CoverCars - Car Reviews | News | Pictures

MASTER OF DISGUISE

Aside from the wild spoiler and huge air intakes, an every day person could be forgiven for thinking the Evo IX is an every day run around.

It’s a saloon car after all with a modest 1997cc engine under the bonnet, there’s room for five adults and a generous 530 litres of boot space in the back. To a point you can even drive it like it were a moderately powered, moderately economical family car if you’re very gentle on the accelerator and you change gear before the turbo kicks in. As it’s only when this huge thrust of this forced induction system comes in to play that the Evo realises its true potential.

Having been around since the early 90’s, Mitsubishi’s prize rally car has evolved in to something rather special. Always sporting new technology from active 4WD, to its different suspension set-ups for various terrain, active centre differential, Super Active Yaw Control and ABS all wheel control technology it was no wonder driving enthusiasts wanted to buy in on the action. Its speed, agility and reliability were all being tested at the highest level and even under the scrutiny and strict regulations of the WRC, the Evo adapted to meet each demand as well as pushing the competition to the max.

Now in its ninth generation the Evo is a household name, marvelled for its super car performance and yet affordable price. The real pull is what it does to you, once you step inside – Jim Carey eat your heart out as this is one mask that is more than capable of fronting your alter ego. For those few seconds at the lights, you’re a super hero in the eyes of gawping little kids on their scooters, gazing in to the distance and wondering if you’ve time travelled to the future.
In the flagship FQ340 the 0-62mph sprint takes just 4.3 seconds, flying like a bullet down the open road. It really does warrant a lot of care so as not to get too over excited otherwise you could loose your licence ten times over on just one journey home from work. The butterflies in your stomach seething with fury, mouth dry with dropping amazement and knuckles drained of blood. Through the range there’s plenty of available power right up to its limit of 157mph. The Evo IX is indeed a big tease in rush hour or on country lanes when stuck behind slow traffic. You’ll be wincing at the delivery van pottering along at 25mph when there’s a long stretch of road and 345bhp to let loose on it. However when you do get a bit of space to open out the throttle, you’ll find its handling and traction to be impeccable.

The shorter springs at the rear allow it to sit closer to the tarmac, making it even more graceful and controlled through corners. As well as ultra-impressive grip at the rear wheels, its Super Active Yaw Control System is controlled by the ECU and allows it to deliver almost twice the torque to the rear wheels. It monitors the demand and according to the driving conditions, delivers what is necessary. Now that both the Active Centre Differential (ACD) and Super Active Yaw Control are both managed by the main engine brain, they have more of a synergy thus complimenting each other and jointly contributing to even better cornering stability.
Another awesome piece of technology is the Sport ABS braking which processes information from a steering angle sensor to monitor steering inputs. It also detects lateral G from the vehicle speed sensors and uses this information to determine how much pressure to apply to each of the four wheels independently.

Cocooned in the Recaro racing seats with bolstered support, hands wrapped around an eloquently moulded three spoke racing Momo wheel, the surge of air whistling from the turbo and that smell of quality leather in your nostrils is a real holistic stimulus. The visual styling leaves quite a bit to be desired but when you fall in love with this machine you’ll be driven by passion rather than looks.

Ownership is sure to test your loyalty with trips to your local service centre every 4500 miles and because the rest of the populous will be green with envy, insurers aren’t going to let you off lightly either. There has to be a bit of a pay off for having this much power all to yourself. On the whole though if you give it the respect it deserves it should serve you very well.

Verdict

FOR: Untouchable in the acceleration stakes, for its class and way beyond it. Intuitive and very responsive handling, intelligent 4WD system and plenty of well needed traction
AGAINST: The interior is nothing to write home about, high running costs
CONCLUSION: The acceleration of the Evo IX is truly breath taking; even an Audi RS4 which is more than £20K pricier takes 0.5 seconds longer to get to 62mph. Then there’s the BMW M3 with its larger 3246cc engine and additional £12K price. It’s more sophisticated and executive looking but it doesn’t have the raw delight of a turbo. The only piece of machinery you can really compare the Evo IX to is its fellow Jap, Subaru Impreza WRX STi which is also a real enthusiast’s car. They both have rather hard-faced looks and street-racer reps thanks to popular film culture and computer games. It’s really down to a matter of taste as to which one to pick as they’re both rapid and radical. One thing’s for sure, we we’re very sad to give the Evo back and revert back to normality. The Incredibles Super hero persona was such a cool place to be, because if nothing else the Evo IX stands to keep you young and shamelessly happy.

Spec

ENGINE: 1997cc inline 4-cylinder, 16-valve, MIVEC, DOHC, turbocharged with intercooler
Co2 (g/km)/tax: 334/-
POWER: 345bhp
TORQUE (lb/ft): 231 lb ft @ 4600rpm
0-62mph (sec): 4.3 (est)
TOP SPEED: 157mph (capped)
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual
SUSPENSION: Front: Mcpherson struts with inverted Bilstein monotube shock absorbers, stabiliser bar and aluminium front lower arms. Rear: Multilink suspension, aluminium suspension arms and stabliser bar also with Bilstein monotube shock absorbers
BRAKES: Brembo braking system
WHEELS: 17″ ENKEI lightweight alloys , 5 split spoke with silver finish
TYRES: 235/45ZR17 Yokohama ADVAN AO46
WEIGHT: 1400kg
PRICE: £33,004
RIVALS: Subaru Impreza WRX STi