CD Article: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR

[rsxca]

Do you guys think this car will sell well? 

$47,000 for the MR, that's a lot of money.

I don't think so.  I looked into leasing a GSR andgot a quote of a few latte's short of $900/month with zero down.  Who's going the pay that for a $42000 car.

[Mitlov]

CTC posts a review of the 260-hp turbocharged Solstice GXP, going so far as to say it's as handling is as brilliantly as an S2000, and all people here talked about was the damned TRUNK.  And now CTC posts a review of the amazing new EVO, and 11 of 20 replies so far have been about the damned TRUNK!  And the rest is about price.  This is unbelievable.  No comments so far about the engine.  No comments so far about the dual-clutch automated transmission or their choice to use a five-speed stick instead of a six-speed.  No comments so far about the brilliant but tech-heavy AWD system.  Y'all are just talking want to talk about how many groceries you can fit in it without using the back seat and whether your CPA would approve...go buy a Camry, for Pete's sake.

[tpl]

Calm down Mitlov.... how many people have actually DRIVEN an Evo to be able to comment on these things. Not me for sure... the snow has only just melted since the thing appeared in central Canada

As for the trunk.    Buy an Evo and buy a Fit as well and use the Fit as the "trunk"  thats what we do with the 330 and the Fit.  ok?   You'd even get good average gas milage!

[quadzilla]

I think the trunk talk started because of the review saying it is LARGE which it is far from the truth at only 6.9 Cf. Only trying to point out something that needs to be corrected.

Now personally, when I look at a car one of if not the first thing I look at is the trunk. I spend a lot of time going hiking, backpacking, cycling, snowshoeing, well being in the outdoors so I need a trunk to hold my (and those who come with me) stuff. This is probably why I drive a wagon but still crave for some of the sedans on the market. Since this one comes with a DSG (or whatever they call it) it would be something we could look at since my partner can’t drive a manual and I would still be happy. 

Maybe some people have a lot of money to spend on more than one car but we don’t and even if we did,  we only get one parking space so the car we choose has to do everything we need it to. What is wrong with wanting a sports sedan that seats four that can hold their luggage?

Also, who has driven this car or even seen one? I know I haven’t.

[evil_twin]

CTC posts a review of the 260-hp turbocharged Solstice GXP, going so far as to say it's as handling is as brilliantly as an S2000, and all people here talked about was the damned TRUNK.  And now CTC posts a review of the amazing new EVO, and 11 of 20 replies so far have been about the damned TRUNK!  And the rest is about price.  This is unbelievable.  No comments so far about the engine.  No comments so far about the dual-clutch automated transmission or their choice to use a five-speed stick instead of a six-speed.  No comments so far about the brilliant but tech-heavy AWD system.  Y'all are just talking want to talk about how many groceries you can fit in it without using the back seat and whether your CPA would approve...go buy a Camry, for Pete's sake.

Eeeeeeasy big fella....

I do agree that the EVO is an amazing performance machine, but the "all-in-one" abilities of the EVO and STi have always been a big selling feature.  Especially with our weather.

I mean...are there really that many people buying an EVO or STi...and it ISN'T their daily driver??  If you were buying a 2nd/3rd car for pure sporting fun...why would you choose a sedan??  Of course, these things would still be a blast in that role...I just doubt it would be the choice of many.

I would wager that at least 75% of Evo/STi buyers are using it daily and need the practicality (AWD, space, etc) that they offer.

[Mitlov]

Eeeeeeasy big fella....

I do agree that the EVO is an amazing performance machine, but the "all-in-one" abilities of the EVO and STi have always been a big selling feature.  Especially with our weather.

I mean...are there really that many people buying an EVO or STi...and it ISN'T their daily driver??  If you were buying a 2nd/3rd car for pure sporting fun...why would you choose a sedan??  Of course, these things would still be a blast in that role...I just doubt it would be the choice of many.

I would wager that at least 75% of Evo/STi buyers are using it daily and need the practicality (AWD, space, etc) that they offer.

For those people, the roomy rear seat more than sets off the modest trunk.  I'll bet that an EVO carries more cargo than your Mustang GT if each car has two or even three adults in it.  I'd also be willing to wager that, combining rear seat and trunk space, it has more storage space than a 2007 STI sedan.  It's more than roomy enough to serve as a daily driver.  Of course it's not an ideal cargo-hauler, but it's meant to be a hard-edged rally car, not an Outback...

[Mitlov]

What really impresses me about the EVO is how they were able to make as much power as the STi, with 80% the displacement, AND smoother, more linear power delivery.  On paper, you would have thought that the EVO would be the nothing-nothing-nothing-EVERYTHING powerplant, but it's the other way around.

