Mitsubishi Lancer
Evolution IX FQ-340
September 2005
Mitsubishi's reputation has been built on good value cars and
popular 4x4s, but alongside these conventional vehicles the firm has a
long running performance model in the shape of the Lancer Evolution.
With the basic principle of a four-wheel drive transmission and
turbocharged engine wrapped in a saloon bodyshell, the Evolution IX is
the most advanced version.
The Evolution has a strong motorsport heritage, and it is this
performance ethos that gives the model such great appeal. From the
outside the aggressive scoops and large rear wing give a clear
indication of the performance available, and sitting in the
heavily-sculpted driver's seat and grasping the Momo steering wheel
leaves the driver in no doubt that the car is designed to be driven
with enthusiasm.
The basic design of the Lancer's engine
dates back to 1992, but it has been on the receiving end of numerous
modifications and improvements to increase its performance. This
iteration uses a variable valve timing system as well as turbocharger
modifications for more power throughout the rev range. The effect is
dramatic, as the Evolution pulls away smartly even at very low revs,
yet at high revs when the turbocharger is working hard it provides
rapid acceleration in every gear.
Delivering this power to the asphalt is
a well-proven four-wheel drive system combined with a six-speed
gearbox. More sophisticated than most, the Evolution uses an active
centre differential and a 'Super Active Yaw Control' system to alter
the amount of power delivered to each wheel. The end result is that the
car can deploy its power with ease, and gives high levels of grip when
cornering at speed.
All of this performance capability does
little to detract from the Evolution's abilities as a family car. With
the only change to the bodyshape being the addition of spoilers and
scoops, the passenger and luggage space is equal to the conventional
Lancer saloon. Although it may be more thirsty and noisy, the Evolution
can combine the dual roles of performance car and family car.
Aggressive stance of the Mitsubishi's Lancer Evo is in keeping with the car's performance
Ratings
Overall Rating
Value for money
Costs
Space and Practicality
Controls and display
Comfort
Security
Safety
Likes
Superb performance and handling in all conditions
Firm, supportive front seats are comfortable
Few compromises with practical four-door saloon shape
Price is low compared to rivals with similar performance
Gripes
Fuel consumption is relatively high even when driven sensibly
Aggressive exterior styling may not be to all tastes
Some interior trim feels of inferior quality
Speedometer is difficult to read, but essential in a car this fast
Our Verdict
Few cars can match the Evolution's performance at
any price, but fewer still can also carry passengers and luggage with
ease. The only compromises are the relatively poor fuel economy and
firm ride, but buyers looking for a car of this class will find few
alternatives that can match its all round ability.
Costs
In terms of overall value for money the Evolution is a strong
performer, though in isolation some of the costs are high. Fuel
consumption will be little higher than 20mpg, and the highly-strung
engine needs super unleaded fuel. The car's insurance rating will prove
a costly burden for the vast majority of drivers.
Space and Practicality
The saloon car origins mean good
space for five passengers and luggage in the Evolution, with a
relatively high roofline giving good headroom. The boot can swallow 530
litres of luggage, with a wide boot aperture for easy loading. The
interior has decent sized door bins and a glovebox, although the width
of the front seats does reduce elbowroom slightly for passengers.
Controls and Display
The simple layout of the Evolution's dashboard
makes it easy to operate, with familiar rotary controls for the air
conditioning and uncomplicated column stalks. The instrument layout is
informative, although the Evolution's competition heritage means that
the rev counter is placed centrally with the speedometer offset to the
left. This in itself is not too much of a problem, but the graduations
are close together and the numbers very small, making it difficult to
read.
Large rear wing flags up to all concerned the car's potential
Comfort
As the Evolution is still a family car at heart, comfort levels are
good for something with this level of performance. The ride is
understandably stiff, but only bigger bumps may cause an unpleasant
shock to be delivered to the cabin. For the most part, the ride is
acceptable. Front seat passengers sit on Recaro seats that are first
class, providing excellent support and comfort even over long
distances. Rear seat passengers fair less well, though the rear bench
is far from uncomfortable.
