Vehicle Tested
| 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR
Base Price: $37,895
At-Tested Price: $38,960
Built in Japan.
Options
None
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter I4, 291 horsepower
Transmission: Six-Speed Automatic
Drive Wheels: All-Wheel Drive
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EVO, those three letters mean something very special to autophiles - it's the pet name for Mitsubishi's uber-performance, street racer the Lancer Evolution. Introduced back in 1992 as a Japan-only model, the first U.S.-legal EVO didn't reach our shores didn't until 2003. By that time, the hot compact sedan had already cemented a loyal following among the "Fast-and-Furious" set.
With each passing year, Mitsubishi has added more performance and technology to a vehicle that has become the brand's flagship. The 2013 Lancer Evolution comes standard with a 291-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled 4-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. It's only available as a four-door sedan, and, as its name suggests, shares chassis and interior components with the Mitsubishi Lancer.
EVO competitors include the Subaru Impreza WRX and Volkswagen Golf R, which like the Evo, have turbocharged engines and all-wheel drive.
Two trim levels are offered, the $34,695 GSR and $37,895 MR. Both have the same engine, but GSR gets a 5-speed manual transmission while the latter gets a 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual that behaves like an automatic. Power goes to all four wheels via Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control, which allows drivers to select among Tarmac, Snow, and Gravel modes. The MR also adds firmer suspension settings and HID headlamps.
Standard safety features include antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, stability control, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunk release and dual-front, front-side, curtain-side and driver-knee airbags. A rear-obstacle-detection system is optional.
Other options include leather seating surfaces, Rockford Fosgate audio system, sunroof and navigation system with real-time traffic information. The Lancer Evolution is built in Japan and has a $795 destination charge.
Get Up and Go Though the EVO doesn't look "wicked fast" on the outside, get your foot into the gas and you'll quickly find out that this car has the guts to stick with Camaro SS and Mustang GT all day. Though there is noticeable turbo lag off the line, the turbo 2.0-liter four builds power quickly. With all-wheel drive and nearly 300 ponies on hand, there may be no quicker mainstream ride for the urban stoplight dash as the EVO will reach 60 mpg from a standstill in about 5 seconds.
The MR's dual-clutch automatic is a dream. It actually launches smoothly - take note Porsche - and delivers quick and smooth up and downshifts at all speeds. It's most impressive when snapping off quick and smooth high-rpm up shifts.
The MR nets EPA fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Though not unexpected, it's still surprising to see such paltry numbers for a small, four-cylinder sedan. Premium-grade fuel is also required, further compounding the pain at the pump.
As you might expect, real-world fuel economy is directly related how far the right pedal travels when accelerating. Driven with a feather-foot, you might see as high as 22 mpg around town and perhaps 25 mpg on the highway. But if you drive-it-like-you-stole-it, you won't average much better than 19 mpg overall.
On the Road Firm is the order of the day for all EVOs. The GSR offers a tolerable ride on most surfaces, while the more firmly sprung MR grows harsh on Chicagoland's frost-heaved pavement. Still, the suspension is surprisingly refined and does an excellent job of quelling secondary motions and reducing unwanted road judder regardless of model.
On the flip side, EVO's razor-sharp handling will put a smile on your face. The steering is meaty and quick, turn-in is immediate, the tires have great grip and the brakes could pull the fillings from your teeth. The only downsides are a large turning radius and heavy parking-lot steering feel.
The all-wheel-drive system does an excellent job of putting the power to the pavement on dry or wet roads. Still, if you are thinking making the EVO your daily driver, a set of snow tires would be a wise investment.
By modern standards, the Evolution is very noisy car. Engine roar and wind noise are above average and tire roar borders on annoying on rough concrete roads. Plus, the turbo whines in hard acceleration. All of this is completely in character for a car as sporting as the EVO, but non-hard-core buyers should most certainly take note.
Behind the Wheel Inside, Lancer's economy-car roots ring true as most surfaces are awash in hard plastic or faux chrome trim. Though, a couple of nice touches can be found in the aluminum trimmed steering wheel, pedals and shifter-console surround.
The control layout is fantastic and very functional. Large speedo and tach face the driver with a digital information center in between. Because the speedo reads to 180 mph, the markings are fairly small and hard to distinguish at a glance. Climate controls consist of three simple dials and couldn't be easier to operate. Same can be said for the standard radio. Opting for the navi-radio nets you a useful information screen but also a jumbled control interface that isn't as intuitive as it could be.
Standard Recaro seats are quite firm and confining. Still, they are nicely bolstered and should be perfect for all but the overly large or small buyer. Seat height isn't adjustable and, combined with a steering wheel that doesn't telescope, can make for an awkward driving position. Head room is acceptable - even with the available sunroof. With ample fore-aft seat travel, leg room is good. Visibility is is also above par except for directly to the rear where the GSR's large rear wing blocks the view.
Rear seats offer decent room for two adults, which is the compact car norm. Slotting in a third squeezes everyone. Rear seat cushions aren't nearly as firm as the fronts and getting in and out is a snap.
Cargo space is somewhat tighter than expected thanks to the all-wheel-drive system. The trunk opening is also quite tight, making loading and unloading bulky items difficult. Interior storage is just average with a few open bins throughout and smallish map and center console pockets.
Bottom Line Lancer Evolution is simply a blast to drive in the city. There's plenty of muscle, the compact size and sharp handling make it quite maneuverable and the all-wheel-drive system takes the suspense out power delivery. It's the kind of car that instills confidence in almost any driver. That said, it's also a very expensive car that gets just so-so fuel economy and doesn't have a lot of room for passengers or luggage.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution isn't a car that will appeal to the masses, rather it's a specialty vehicle that's designed to attract the automotive enthusiast. In that mission, it excels and we should all be thankful that companies like Mitsubishi are willing to develop, build and sell cars like the EVO in a world where bean counters often get the last word. |
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