Take into account that the car has AWC, 9 speaker stereo, ACD, TC-SST, Mivec, cruise and comfy/quiet as interior etc etc all that shit adds weight but no one would buy it if it didn't have it. Cars today have to have alot more shite in them compared to 15 years ago! Everyone whines a lot now, so Mitsu has tried to cater for everyones tastes with the sedan, hatch and wagon in either 2.0l N/A, 2.4l N/A and 2.0l turbo, rumour has it that its coming out in Diesel too. They have to compete with all the other small car manufacturers.
Before you guys comletely shitcan the car atleast go for a test in one. I actually quite like the trans in it, was learning about it today aswell. Feels very good on the road, sports mode is quite good too. I think they have done well, a good in between. You just aren't used to seeing a Mitsu hot hatch, it'll grow on you.
My 2c