Security
As well as commonplace features such
as remote central locking and an immobiliser, the Evolution features
the Mighty Dot security system, which leaves a security mark on the
vehicle's major components. A Tracker system is also available, as the
car can be a target for thieves.
Safety
The Evolution has a good complement of passive safety features, with
twin front airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and side-impact door bars.
More importantly, the high level of grip and braking power, including
ABS, means the Evolution will stand a better chance of avoiding an
accident in the first place.
Driver Appeal
The performance aspect of the
Evolution's abilities is key to its appeal, and owners will gain the
most satisfaction from this. The highly developed 2.0-litre engine
delivers large power and torque outputs, yet it is flexible and docile
when driven at low speeds. The six-speed gearbox has a quick and smooth
action, and the four-wheel drive system operates unobtrusively,
allowing all the power to be transferred to the road. The steering and
clutch are light and progressive too, yet when the Evolution is driven
at speed, all these elements work seamlessly to provide a highly
impressive driving experience.
Family Appeal
As a family car the Evolution provides a
credible compromise. It delivers sufficient practicality to be used by
a family on a regular basis, yet it is as fast and as capable as many
supercars. Some families may find the ride too harsh or the drone of
the exhaust too loud, but these are small demerits for a car that can
perform the family role with ease.
The Lancer's basic instrumentation is actually a blessing when driving quickly
First Car Appeal
The Evolution may appeal to first time drivers, but its performance and
running costs are likely to be far beyond most of them. Its docile
nature makes it easy to drive, but with such a high top speed and rapid
acceleration it will be too fast for the inexperienced. With fuel
consumption around 20mpg and a 55-litre fuel tank, petrol stops will be
frequent, and insurance costs will be excessive. Many insurers would
refuse to cover a first time driver on a car with this level of
performance.
Quality and image
Sitting inside the Evolution, it is
clear that it is based on a more humble family saloon. Some of the
materials are quite plain, but the overall look is tidy, and the
interior feels well constructed. The overall impression is one of a
well built car. In terms of image the Evolution is almost in a class of
its own. With the rally car heritage and a reputation as a performance
car bargain, the Evolution badge is worthy of the respect given to it
by enthusiasts.
Accessibility
Only front seat occupants will have
any trouble getting into the Evolution, as the heavily-bolstered seats
do make it more awkward to sit down. Rear seat passengers however will
be untroubled, as the decent door opening and bench seat allow
straightforward access.
Stereo and ICE
The stereo system in all Evolutions
is dealer fitted and therefore may be a unit from a number of
manufacturers. The six-speaker set up delivers respectable sound
quality, helping to filter out road noise. The use of an aftermarket
unit does mean that they are narrower than most original specification
units, which can make them more difficult to operate.
Colours and Trim
The majority of the interior is black or grey,
with only small carbon fibre inserts to liven up the dashboard.
However, the steering wheel is a good size and trimmed in leather,
while the sports Recaro seats are a mixture of leather and Alcantara
which gives a more quality feel.
Heavily bolstered front sports seats do a good job of holding you in place
Parking
Clearly visible extremities and well sized door mirrors make the
Evolution almost as easy to park as the regular Lancer, except that the
large rear wing mounted on the bootlid does reduce rear vision
slightly. Low profile tyres fitted to the 17-inch alloy wheels make the
alloys prone to kerbing.
Spare Wheel
No spare wheel fitted, two cans of tyre inflator mounted in boot.
Range information
Available as four-door saloon and
five-door estate with 1.6-litre (96bhp) and 2.0-litre (133bhp) petrol
engines, mated to five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox.
Evolution range only available as saloon, with 2.0-litre turbocharged
petrol engine in three outputs (305bhp, 326bhp and 345bhp) all matched
to six-speed manual gearbox.
Alternatives
Subaru Impreza WRX STi Similar rally car heritage but cannot match the Evolution's performance
Alfa Romeo 147 GTA More sensible alternative with strong V6 engine, though less space available
Audi S4 Performs sports car and family car roles well, expensive in comparison
BMW M3 Three door only, but usable every day and room for passengers
