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Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X
Driving
This car is all about performance, and the Evo X delivers incredible pace. It’s available in three power outputs, and even the base 290bhp car accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds. The engine is a gem, but the big news is the availability of a VW DSG-style twin-clutch transmission, called Sport Shift Transmission. Lightning-quick changes make this one of the best semi-autos we have ever tried. The car’s handling is also brilliant. Lots of technology means that grip is super and body roll is kept to a minimum. It’s amazingly surefooted, while the steering provides excellent feedback. Of course, stiff suspension produces a firm ride, but Mitsubishi has got the balance right – it feels composed in day-to-day use, yet remains hardcore enough not to alienate diehard fans.
Marketplace
The 10th incarnation of the legendary Mitsubishi Evo is the car, bosses hope, to be a genuine alternative to BMW’s M3. The Japanese model certainly provides plenty of road presence, thanks to a bold nose, flared wheelarches and short overhangs. It’s more subtle than before, though all models still get 18-inch wheels and a rear diffuser incorporating twin exhausts. There are three variants – the FQ-300, FQ-330 and FQ-360, the latter distinguished by its carbonfibre front splitter and ‘shark’s tooth’ spoiler above the rear window. There are also two trims, GS and GSR. Just the single 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine features, in various states of tune, with the option of either a five-speed manual or the SST semi-auto. Rivals include the legendary Subaru Impreza STi.
Owning
The interior, while no match for premium opponents such as the M3 and Audi RS4, offers a far better environment than the Impreza. The soft-touch dash, neat switchgear and three-spoke steering wheel give it a modern feel. It’s just a shame the dashboard looks so much like that in the Outlander compact 4×4. However, the driving position is good, Recaro sports seats are excellent and the practical bodyshell, coupled with a long wheelbase, means there’s lots of space for five and their luggage. Equipment levels are good, too. Prices are competitive and retained values strong – and Mitsubishi has stretched service intervals, from a previously-unacceptable 4,500-mile regime to a much more sensible 12,500-mile schedule. This should help save some money for fearsome fuel and insurance bills!
Popularity: 11% [?]
Mitsubishi Lancer
Driving
The Lancer doesn’t boast the tenacious grip of its illustrious Evo X brother, but the front-wheel-drive motor still has appeal. Engineers have tried hard to give the Lancer a sporty feel from behind the wheel, and the results are impressive. On twisting B-roads, the well balanced chassis and agile nature make it fun. It’s very sure-footed and there’s plenty of grip, while body roll is kept in check. However, the trade-off is a rather firm ride – though even this is far from crashy, and deals with rough surfaces competently. There are three engines, 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre petrols, plus the more impressive 2.0-litre Volkswagen-sourced diesel. This packs a strong punch and gives the Lancer decent pace – and, unlike with other Mitsubishis using this engine, it’s quiet on the move. Clatter and a lack of refinement aren’t an issue here. The five-speed gearbox, furthermore, is every bit as slick as the Evo’s six-speeder.
Marketplace
Mitsubishi has high hopes for the latest Lancer. It wants the car to really challenge popular family models such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf – so is making the key step of offering it as a five-door hatch, alongside the familiar four-door saloon. Both versions share styling that borrows heavily from the sporty Evo, with aggressive features and sporty details. All models have stylish alloys and a rear spoiler, for example, while the grille is distinctive. Trim lines are logical, ranging from GS1 to GS4 versions, and all are really well-equipped. Mitsubishi says it was benchmarked against the Volvo S40, while other rivals include the Golf and Focus, Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring, Chevrolet Epica and Skoda Octavia.
Owning
The Lancer’s cabin is a hospitable place to spend time. Those familiar with older Lancers will find it much-improved, with excellent build quality and controls that are simple, attractive and well organised. Plastics are a little hard, but it’s all very well finished. The driving position is good, too, and there is decent room, especially for rear passengers. The saloon boot is commodious as well. Running costs should be competitive, mainly due to the low prices and reasonable fuel economy – Mitsubishi has also put in much work to reduce service costs and has stretched check-up intervals.
Popularity: 11% [?]
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse
The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a 2-door, 4-passenger family coupe, or sports coupe, available in two trims, the GS and the GT.
Upon introduction, the GS is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 162-horsepower engine that achieves 23-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The GT is equipped with a standard 3.8-liter, V6, 263-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.
The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a carryover from 2006.
Popularity: 100% [?]
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a 4-door, 5-passenger sports sedan, available in 3 trims, ranging from the RS to the MR Edition.
Upon introduction, the RS is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 286-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The MR Edition is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 286-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is freshened for 2006.
Popularity: 19% [?]
