
? Mazda 6
? Mitsubishi Galant GTA
? Nissan Cefiro
? Toyota Camry

The Rise of the Middle Class

Mitsubishi Galant GTA
P 998,000

Speaking of fountains of youth, the Mitsubishi Galant seems to be the one drinking from it. Introduced way back in late '97, the Galant has managed to soldier on with barely a facelift. Yet we still see a number - albeit small - rolling off showroom floors. The clincher? Sporty good looks in the best BMW tradition. Menacing headlamps, an athletic nose-down stance, chiseled flanks and BMW-like taillamp clusters all shout Bavaria. Performance from the smooth SOHC 16-valver (the silky and powerful 2.5-liter 24-valve V6 was dropped when the VR model was sent to the scrapyard in the sky) is hardly record-setting but is fully sufficient for everyday driving. Handling is responsive while still supple enough to soak up bumps and potholes, again just like that German machine. Cabin space is not class-leading but perfectly adequate for five adults. Still worth a look when shopping in this size- and price-class. - Manny N. de los Reyes

Grins: Distinctive Teutonic styling, sure-footed handling, terrific value for money

Grimaces: Trailing in the horsepower race, could use a facelift

The Lowdown: A solid midfielder in this extremely competitive class.

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