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Greetings to the faithful
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 I've just had to reluctantly give back a Mitsubishi Ralliart, which the guys from Todd Park were nice enough to loan me. The Ralliart is the sort of wolf in sheep's clothing that I like. From the outside it appears to be an upmarket small sedan, but get inside it and Dr Jekyll can quickly become Mr Hyde.
The Ralliart is a good example of the guys from the East successfully snavelling the lunch of the guys from the West. Alfa, Lancia, Audi and Renault all used to have a stranglehold on stylish GT sedans that drove as well as they looked. That time is well and truly over as cars like the Ralliart, the MPS and Legacy have shown. Mitsi sold 431 new cars last month, whereas Alfa, Renault and Audi together managed 76 (Lancia being history). The numbers tell the story.
 MOD's Lancer Ralliart review
As I drove the Ralliart I was reminded of some great Mitsis from yesteryear - the original GTO, the 1850 Galant and the early supershift Mirage Turbos; all stylishly drawn and technologically ahead of their time. This month in MOD's Motors we take a look at some noteworthy Mitsubishis both current and past. Also, an update on our entry in the AA Energywise Rally, some cheeky Motors girlfriend listings, the normal collection of contributions from our readers plus the country's nicest Valiant and a $1 Reserve brand new Holden Astra.
Let's get into it.
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NZ's fastest point-to-point car?
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 In the early days it was a two horse race - the mighty WRX STI vs. the Lancer Evo. But for the last few years it's been no contest. The Mitsubishi Evo 10 is the fastest point-to-point car for real world Kiwi roads. Some 220kw and less than 1600kg make a strong start but it's the monster brakes and active yaw control that has really delivered the accolades. Here's an electric blue Evo 10 in Wellington.
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VR-4 - ultimate sleeper
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While the Evo is the undeniable rock star in the red diamond garage, there are a bunch of sleepers that I find just as interesting. The VR-4 started life in 1988 as the range-topping version of the Galant. Originally developed to comply with World Rally Group A regulations, the VR-4 evolved into a fine grand touring car (and is a bargain). Check out the plumbing on this well-loved VR4.
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Best double cab?
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Years ago I worked in forestry and had a L200 4x4 as part of the job. The last of the Todd Park assembled double cabs, I came to love this truck. It was indestructible and proved to be the best work/play ute I could have had. The latest version shares the indestructibility but is way sexier. Here's one with the new 3.2 diesel donk.
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Energywise Rally
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As you read this I'll be easing the big HSV Maloo down the Paraparas as part of the AA Energywise Rally. Our objective is to show just how efficient a modern V8 can be when driven carefully. And let's face it, it will be the coolest car in the Rally. We're running a daily blog on Trade Me, so check out where we're at...
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Five most popular cars on Trade Me
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Five hottest classics on Trade Me
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Cheekiest use of a girlfriend
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After last month's cheeky attempt to sell a Hyosung by having your girlfriend pose in the feature photo, I've had two more examples sent to me, one which went to the trouble of bodypainting. Time for the ladies to have their turn. $50 Trade Me credit to the first person that sends me an example of using a good looking lad to sell a chick car - email beefcake@trademe.co.nz.
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More enjoyable garbage from the faithful
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This month I've got six new links sent to me by some of the eclectic group that make up our readers.
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This month's reader's ride is the nicest Mopar I have seen in a long time. It's a VC Valiant owned by Corey Russell of Waikato. The car was bought by his Grandad new in 1967 and he bought it from the estate. Corey has redone the body and paintwork and put in a rebuilt slant 6 engine and torqueflite box. The result is just magic. Big thanks Corey, I seriously envy you. No car like Mopar.
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