Mitsubishi Evo MR: Quick Test

The newly designed Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR is the latest and greatest - well - evolution of Mitsubishi's performance icon. Beyond the aggressive, scowling lines of the car, the most significant feature of the new Evo is Active Yaw Control, or AYC. Available in Japan since the Evo 4, AYC is an active rear differential that can apportion power side-to-side via two clutches on the diff depending on the All Wheel Control system's calculations. The system is nothing short of amazing, making average drivers look good and good drivers look great. The Evo goes through corners like few other cars in the world.

The Evolution MR delivers plenty of power with practically no turbo-lag. This was achieved by using a smaller turbo, so the trade-off is you don't have quite the Evo IX's high-end punch. The car's handling can't be criticized. It makes you look like a hero even if you can't pull-off wearing your underwear on the outside. The brakes are stable with impressive stopping power and zero fade. Mitsubishi's dual-clutch SST transmission can be as smooth as any automatic, and with the flick of a magnesium paddle, nearly as quick as the best sequential manual transmissions from the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and BMW.

The MR's design is true to the fantastic Concept X show car and it does a great job of masking its econo-car roots. Its interior is certainly better than past efforts, but there is still room for improvement, especially if visions of competing with entry-level German sport sedans are to be realized.

The Evolution's Recaros do a great job of holding you in place, but they are a bit unforgiving. They can get tiresome, as can the ride. And despite the fact this is a four-door sedan, the back seat is small and the trunk is ridiculously small. But nobody said getting race car performance from an economy sedan would be painless.

Mitsubishi's Active Yaw Control is the key to this car's almost idiot-proof handling, but the car's ABS and stability control are also very good. The Lancer has all the usual airbags and a body that is stronger and more resistant to side impacts than the previous model.

The price of the Evolution MR is getting a bit high for an "entry-level" performance car, but it's still worth every penny. Additionally, this car's turbo loves revs, which means it also loves fuel. Don't think of this four-cylinder as a sensible economy car... unless you have to use that strategy to sell it to a reluctant spouse.

This is a car any Evo guy or gal will lust after. Whether it can find acceptance beyond the cult of hard-core enthusiasts remains to be seen. It still comes off as a barely-civilized boy-racer, primarily designed to leave a silly grin on your face. And that's just fine with us.

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Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR

Performance
- Acceleration: Doesn't have quite the punch of the Evo IX
- Handling: Makes you look like a hero
- Braking: Stable on the brakes, with impressive stopping power and zero fade

Design
- Exterior: Great job of masking its econo-car roots - and true to the fantastic Concept X showcar
- Interior: Better than past efforts, but still room for improvement

Utility
- Comfort: Recaros a bit unforgiving, can get tiresome - ride too
- Space: Back seat quite small, trunk ridiculously small

Safety
- Dynamics: Active Yaw Control takes the cake, but ABS and stability control also very good
- Technology: Much stronger body (side impact) with all the usual airbags

Value
- Price: Getting a bit expensive, but still worth it
- Mileage: Turbo loves revs which means it loves fuel as well

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Any Evo guy or gal will have to trade up to the MR
- Fun to spank: Can not be driven quickly without smiling

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / All-wheel drive
Engine: Turbocharged and intercooled, 2.0 liter, inline 4 cylinder
Power (SAE): 295 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque: 300 lbs-ft @ 4000 rpm
Redline: 7000 rpm
Gearbox: Dual-clutch 6 speed
Curb Weight: 3580 lbs.
0-60 mph: 5.2 sec. (with launch control)
1/4 mile: 13.8 sec. (with launch control)
Top Speed: 155 mph
Mileage: 16 city / 22 highway
Base Price: $38,000 (mfg. estimate)
Competitors: Subaru Impreza WRX STI, BMW 135i