What is it?
The first of what's certain to be a long line of officially tweaked Lancer Evolution X models from Mitsubishi. The 'standard' car makes do with 290bhp, but if you think that's a bit puny then there's always the option of this 324bhp FQ-330 model. Changes to liberate that extra power include a revised exhaust, air filter and downpipe, a different intercooler and a sports catalyst. The ECU (Electronic Control Unit) is also re-mapped to allow that additional power to be used properly. And the effect? An Evo X that'll sprint to 62mph in just 4.4 seconds, or some 0.3 seconds quicker than the FQ-300. If that's not enough then there's also a FQ-360, which develops 354bhp and drops that 0-62mph time to just 4.1 seconds. We've yet to drive that one, but if the FQ-330 is anything to go by the even more powerful car promises to be fiercely quick.
Is it any good?
Now in its tenth (hence the X) iteration, the Evo has always been a demonstration of outstanding performance car engineering in a family car-sized package. Evos have always punched well above their weight, having the ability to monster cars costing many times more. With the Evo X, Mitsubishi is working from an entirely new platform, shared with its own Outlander and a few less exciting models from the Chrysler line-up. The result is a more civilised Evo, which should appeal to a wider audience, but there's no denying that it has lost some of its hardcore appeal. The Evo X is far more benign at its high limits, understeer being the predominant stance when exploring the thresholds of its grip. It can be provoked into oversteer, but the new chassis and its countless acronym-described electronic stability and traction systems doesn't seem to encourage tail slides under power as it used to in the Evo X's predecessor.
Ultimately that makes it safer as a road car and really you should never be in a situation on road where you breach its huge grip and traction. Showboating track day Evo fans might be disappointed by the X's new found maturity, but those who actually want an Evo to drive every day should be impressed by the new car. The 2.0-litre engine, even when boosted in FQ-330 guise, is remarkably friendly, its linear power delivery and thumping 322lb.ft of torque making it rapid regardless of gear choice. Surprisingly there are only five ratios to choose from, though the shift quality is quick and precise. Much like the steering, which is both direct and offers enough feel to let you know what the front wheels are up to - without overloading you with information. The ride on our track drive felt firm but not uncomfortably so, though sharp ridges are announced by a fairly substantial thump. The interior quality is light years ahead of the Evos of old, while passenger and luggage space and standard equipment have all improved. It's a good-looker too.
Should I call the bank manager?
You might get away without having to bother. Evos have always represented good value for money given the extraordinary performance they offer and the latest car is no different. It's £30,499 for a GS FQ-330, or £32,999 for the GSR FQ-330, the latter being the more sensible option as it comes with DVD satnav, a 30 Gb music server, premium audio, an iPod/auxiliary input and improved trip computer and set-up personalisation for things like the interior lights, automatic wipers etc. Fuelling it will stretch the budget though; Mitsubishi claims a combined consumption of 25.4mpg, but just try driving it sensibly enough to achieve that. Lots of Nectar points are a small price to pay for the fun you'll have in an Evo. Servicing costs are contained though, as with Mitsubishi's 'MSP' you can service your Evo for just £400 over the first three years.
Summary
Mitsubishi's new Evo X has matured in its tenth incarnation and while that's likely to upset the Evo hardcore it opens up its extraordinary performance to a far wider audience. The FQ-330 might boast more power than the standard car, but it's not to the detriment of driveability or refinement. Even the fuel consumption increase, around 0.8mpg, is negligible over the regular Evo X. The only current issue with the higher power FQ-330 is that Mitsubishi's new SST, paddle-shift, six-speed transmission isn't available - the 330 and 360 cars are only offered with five-speed manual gearboxes.
More news and reviews from Mitsubishi
Buying Guide : All models Mitsubishi
New & Used Car : all offers Mitsubishi
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