Super grip
The Lancer Evolution's all-wheel drive system is commendable. The car clings to any surface, rain, snow or shine, like a bug on flypaper. The steering has virtually no dead center and feels extremely dynamic; however, the car keeps wandering on truck-rutted highways. The best way to cure this is, well, to drive faster. The Evo's Hummer-like 11.8-meter turning circle diameter could be better, too.
This Lancer swills down fuel like a Hummer, too; our average of 15.7 L/100 km is unimpressive, despite the fact that we aren't even trying to be gentle with the gas pedal. With its 55-litre tank, the car's range is only about 350 km.
Steal those seats
Every Lancer Evolution comes with its own set of Recaro sport front seats, which are greatly supportive and wrap you up in felt-like fabric. But their thigh bolsters make getting in and out of the car a little more difficult, and we also wish the driver's seat would have a height adjuster. In back, legroom is a little tight, but otherwise, the accommodations are fine for a compact car.
For the price, we find that the dashboard lacks a little flair, as it looks pretty much like what you'll find in a base Lancer. The steering wheel lacks audio controls, so you're constantly reaching out to the radio's small buttons.
Also, the battery and washer fluid tank are mounted in the trunk for better weight distribution, or because there was no room left under the hood. As a result, the back seat doesn't fold down, and trunk space suffers accordingly.
Competition
The Lancer Evolution GSR carries a base price of $41,498, while the MR lists for $47,498. Which one is the better deal?
Let's see; for the extra $6,000, you get xenon headlights, a larger rear wing for additional flash, nicer alloy wheels, heated seats with leather patchwork, keyless entry and start and, of course, that fantastic twin-clutch gearbox. I wouldn't even hesitate stepping up to the MR, even if it meant eating Kraft Dinner every night for a year.
The Evo's natural enemy is the Subaru Impreza WRX STI which now starts at $39,995 for 2009. And that's it, as for as rally-inspired production cars go. Between the two, the STI feels like a better-finished product, if only slightly.
Conclusion
The Lancer Evolution is a little rough around the edges, but it's a quick machine that has razor-sharp handling and looks to match. And with the stout all-wheel drive hardware, you have a darn fine winter beater.
You have to put up with a stiff ride, though; that's something I wouldn't tolerate for very long, but maybe I'm just getting old. And if the high price bugs you, you might want to check out the WRX-fighter Lancer Ralliart, which just arrived in dealerships: 237 horsepower, all-wheel drive and a $33,000 price.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
The Lancer Evolution's all-wheel drive system is commendable. The car clings to any surface, rain, snow or shine, like a bug on flypaper. The steering has virtually no dead center and feels extremely dynamic; however, the car keeps wandering on truck-rutted highways. The best way to cure this is, well, to drive faster. The Evo's Hummer-like 11.8-meter turning circle diameter could be better, too.
This Lancer swills down fuel like a Hummer, too; our average of 15.7 L/100 km is unimpressive, despite the fact that we aren't even trying to be gentle with the gas pedal. With its 55-litre tank, the car's range is only about 350 km.
Steal those seats
Every Lancer Evolution comes with its own set of Recaro sport front seats, which are greatly supportive and wrap you up in felt-like fabric. But their thigh bolsters make getting in and out of the car a little more difficult, and we also wish the driver's seat would have a height adjuster. In back, legroom is a little tight, but otherwise, the accommodations are fine for a compact car.
For the price, we find that the dashboard lacks a little flair, as it looks pretty much like what you'll find in a base Lancer. The steering wheel lacks audio controls, so you're constantly reaching out to the radio's small buttons.
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| Every Lancer Evolution comes with its own set of Recaro sport front seats. |
Also, the battery and washer fluid tank are mounted in the trunk for better weight distribution, or because there was no room left under the hood. As a result, the back seat doesn't fold down, and trunk space suffers accordingly.
Competition
The Lancer Evolution GSR carries a base price of $41,498, while the MR lists for $47,498. Which one is the better deal?
Let's see; for the extra $6,000, you get xenon headlights, a larger rear wing for additional flash, nicer alloy wheels, heated seats with leather patchwork, keyless entry and start and, of course, that fantastic twin-clutch gearbox. I wouldn't even hesitate stepping up to the MR, even if it meant eating Kraft Dinner every night for a year.
The Evo's natural enemy is the Subaru Impreza WRX STI which now starts at $39,995 for 2009. And that's it, as for as rally-inspired production cars go. Between the two, the STI feels like a better-finished product, if only slightly.
Conclusion
The Lancer Evolution is a little rough around the edges, but it's a quick machine that has razor-sharp handling and looks to match. And with the stout all-wheel drive hardware, you have a darn fine winter beater.
You have to put up with a stiff ride, though; that's something I wouldn't tolerate for very long, but maybe I'm just getting old. And if the high price bugs you, you might want to check out the WRX-fighter Lancer Ralliart, which just arrived in dealerships: 237 horsepower, all-wheel drive and a $33,000 price.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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