Does anyone know why they chose to go with a 5MT instead of a 6MT?  Seems out of place nowadays...

[initial_D]

The 5 speed might be a carry-over from previous gen with different ratio.

[initial_D]

As for trunk space, it is much needed. Since Mitsu doesn't have the best of reliability, and with so much electronic  driving-aid gadgets, gotta have the space for a Trunk Monkey.



The EVO X might not be as 'hard-cord' as the IX & VIII, but it posted better track numbers, which says a lot about the advanced development of this car.

[evil_twin]

Eeeeeeasy big fella....

I do agree that the EVO is an amazing performance machine, but the "all-in-one" abilities of the EVO and STi have always been a big selling feature.  Especially with our weather.

I mean...are there really that many people buying an EVO or STi...and it ISN'T their daily driver??  If you were buying a 2nd/3rd car for pure sporting fun...why would you choose a sedan??  Of course, these things would still be a blast in that role...I just doubt it would be the choice of many.

I would wager that at least 75% of Evo/STi buyers are using it daily and need the practicality (AWD, space, etc) that they offer.

For those people, the roomy rear seat more than sets off the modest trunk.  I'll bet that an EVO carries more cargo than your Mustang GT if each car has two or even three adults in it.  I'd also be willing to wager that, combining rear seat and trunk space, it has more storage space than a 2007 STI sedan.  It's more than roomy enough to serve as a daily driver.  Of course it's not an ideal cargo-hauler, but it's meant to be a hard-edged rally car, not an Outback...

And I agree completely.  I was just pointing out that the relative practicality of these cars IS important to most of the buyers.

Oh and you'd be suprised about how practical the Stang can be.  She's a big girl and can hold an awful lot of stuff in the big trunk.  Especially with the seats down.  I have it filled with skis and golf clubs and all kinds of crap.

Built Ford Tough baby! 

[carcrazy]

Does anyone know why they chose to go with a 5MT instead of a 6MT?  Seems out of place nowadays...

I read somewhere that the 5-speed is more robust than the 6-speed they had in some of the Evo IX and this is why they choose it.

As for trunk space, it is much needed. Since Mitsu doesn't have the best of reliability, and with so much electronic  driving-aid gadgets, gotta have the space for a Trunk Monkey.

With all due respect for your opinion, there is a little bit of misperception here. Mitsubishi, as a brand, scored fairly high in few reliability reports I’ve seen recently (top 10 out of 30+ manufacturers). I can attest (I own a 07 Outlander) that their recent cars are not as good as Honda, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota in terms of fit-and-finish and material quality, but they are not too far behind either. Plus, fit-and-finish and material quality is not too hard to fix IMO; it only takes some extra money, which Mitsubishi Motors doesn't have right now.

Back to the Evo. I don't think that any real Evo buyer (not talking about posers) would look at the trunk space or interior plastics as a deal breaker. People would pay the $40K-$50K for the 4.9s to 60 mph and 0.99g – BTW: can anyone name any other car under 50K CAD capable to post 0.99g? I guess the STi would be the only close contender, but it can only do 0.90g. Source: Edmunds.com.
On top of everything, this car’s performance can be pushed further and the Brits already have a 360 hp Evo X with factory warranty. You are paying $40-$50K for pure performance not for trunk space or soft-touch dashboard.

I spent some time looking at one in the showroom while having an oil change on my Outlander and I think many people (myself included) would find the Recaro seats unusual and not very comfortable for a daily driver. However, I know they would shine on the track or on the backroads where this car belongs. I wouldn’t even think of buying this car as family car or groceries getter. It’s just silly IMO.

[Rolling]

I think the trunk talk started because of the review saying it is LARGE which it is far from the truth at only 6.9 Cf. Only trying to point out something that needs to be corrected.

Now personally, when I look at a car one of if not the first thing I look at is the trunk. I spend a lot of time going hiking, backpacking, cycling, snowshoeing, well being in the outdoors so I need a trunk to hold my (and those who come with me) stuff. This is probably why I drive a wagon but still crave for some of the sedans on the market. Since this one comes with a DSG (or whatever they call it) it would be something we could look at since my partner can’t drive a manual and I would still be happy. 

Maybe some people have a lot of money to spend on more than one car but we don’t and even if we did,  we only get one parking space so the car we choose has to do everything we need it to. What is wrong with wanting a sports sedan that seats four that can hold their luggage?

Also, who has driven this car or even seen one? I know I haven’t.

