What does it cost?
Mitsubishi Evo Saloon full 9 point review
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Performance
The Evo's nutcase power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Even in its basic form, it provides 291bhp, and if that's not mental enough for you, Mitsubishi also offers a power upgrade that boosts it to 354bhp. The engine's immense wallop is spread pretty evenly throughout the rev range, and both versions blast from 0 to 62mph in well under five seconds.
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Ride & Handling
This thing feels every inch the road-legal rally car. There's permanent four-wheel drive and a vast collection of all-singing-all-dancing electronic stability aids, giving you total control over the Evo's ferocious power. Even with the gizmos switched off, the car has immense grip and stays superbly balanced, so it's great fun. The ride is firm, as well it should be, but it isn't too raw.
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Refinement
Traditionally, Evos have never been the most serene of places to spend time, but the latest version isn't entirely uncivilised. Wind noise is well contained, even if the fat tyres do kick up a bit of road noise. The engine sounds suitably savage when you're giving it plenty, but the noise isn't too intrusive when you're not in a playful mood.
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Buying & Owning
Prices look steep, but when you're getting something that's capable of putting the willies up most supercars, it starts to look like a bargain. Bear in mid, though - fuel and insurance bills will also be at supercar levels, and because the Evo doesn’t have supercar desirability, its resale values won’t be anywhere near as strong. Still, for a few hundred quid, an optional servicing package takes care of all routine maintenance for three years.
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Quality & Reliability
The Evo's cabin isn't exactly plush – some of the panels are too functional for that. The whole thing looks pretty smart, though, and the assembly feels airtight. Mitsubishis aren't as bulletproof as other Japanese makes, but as long as you keep your Evo well maintained, it should prove dependable.
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Safety & Security
The four-wheel drive and clever traction systems all help keep you on the black stuff, and if you should find yourself off it, there are twin front, side and a driver's knee airbag to keep you from harm. The desirable Evo is also protected by an alarm, immobiliser and deadlocks, and there's even an advanced tracker system which can identify and remotely immobilise a stolen car.
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Behind The Wheel
Recaro bucket seats come as standard, so there's plenty of bolstering to hold you in place while you're chucking the car around. However, the driver's seat has no height adjustment and the steering wheel doesn't move for reach, so some drivers might struggle to find their preferred position. The dashboard is clear and simple.
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Space & Practicality
The Evo combines supercar performance with space for the family. The back seats have an impressive amount of legroom for long-limbed adults, but rear headroom is tight. The boot isn't as big as it might be, though, because it houses the battery and washer fluid filler, which take up valuable space.
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Equipment
The Evo X comes in a single GSR trim. It comes with most of the toys you’d expect for this money. Climate control, 18-inch alloys, Bluetooth phone connectivity, bi-xenon headlamps and automatic lights and wipers, sat-nav and a premium stereo with a hard-disk drive and MP3 socket are all provided as standard.
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Our pick of the range
Mitsubishi Evo Saloon 2.0T FQ-300 GS 4dr
There's certainly no shortage of power or performance in this model, and we'd recommend the basic trim, because it comes with most of what you'd want at a reasonable price.
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