The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, often called the Lancer Evo or just Evo, is now in its 10th version with the 2008 model. Prior to the seventh edition, all Lancer Evolution model were designed for Mitsubishi's participation in the World Rally Championship.

Originally intended only for Japanese markets, beginning with the eighth edition in 2003, the Lancer Evolution was exported to the United States. The vehicle is extraordinarily popular with younger drivers who thrive on speed and follow the daredevil ways of drivers in the World Rally Championship. It's arguably the best place for the car.

The Weekly Driver’s Ratings

Acceleration (9)
There's a brief hesitation but then watch out. The Evolution MR is one of the quickest accelerating cars I've tested. The upside: It's damn fast. The downside: It's damn fast, 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. You can look briefly at the speedometer and note you're approaching 90 mph . . . and you thought you might be going 60 mph.

Braking/Steering/Handling (8)
This is where the Lancer Evolution shines. Small, tight steering wheel with extraordinary maneuvering through traffic. If you like driving a sports car, this is where it all happens with the Evolution. It only makes sense, then, that the brakes are equally responsive. Good thing. The car is nothing less than a speed machine, so it better have good brakes.

Cargo Room (4)
With the rear spoiler, opening the trunk is no easy task. The lid is heavy. The interior space isn't much.

Controls (4)
Nothing special. Instruction panel is standard fare. But for more than $40,000, it should be better.

Details (4)
What's up with the spoiler? It looks OK if you like spoilers. But it can't really make any difference, can it? More important: The spoiler drastically obscures rear window vision.

Front Seats (3)
Leg room and head room are satisfactory, but Recaro seats aren't for everyone. I get the lateral support idea, if one is driving on a racetrack. But for everyday use, they're just not comfortable no matter how they're adjusted.

Fuel Economy (4)
The Lancer Evolution is a powerful sports car, and as such it sucks up gas. In short, it ain't “green” in any stretch of the definition.

Quietness (5)
The Lancer Evolution is a sports car and it's unfair to compare it to touring sedans. Nonetheless, it's a noisy ride, but less so at higher speeds.

Rear Seats (4)
Touted
as a five-seater, but space is at a premium. Two adults any taller than six feet won't be comfortable on long trips, and like the front seats, every bump on the road is felt.

Ride Quality (3)
The car defines “stiff.” Again, every bump is felt. Believe me.
 
Total (48 out of 100)

Class — compact sports car.

Primary competition —  Subaru Impreza, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, Honda Civic DX.

Standard equipment — Air conditioning; Audio system with AM/FM and CD player (CD player reads MP3 with six speakers);  Cruise control; Front seats and rear seats cup holders; Driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment;  passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment; Recaro driver and passenger seat; Knee airbags driver; Low tire pressure indicator; Remote power locks; Power steering; Front power windows with one one-touch, rear power windows; Rear view mirror; Suede seat upholstery with additional leather; Front side airbag; Leather covered steering wheel with tilt adjustment; Tachometer; Driver and passenger vanity mirror; Day time running lights; Front fog lights; Projector beam lens halogen bulb headlights; Luxury trim alloy & leather on gearknob and carbon fiber look on dashboard; Fixed rear window with defogger and intermittent; Trunk/hatch spoiler; Tinted glass on cabin; Windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe.

Technology package included in test-driven vehicle — Six-speed TC-SST transmission; 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels; Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps; Color-keyed large rear spoiler. Leather and sueded seating; Electronic keyless entry and starting system. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls; Bluetooth hands-free cellular phone interface systelkölkm with voice recognition; 650 watt (max) Rockford Fosgate Navigation/Stereo with 9 speakers; Sirius Satellite Radio with six months prepaid subscription.

For more standard equipment/option package information, visit: www.mitsubishicars.com.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price — $38,290.00.

Price As Driven — $41,765.00

Mileage Estimates — 17 mpg (city), 22 mpg (hwy).

Warranty —  Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 7 years/100,000 miles; Roadside assistance, 5 years/unlimited mileage.

The Weekly Driver’s Final Words — The Lancer Evolution is a vehicle for thrill-seekers with one overriding desire in their cars — speed. The Evolution has plenty of speed, but with the exception of supreme handling, it doesn't have a lot of other outstanding qualities. For me, the two superior attributes aren't enough. I'll take less speed and more comfort every time.