Then came the Accord. The sleek and sporty Honda set new benchmarks for engine performance with its VTEC technology and supplanted the Galant on top of the best-seller list for a time.

With new regulations removing restrictions on engine size, the executive market then became a free-for-all with the Nissan Cefiro and the Toyota Camry also joining the battle for sales.

MITSUBISHI GALANT 240M

Specs and features of the Galant 240M pit it squarely against the Honda Accord 2.4 VTi-L. Here then is a spec to spec comparo of two excellent mid-size passenger sedans.

Mitsubishi has pulled out all stops in transforming the new generation Galant into one of the largest, sleekest, and most sporty luxurious executive sedans in its class.

Its wide and flat stance masks dimensions that make it one of the longest (4885mm) and widest (1840mm) executive sedans in the market. A low roofline (1480mm) gives the Galant a low-slung sporty appearance, aided in part by best-in-class 2750mm wheel-base and 1570mm tread.

Mitsubishi borrowed a few exterior design ideas from, let’s just say, a premium German marquee, and made them its own to give the Galant a very European-inspired look: Fin-type roof antenna, quad headlamps, a very familiar-shaped grille, Quad-headlamp (with auto-on feature and selectable level adjustment high intensity discharge lamps), electronically adjustable and power-folding door mirrors with integrated turn lamps. Seemingly out-of-place are 16-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels in a sedan that cries for at least 17-inch wheels and low profile tires.

Mitsubishi has decided to place its bet on only one Galant variant, the 240M, and gave it the highest of trim levels possible and filled it with all amenities and convenience features discriminating auto owners want and dream of: High grade leather upholstery complemented by dark wood and chrome accents; eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat; full automatic climate control system with rear aircon vents; integrated CD/MP3/FM/AM entertainment system (upgradable with subwoofer and center speaker); 3-stage high contrast, ice-blue illuminated full meter instrument panel; central locking system; chrome scuff plates and inner door handles; front cup holders; sunglass pocket; rear window sunshade; slide adjustable armrests; rear armrest with integrated cupholders and compartment; dual room and map lamps; rear reading lamps; rear adjustable headrests; retractable front door pockets.

Mitsubishi has also packed the Galant 240M with a host of safety features, including: Driver side airbags; four 3-point ELR seatbelts and 2-point lap belt; provisions for two ISO-Fix child seats; rear demister; rear parking sensors; high contrast LED (light emitting diode)-type rear combination lamp and third brake light; alarm system with immobilizer; compressed gas strut-assisted hood and trunk lid, and emergency trunk lid release latch.

The Galant 240M is powered by a 16-valve, 2.4-liter 4G69 engine equipped with the Mitsubishi innovative valve timing and lift electronic control (MIVEC) technology that adjusts valve timing for optimal performance in all driving conditions and a dual manifold catalytic converter (MCC) that significantly reduces exhaust emission while improving low-range engine performance. Both MIVEC and MCC are also said to help reduce fuel economy.