When Mitsubishi announced it was going to launch an Evolution X, the public whetted their lips in anticipation. The Japanese maker has not let them down with this latest rally-bred Evo.
Driving the Evo X GSR SST FQ 300 in the Scottish highlands and the tarmac lanes of Ireland was perfect roads to test this machine on.
The Evo X has More Grown-Up Looks Than Previous Generations
The boffins, when designing the car (by the looks of it) went for a more grown-up look. The latest generation of the Evolution is less boy-racer, however there is still no escaping the menacing rear wing and the gaping grille on the front end.
Step On The Accelerator And The Driver Will Feel Awesome Performance
Lift the bonnet and there lies the standard 290bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine, (this is what gives the FQ-300, its name) The car has a phenomenal power plant, press on and there will be an instant surge of power. Driving on challenging roads is a fantastic feeling. The tenth generation feels more refined, secure, solid and stable when ‘driving on’.
Those that crave more noise may be frustrated as the Mitsubishi compared to its rival, the Subaru Impreza. There is no popping noises just a little turbo whistle when 'pressing on'. One benefit of this is that for some, is, that the car is easier to live with as a day-to-day daily runner.
On the road, the ride is no longer crashy, the engineers have got the set-up of the car close to perfect. On outer urban roads, driving enthusiastically around bends and the car has hardly any roll. The 4WD system gives the model brilliant grip on both dry and slippery surfaces. The steering is sharp and direct and this gives the driver great confidence in the vehicle.
The model on test featured the paddle shift SST semi-auto gearbox, this is a worthwhile addition as it allows drivers to keep their hands on the wheel, the Playstation generation will love it. However, purists may prefer a normal gearbox.
The Evo X FQ300 with the SST gearbox is really quick, it can do the zero to 62mph sprint in a time of 4.7 seconds and it has a top speed of 155mph.
On The Inside Of The Evo X FQ300
Mitsubishi has upped its game when it comes to the interior. Previous generations of the car were disappointing and for some potential owners there may still be too much plastic, but this is a 'drivers car' not a luxury saloon so it should be more about the driving dynamics.
The cockpit has a good layout of hooded dials and the driver has a figure hugging seat to sit in. If there is a a need to take passengers, the rear of the car can fit two adults of average size and the boot has a space of about 400-litres, enough for a couple of sets of golf clubs.
However, flexibility could be a problem, the rear seats have no split-fold option. The reason for this is that the Japanese car-maker wanted to strengthen the frame as much as possible – it’s 56 per cent stiffer than the old Evo IX.
Prices for the Evo X series start at £28,499, the GSR FQ300 SST on test starts at a price of £32,999 and it has an insurance group of 19A.
This is undoubtedly the best Lancer Evolution yet.
