2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX review
May 15, 2008 by Karl Peskett
But probably the biggest gripe is the interior. The front seats are brilliant, being a Recaro with an alcantara and leather mix. But it’s the rest of the interior that lets the car down. The dashtop is unchanged from the donor Lancer, and really cheapens the appeal of the Evo. Sure the instruments are different, but even then the speedo reading is too small for an accurate reflection of your velocity.
The space is good, but the rear seats are too hard, and the stereo is rubbish. There’s a proliferation of poverty plastic, but then Mitsu’s line would be that it’s lighter and doesn’t detract from the thrill of driving. There actually may be an element of truth to that. But the ride is certainly firmer than your mother could live with, as it’s not only firm, but also crashes a little. You are connected to the road in ways that other cars cannot communicate, however.
The clutch action is progressive, and weighted well, as is the gearchange. The shift is metallic and notchy, yet snicks into place with only little resistance. Braking also feels a bit wooden, until the pads have warmed up. After that the feel is brilliant, because even though there’s little initial grab, the more push you give, the more forward retardation you get.
296kw!!!
:-P
Great car & should sell well. (second attempt at posting) !
Cheers
Thanks RoFlmaTiC. Typo.
I would love one, but even the older models hold their value way too well for my wallet. Oh well, the Impreza will have to do…
Sounds like you chaps had a bit of fun. Love these but personnally would never buy one as there is too much association with the ‘boys’. Pity since the performance is awsome.
What was the best evo to date? what it the Evo7??
wow truely awsome car by. prety much the uiltimate hoon mobile now that the impreza/rex is a little more conservative (i dont meen in terms of performance)
I guarantee its a lot quicker than 5.5 secs. It’s just a question of shifting ratios at the precise time. Not too late, not too early.
i heard its in teh vicinity of 4.9-5.0 0-100?
I’d prefer the new Evo on looks, but this is still a beast
4.9 sounds right
It looks stunning in white!
I would have thought faster than 5.5 -100 too,but your right on the interior,very average.
Do you fella @ caradvice know when the offical launch of the EVO X is commin out?
Cause if its soon, its time to sell the 06 WRXY for it!
I think in Europe theve got 254kw Evos there clocking higher 0-100’s http://www.evo.co.uk did a test against Carrera GT 997 Turbo, Carrera GT managed 3.8 Evo 4.3 0-60mphs
No Name ..”what was the best evo…?”
I’m fortunate enough to have driven the 6.5 TME, the 8 and the 9 and all are brilliant! The TMA had a few modifications and was stunningly fast, easily in the 4 second club and as the author notes “more than your senses can handle in one go..” is exactly the experience… sensory overload is another way to put it, focusing up the road as far as I could while everything else seemed to blur. It was more hard edged than the 8 and 9, easily provoked into tail out four wheel drifts when on boost,yet with lag to test your patience when off it.
The 8 and 9 are truly Jekyll and Hyde vehicles being much more refined, superbly fast and with limits beyond most people’s (mine included). And yet if you’re driving to conserve your points and keep your licence they will do that easily and comfortably, being docile and tractable and with no ill manners to speak of. The worst of it would be the toning up your left leg receives through a firm and responsive clutch pedal.
Which is better? Not a fair comparison at all with the TME being modified, but I could easily live with and drive a 9 everyday, but I’d be waiting anxiously for Sunday’s to let loose in the 6.5 TME…
It doesnt really matter which evo you get as long as it has the AYC (active Yaw Control). Completely takes the understeer out of AWD. Kinda like Sti’s when they put the variable centre diff in. Like the others though I found the interiors below standard and the indicators on theleft was a big bug-bear for a japanese car. Note to prospective buyers of new or used – Don’t use anything less than 98RON fuel or you will regret it.
Like most turbo cars you shouldnt be taking anything less than 98… I remember a test was run and found that ratings dont actual match the real octane level in the petrols and noticed one being off by like 4 points 98 was actually 94.
5.5 sec is about right for the watered down Australian version. For the real deal you need to drive a JDM spec Evo IX. A better drive than the latest X !
Re the Evo X and its imminent arrival. I spoke to a Mitsu dealer today and apparently the Oz delivery of the Evo X has been pushed back to July now!
There appears to be far too much demand world wide and the tiny market here in Aus loses out (again):-(
Also means that with the new LCT, it will cost even more.
I hope it lives up to the hype. Certainly looks better than the STi, although I am still a bit miffed that the manual is only 5 speed.
I really don’t think I could justify the purchase of an STi before taking the Evo for a spin. Having said that though, I have seen a STi Spec R for 62.5K drive away (slightly used for test drives) and that indicates there might be some flex in the price for a new STi
this truely is a superb car and has all the go indeed! sure the cost is a bit hefty but the ride quality makes up for it! the only thing i have to agree w negative nature, is that, it does use the base $19,000 lancer dashboard, and set up! Otherwise flawless!