Evo X previewed in Perth
December 14, 2007 by Karl Peskett
Last night, two Mitsubishi Evolution X preview cars were displayed at an unveiling in Perth. Both were specially flown in from Japan for a series of previews around the country for media, dealers and potential customers.
Announced at the preview was Australia’s intention of receiving two models of Evo X; an entry level specification (known in Japan as the GSR), and the top-rung MR version. Both were at the preview.
The entry level model will score Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, and is available with either manual, or Mitsubishi’s new Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The MR will also receive two-piece rotors, forged BBS wheels, Bilstein shockies, and Eibach springs and comes only with TC-SST.
Car Advice was invited to explore the car up close and personal, and all we can say is we can’t wait to road test it.
Interior quality has been lifted to a level not previously experienced in the Evolution series, with decent plastics, and a fit and finish more befitting a car of this price level. Seating is extremely supportive and comfortable, with heaters as an option.
The paddles are straight from the Outlander VRX, however the steering wheel is bespoke. The leather used on the wheel isn’t quite as grippy as the current Evo, and stitching could have been a little better too.
Mitsubishi is staying tight lipped as to whether the MR would have the options of sunroof and satnav as fitted to the Perth preview car, however the feeling is that Australia won’t get them. The MR displayed also had keyless start.
Pricing wasn’t announced, however our sources at Mitsubishi tell us that $60-70K is the current ballpark figure. Dealers are currently taking orders and deposits, however the release date is not until April next year.
Thanks to Tomislav Jakovljevic for the photos.
Tags: Mitsubishi Evolution X
More than one pic would be nice… :-(
More pics are coming…
I’ve seen a couple of standard lancers on the road and I have to say, they look very nice indeed.
I really hope Mitsu retail the EVO X at very close to $60K, if only so I might have a hope of securing the finance.
Do us all a favour Mitsu – don’t be greedy with your pricing, not that you ever are!
Actually 60k was a considerable bit more than what I was expecting for the EVO GSR, especially as we’re still trading quite high.
Ahh well, no EVO for me :)
Wow, Perth got it late! This was shown in Melbourne about a month ago I’d say it would have been. I missed out on seeing the thing, courtesy of being o/s on business. Damn!
Perth get everything late!
WA stands for Wait Awhile….
I assume that is that $60-70K on the road…
I like the look of the vehicle far more than the STi, however looks alone would not convince me to buy one of these over an STi – Subaru’s reputation for quality far exceeds that of Mitsu and that is an undeniable fact. There must be some pretty die-hard Mitsu fans who will put deposits down ahead of seeing the STi in the flesh come Feb.
I’m still not 100% happy with the look of the exterior. I prefer the look of the evo 9…
STI all the way! lighter,more power,6 speed proper manual,
quicker round a track,more refined on the road and better resale/reliability,more practical hatch shape,BOXER engine sound,extra torque from bigger 2.5 makes it more driveable.. NO contest really!!
Why did no one say, I could have gone to that!
Chris is sold! Not sure that is all entirely correct – particularly the ’round the track’ comment as there is no basis on which to make such a statement. I do hope Suby release the car with a respectable note from those four exhausts. The WRX is quiet and if the four exhausts from the Liberty STi is anything to go by, I would not hold my breath for a decent sound and extra $ will probably need to be spent to make it so….
The hatch shape may be practical, but it is deadly boring and now overdone by all manufacturers and in reality you could have acheived much the same ‘practicalness’ by making split folding rear seats in a sedan.
Anyway – this all coming from someone who’s money will probably be placed on the Suby – but I am not discounting the Mitsu yet… not completely anyway
there was actually a previous topic on this site, stating that the sti was quicker round a track in japan, look back
about a week and you will see it flying high…
is the 1 in the pic the MR ?
The red one is the entry level model. The grey one is the MR.
Chris – I stand corrected – where was I when that article was posted! :-)
DEAR GOD I WANT IT :
thanks KP
What an ordinary looking brick.Many people don’t like the look of the STi but,this EVO X still looks like a $20,000 base Lancer airport rental car.
You would think that they could have cleaned the engine bay a little bit before showing it off
I quite like the interior of Evo X, but where’s the cruise control?
Shouldn’t the cruise buttons be on the steering wheel? or is it not available in Aus again?
Can CarAdvice confirm cruise control availability?
Momo, the US-Spec EVO X GSR has it, so I’m surprised that I also cannot see the Cruise Control buttons on the steering.
As for the interior, this is a rally-bred car hence the focus is performance. If you want luxury plastics, buy a BMW or other Euro marque.
Speaking of cruise control………who has it ???
Do you use it much ………and does it brake down hills ??
I complained to Volvo once as I thought it was broken cause it didn’t slow down going down hills. Its not meant to …Or on Ford apparently! Does on BMW s…what other makes does it brake down hills on C/C ?? Would be interested to know!
Like it or love it, its always been the best overall package of its kind in the world and will continue to be…..
SANTA,IVE BEEN A GOOD BOY THIS YEAR, SO IF I GET AN EVO X THIS XMAS I PROMISE TO BE A VERY NAUGHTY BOY THIS NEXT YEAR!
Cruise Control is excellent – and yes it should brake down hills. Have had it for years and would not want to do without it now – esp with the lame freeway limits here in NSW – far too easy to push the pedal past the 130k mark and not even know it.
I wonder when/if they will preview the Ralliart Lancer.
I think so too Flying High……..it should brake down hill!
It should be standard on all cars these days,yep too easy to speed out on the open road especially!
People worrying about cruise control on an out and out performance car?
Priorities, people.
Yes Tom, I suppose Porsche doesn’t know how to build a proper sports car, thats why they equipped a 911 Turbo with cruise control.
You should tell them how to priorities, your the man.
I went to the event and had a brief chat with Richard. He said they were hoping to be able to sell the base model under $60k. Also mentioned that the reason there is no SatNav at present (on the base model lancer) is because of some sort of compliance issue – this is apparently an all new system and they have to sell a certain number of systems before they can offer it from the factory (or something to that effect). So we *may* get satnav at some point in the future.
Can’t wait until April!
MOMO……………you took the words right out of my mouth!
oops! Mitsubishi provided several new Evos as safety cars at the Adelaide Classic Rally last month. sorry not to have taken photos for you people – thought they were stale news by now.
I heard that it would cost about 60,000 – 70,000 dollars.
If it will cost about 60k-70k would you rather own an Evo X or a HSV Clubsport R8 valued at $64,890.
Whoa!! That’s sooo good ay
evo’s have always devastated most other cars including sti’s and especially local muscle around circuits and targa stages, and i have an feeling the trend will continue. HOORAY FOR EVO X