Vehicle(s): 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR with Premium Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$41498 (GSR) CDN$52993 (MR)

Performance: Even though there are 2 different trim levels available for the 1st Canadian-bound Evo, there is only 1 engine available. Due to emission regulations, Evo’s legendary 4G63 have been replaced by 4B11 motor. While the 4B11 doesn’t have the aggressive rawness of its 4G63 predecessor, its level of performance prowess doesn’t fall short behind it. With 291 horses and 300 lb/ft of torque available in this 2.0 liter DOHC 16-valve turbocharged motor with advanced MIVEC variable valve timing, it isn’t hard to keep it in full boil at all time. Turbo lag is almost non-existence in order to keep with this new motor’s civilized nature. On the other hand, its hard for it to run breathless at it reaches through the redline. The GSR comes standard with close ratio 5-speed manual gearbox. The gear ratios are well-spaced for both accleration and cruising, even though we would prefer to have 1 more gear. The cruising is more relaxed on the highway with the addition of an overdrive gear. As with all Mitsubishi manual gearbox, the gates are well-defined but still somewhat notchy. Clutch is progressive with the right feel. If you find this 5-speed manual gearbox is just not good enough, Evo MR comes standard with Mitsu’s automated manual. Its TC-SST, which is Mitsubishi’s system to Volkswagen’s DSG. Its basically a system with dual clutch. The 1st clutch controls 1st, 3rd and 5th gears while 2nd clutch controls 2nd, 4th and 6th gears. Whenever a driver engages 1st or 3rd gear using the 1st clutch, for example, the 2nd clutch would pre-engaged 2nd and 4th for driver to prepare to up or downshift. This is currently the fastest and smartest shifting gearbox in the world, quicker than any race car driver who can handle clutch and gearbox like eating a donut. When it comes to shifting speed, CT-SST shifts as smartly and efficiently as VW’s DSG. Its as fuss-free and refined as one either. Given Mitsubishi’s technical prowess, we aren’t come to a surprise at all. The paddle shifters also work as smoothly and efficiently as column shifter without any sense of roughness. It is a perfect match for Evo 10’s civilized character, its an even better match for MR’s more luxurious character than hardcore GSR.

Handling: Its not only the Evo comes with a strong chassis and a great suspension, its excellent AWD system with ACD is an add-bonus to this wonderful dynamic package. What the ACD or Active Center Differential does is to provide 3 different settings for the driver. Driver can choose between Tarmac, Snow and Gravel on the steering-mounted control. This electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch center differential system works flawlessly on the racetrack as it provides utmost confidence to both experienced and non-experienced driver. It also allows a bit of an oversteer powerslide whenever a driver set it on tramac mode. On the snow mode, it would adjust the power transfer through the center differential to suit the driving situation. Its similar function as with the gravel mode. This system also smart enough to vectoring torque through front and rear through those settings. On the other hand, it has set a little bit of understeer before driver can react to an oversteer when pushed through the envalope. It allows driver to have enough adjustability before exiting a corner. As expected from a great driver’s car, the rack-and-pinion steering is razor sharp and very precise; along with excellent feedback at all time. As for ride comfort, GSR rides a bit more rougher than MR given its sportier suspension setting. However, it remains civilized enough for daily driving. MR, on a contrary, rides more comfortably on those roughness and patholes. MR’s level of ride control can be easily mistaken as an European sports sedan.

Brakes: With both large front and rear Brembo discs all around, plus standard ABS, Evo’s braking prowess is nothing less than amazing. It has to be one of the best braking systems I have ever experienced, maybe just slightly behind those in a Porsche. The stopping distance is short while pedal feel is simply outstanding. Not even a fade after those hard stops on the racetrack which is simply astounishing.

Interior: The biggest highlights of Evo have to be its exceptional Recaro sports seats and thick-rimmed 3-spoke sports steering, with both ACD control and paddle shifters on the MR. The rest of the interior is typical Lancer affair. That means cheesy plastic on the top half of the dashboard.

Conclusion: After years of anticipation, Canadian finally can get their hands on a Lancer Evolution. At the same time, WRX STi finally face its toughest competition as it enters 2nd generation in this tiny market. What the Evo differs from STi is the offer of a more luxurious and civilized trim level called the MR, which should be able to cater to those who want a rally car driving experience with the luxurious qualities of a sports sedan. But for ultimate driver’s choice, Evo GSR remains the one to beat.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5