Price is one of the reasons Automobile Magazine chose the Lancer Evolution, stating "speed, its spaciousness and comfortable cockpit, and its affordable price" were key to its success.
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| Until a new Canadian spec Lancer Evolution comes to north of the 49th parallel, Canadian enthusiasts will have to make do with the sporty Lancer Ralliart (shown here). (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The only negative here in Canada is that Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution is not available, yet. Speculators believe the Japanese brand, that just entered the Canadian market last year, will build Canada's unique 5-mph bumper regulations into the next-generation EVO north of the 49th parallel.
The law restricts many niche market vehicles from entering Canada, its necessity questioned by market analysts in a country not large enough demographically to warrant laws over and above those of its largest trading partner, the United States. The 5-mph bumper law is said to have more to do with saving insurance companies money than protecting the safety of individuals.
Until a new Canadian spec Lancer Evolution comes to Canada, Canadian enthusiasts will have to make do with the Lancer Ralliart, a much less expensive variant that features some EVO components in a front-wheel drive, 162-hp package. While nowhere near as performance-oriented as the EVO VIII, the Ralliart is reported to perform better than many of its sport compact peers.