Mitsubishi Evolution MR Part 2: Interior & User Experience

The only real criticism you'd ever hear about the previous generation Evos centered on their Lancer interiors. To be fair though, the only way Mitsubishi was able to offer world-class driving dynamics for budget-class money was to skimp on the trimmin's in the cabin, and focus on the meat in the drivetrain.

But now the company has decided to take the top dog Evo model – the Evolution MR - up-market to contend with the likes of BMW and its 135i. This required spending a little more time and energy looking after the design and build-quality of the cabin. So, have their efforts paid off?

Well, the only honest answer is, "mostly." The improvement over the Evo 9 is noticeable immediately, no question. But the face-off with the Germans on interior quality will have to wait for another day. However, there are still a lot of positives to focus on in the interior of the Lancer Evolution MR.

There is a ton of content for the dollar. The 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with navigation and a 30 gig hard drive is impressive. A lot of cars nowadays have navigation systems, and not all of them are completely useful. The system in the Evo worked flawlessly, even getting us to our secret track location without one wrong turn. Impressive - and the interface of the touch screen is also well done.

The plastics in the cabin are also much improved, with most of the surfaces you'll touch on a daily basis feeling pretty good. Speaking of things you touch often – in the cabin - the steering wheel has an assuring feel, as do the magnesium shift paddles that operate the SST gearbox. I'd rather see them mounted to the wheel itself instead of the steering column, but they work well regardless. The gear lever also feels good with a positive movement and the correct orientation; push for downshift, pull for upshift.

The seats are probably the first thing you notice inside the cabin, and just like past Evos, these Recaro thrones are track worthy; extremely well-bolstered, lacking only some lumbar support. You’ll need a prolonged stay in them to notice though, and once you've driven in these seats at the track, you'll forgive them any shortcomings.

We found living with the car relatively painless, with the exception of the corporate card getting a hell of a workout at the gas pump. With gas prices here in Southern California just passing $4 a gallon, I'm sure I'll be hearing about that expense report. I imagine if you kept your foot out of it, your mileage would improve dramatically. Still, given this car's potential thirst, the gas tank is rather small and your range between stops is limited.

The trunk is also surprisingly small considering the shape of the car. When we asked a Mitsubishi staffer about this, he pointed out the Evolution version of the Lancer has a completely different rear suspension module under the trunk which caused it to shrink a bit compared to the regular Lancer. The way I see it, if that's the price that had to be paid for the incredible handling, good riddance to the extra trunk space.

Overall, the Lancer Evolution proved very easy to live with. Which is part of what makes this car such a bargain. It's not only a great performer, it's also also quite practical.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 3: Performance

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