Back in 2004 while testing the Endeavor at a local Mitsu dealership I was surprised to see a bright yellow EVO 8 on the lot. I found out later that it belonged to the salesman who was helping us. He was kind enough to let me sit in it, open the hood, but stopped at allowing a test drive.

He told me that he had to import it from the U.S. and that it was costly, but felt that every time he went behind the wheel, all those things didn’t matter. He talked mostly about the absolute joy it was to drive the car, but pointed out that the suspension was not going to be for everyone. He didn’t seem to care though, and didn’t care if Mitsubishi Canada would eventually offer the EVO or not. He seemed to like his exclusivity.

Four years later the EVO is now here for everyone to test drive and take home. I too am in the market for an AWD vehicle to replace my Forester. Sure I’m looking at all the logical, sensible replacements like the Tiguan, RAV4, Outlander, and even maybe the new Forester. With gas prices going nowhere but up, I ‘m even seriously looking at Diesel options.

Something tells me to test drive the new EVO first!! Maybe after a test drive, and some time behind the wheel all those things won’t matter to me also.

[Turbo Bob]

When EVO magazine were long-term testing one of the earlier models...

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/52294/mitsubishi_evo_mr_340.html

 

And their final review after a year of ownership...

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/60672/mitsubishi_evo_mr_340.html

Quick, then, but incredibly practical, too. The boot is huge, big enough that photographer Kenny P is thinking of buying one as a work tool.

 

Although this was the previous shape.

[Mitlov]

I gave it some thought, and here is a list of sporty cars which frequently serve as daily drivers for their owners.  All of them (according to my quick eyeball test) have less combined rear seat and trunk space than the EVO X:

Acura RSX
Chevy Cobalt SS coupe
Honda Civic Si coupe
Mazda RX-8
Mini Cooper S
Mini Clubman S
Scion tC
Subaru STI (2007)
Volkswagen R32
Volvo C30

The EVO X has a TON more cargo-and-passenger space than my old 1999 Civic Coupe, and I used that as a daily driver right up until I had a kid.  I just don't see why people have decided that this one sporty car will be declared unsuitable for daily-driver use.

And for the record, if someone says that, for them, the deciding factor for someone between the EVO X and the STI is the behind-the-rear-seat cargo space, as opposed to their radically different driving characteristics (the STI is a blunt instrument, the EVO is a razor blade), then IMO they're not the target market to begin with, and would likely never actually buy either.  Who shops for a rally car, but lets a few cubic feet of suitcase space outweigh the driving experience itself?  That's like choosing the EVO instead of the STI because it has a sunroof.

For those who didn't realize that the new EVO and new STI were so different to drive, here's a good review:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/hatchbacks/subaru_wrx_sti_vs_mitsubishi_evo_gsr_vs_vw_r32_comparison_test

[quadzilla]

Acura RSX
Chevy Cobalt SS coupe
Honda Civic Si coupe
Mazda RX-8
Mini Cooper S
Mini Clubman S
Scion tC
Subaru STI (2007)
Volkswagen R32
Volvo C30

I guess nobody buys 4 door daily drivers anymore. I'm surprised you didn't put the Miata in there also. 

NOTE: I put a strike through those that are 4 doors.

Since I have never driven a STI or EVO I can't speak from personal experience how they drive BUT I'm sure that you will probably be driving at 9/10ths before you can tell where they are truly different.

In the hands of the average driver, the differences are very small. Heck, I'm sure I could beat the EVO (driven by my partner) around the track in my 6-wgn.

[initial_D]

Kinda off-tangent here, but reliability is a concern for me for even thinking of acquiring an EVO. For a new vehicle, while in warranty, there should be any concern at all. However, since I intend to keep it for a long while, it is the after warranty problems worries me. If I am buying the likes of a Corolla, any vintage, wouldn't even give it a second thought. As of now, even after Mitsu having improved, still have big questions about Mitsu products after 5 years & 100K of ownership.

I have seen a lot of EVO IV & V, mostly in Asia, and a few in Rallies in Canada. A high number of them do have over-heating issues and have to quit early.

[Mitlov]

Acura RSX
Chevy Cobalt SS coupe
Honda Civic Si coupe
Mazda RX-8
Mini Cooper S
Mini Clubman S
Scion tC
Subaru STI (2007)
Volkswagen R32
Volvo C30

I guess nobody buys 4 door daily drivers anymore. I'm surprised you didn't put the Miata in there also. 

NOTE: I put a strike through those that are 4 doors.

Since when do people only use four-door vehicles as daily drivers?  All of those vehicles are four-seat vehicles.  Tons of people use three-door hatches or coupes as daily drivers.  A three-door Rabbit is practical in a way that a Miata isn't. 

