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Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR FQ300 SST road test report

GSR FQ300 SST

Japanese maker, Mitsubishi has given us the new Lancer Evolution, now in its tenth generation. The rally-bred road car has been redesigned when comparing it to the ninth variation. Enthusiasts are wary as they claim that this car may not be as hardcore as previous Evos. However the proof is in the testing… We drove the Evo X GSR SST FQ 300 to find out…

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
A front-facing image of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR FQ300 SST

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SIMON SAYS

Performance Performance - 5 stars

If you fancy yourself as a bit of an enthusiast when behind the wheel then the Evo X is brilliant. Lift the bonnet and you’ll find the standard 290bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine, (the FQ-300); Mitsubishi has also confirmed that it will also sell the faster FQ-330 and FQ-360 variants in the near future. ‘Press on’ and you’ll feel the power of the new Evo X under your right foot. Mitsubishi has greatly advanced the tenth generation of the Lancer Evolution, it feels more refined, secure, solid and stable when ‘driving on’. The times are eye-watering, the Evo X FQ300 with the SST ‘box, which we had on test can do the zero to 62mph sprint in a time of 4.7 seconds and it has a top speed of 155mph. The paddle shift SST semi-auto gearbox is fantastic, as a holder of a motorsport license I enjoy changing gear without having to take hands off the wheel. This system can be experienced fully on a track day.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 5 stars

This is one of the best ever cars we have ever driven when it comes to set-up. There is no longer that harshness in the ride when you are sauntering in and around town, push on and the car comes into its own. ‘Drive on’ and you’ll feel how good the car is, the Japanese engineers have got the Evo X just about right. The chassis feels tight, there is barely any roll when cornering and the splendid 4WD system combines with the sharp steering, allowing this to be one of the best handling cars around.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 3 stars

Build quality has come a long way from the early Lancer Evolutions. The interior is much better than previous generations but yes it is no Jaguar. But when you buy a Lancer Evolution X you know you are not buying a luxury tourer. Those of you who buy the Evo X, don’t want walnut panels, you want a rally-bred thoroughbred. The fit and finish all seemed in good order and at the end of the day; it’s all about the engine with this car.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 4 stars

The engineers at Mitsubishi have stiffened the frame of the Evo X; in fact they have made it 56 per cent stiffer than the previous generation. The downside is that there is no split folding rear seat – however, we have to agree with the boffins, safety over practicality any-day.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 3 stars

We have mentioned the lack of a split fold rear seat above. However for drivers who want a more grown-up car then this could be the vehicle for you – design wise the Evo X is less boy racer looking. Jump in and you’ll be greeted with the hooded dials and your body, will be hugged by the snug sports seat. The steering wheel may be small in diameter but it is great to hold and steer with. Space in the back is good and you’ll be able to get two adults of average size in the rear without too much hassle, there’s also about 400-litres of luggage, enough for a couple of sets of golf clubs.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 3 stars

Mitsubishi claims that the Evo X has service intervals of 10,000 miles, plus an optional service plan that covers you for 30,000 miles of motoring for a one-off payment. The Evo X has a thirst but then it is a high performance car, on test we averaged 17mpg (and one tank saw us record less than 10mpg!). That means you may need to fill up every 200 miles if you ‘press on’. Another downside is that insurance costs will be high, as will running costs and retained values will not be overly brilliant, but buyers who tend to opt for Lancer Evolutions tend to keep the cars for a longer time than usual. Prices for the latest incarnation of the Evo series start at £28,499, we drove the GSR FQ300 SST, which starts at a price of £32,999 and it has an insurance group of 19A.

Submitted: 30/04/2009 09:27:55

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