Since I have never driven a STI or EVO I can't speak from personal experience how they drive BUT I'm sure that you will probably be driving at 9/10ths before you can tell where they are truly different.

I couldn't disagree more, because even a moderate driver can tell the difference between a nothing-nothing everything powerband (STI) and a linear one (EVO).

[2hondas1BMW]

I think the trunk talk started because of the review saying it is LARGE which it is far from the truth at only 6.9 Cf. Only trying to point out something that needs to be corrected.

Now personally, when I look at a car one of if not the first thing I look at is the trunk. I spend a lot of time going hiking, backpacking, cycling, snowshoeing, well being in the outdoors so I need a trunk to hold my (and those who come with me) stuff. This is probably why I drive a wagon but still crave for some of the sedans on the market. Since this one comes with a DSG (or whatever they call it) it would be something we could look at since my partner can’t drive a manual and I would still be happy. 

Maybe some people have a lot of money to spend on more than one car but we don’t and even if we did,  we only get one parking space so the car we choose has to do everything we need it to. What is wrong with wanting a sports sedan that seats four that can hold their luggage?

Also, who has driven this car or even seen one? I know I haven’t.

Back in 2004 while testing the Endeavor at a local Mitsu dealership I was surprised to see a bright yellow EVO 8 on the lot. I found out later that it belonged to the salesman who was helping us. He was kind enough to let me sit in it, open the hood, but stopped at allowing a test drive.

He told me that he had to import it from the U.S. and that it was costly, but felt that every time he went behind the wheel, all those things didn’t matter. He talked mostly about the absolute joy it was to drive the car, but pointed out that the suspension was not going to be for everyone. He didn’t seem to care though, and didn’t care if Mitsubishi Canada would eventually offer the EVO or not. He seemed to like his exclusivity.

Four years later the EVO is now here for everyone to test drive and take home. I too am in the market for an AWD vehicle to replace my Forester. Sure I’m looking at all the logical, sensible replacements like the Tiguan, RAV4, Outlander, and even maybe the new Forester. With gas prices going nowhere but up, I ‘m even seriously looking at Diesel options.

Something tells me to test drive the new EVO first!! Maybe after a test drive, and some time behind the wheel all those things won’t matter to me also.

  I thought the previous Evos were inadmissible in Canada, because of bumper safety regulations..

[quadzilla]

Since when do people only use four-door vehicles as daily drivers?  All of those vehicles are four-seat vehicles.  Tons of people use three-door hatches or coupes as daily drivers.  A three-door Rabbit is practical in a way that a Miata isn't.

I thought you were listing daily drivers not practical cars. I see lots of Miatas being used for daily drivers. Unless you car pool with 3 or more people, the Miata makes for a great daily driver. If you did car pool with three or more people I would only want to be driver in many of those cars.

Since I have never driven a STI or EVO I can't speak from personal experience how they drive BUT I'm sure that you will probably be driving at 9/10ths before you can tell where they are truly different.

I couldn't disagree more, because even a moderate driver can tell the difference between a nothing-nothing everything powerband (STI) and a linear one (EVO).

This is where we disagree. I think that only a small amount of the 'driving' population can really tell the difference between cars. Maybe the majority of us on here can but in the general population, nope. This is for all the cars abilities.

With the powerband....I'm sure it isn't as bad as you make it out to be. Everybody said the RX8 is horrible, has no torque and you have to wind out every gear just to drive it to the corner store. I drove one for 30 minutes and had none of these issues, very drivable under normal conditions and when you wanted to hit that 9,000 rpm limit it was a joy. Since neither you or me has driven any of these cars you are only going from the media which I find bias to begin with.

Anybody driven a STI on here? Care to comment on the "nothing-nothing everything powerband".

Maybe under "race" conditions driving at 10/10ths this may be true but under real world conditions I don't buy it.

[Turbo Bob]

This is where we disagree. I think that only a small amount of the 'driving' population can really tell the difference between cars. Maybe the majority of us on here can but in the general population, nope. This is for all the cars abilities.

With the powerband....I'm sure it isn't as bad as you make it out to be. Everybody said the RX8 is horrible, has no torque and you have to wind out every gear just to drive it to the corner store. I drove one for 30 minutes and had none of these issues, very drivable under normal conditions and when you wanted to hit that 9,000 rpm limit it was a joy. Since neither you or me has driven any of these cars you are only going from the media which I find bias to begin with.

Anybody driven a STI on here? Care to comment on the "nothing-nothing everything powerband".

Maybe under "race" conditions driving at 10/10ths this may be true but under real world conditions I don't buy it.