The Mitsubishi EVO x

The Mitsubishi Evo X (expert reviews)

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution makes its return to this Japanese brand's small-car lineup. All '08 Lancers are redesigned this year and are larger in all dimensions compared to the 2002-06 versions. Front-wheel-drive Lancer DE, ES, and GTS trims are offered with a 152-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a choice of a 5-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). GTS has a firmer suspension and sporty body trim. The Lancer Evolution is all-wheel drive and comes in GSR and MR trims, each with a 291-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. GSRs have a 5-speed manual transmission; MRs have a 6-speed automatic. Lancer's safety features include ABS, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Traction control and an antiskid system are exclusive to the Evolution. Lancer ES, GTS, and Evolution are available with a touch-screen navigation system and a 30 gigabyte hard drive for storage/playback of digital audio files. Evaluations of Evolution models are based on preview test drives.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer.Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Saturn Astra, Scion xB, and Subaru Impreza.

Acceleration

The 152-hp Lancers only have adequate pickup with manual transmission, and they're borderline sluggish with the CVT. All feel weakest when pulling away from a stop. Acceleration from rest is a sore point on both Evolution versions as well, though they're rockets once underway. The MR's automatic transmission is actually a twin-clutch manual that functions like an automatic (there's no clutch pedal), and it also has steering-wheel shift paddles to facilitate manual gear changes. On preview vehicles tested, the MR's transmission took a moment to engage when shifted into Drive or Reverse, and there was no "creep" after letting off the brake at a stop. Upshifts and downshifts were quick and timely, whether in automatic mode or shifted manually.

Fuel Economy

In Consumer Guide testing, Lancer GTS models with manual transmission averaged 25.7-27.2 mpg. 152-hp versions use regular-grade gas. No opportunity to measure fuel economy on Evolutions, which have a 14.5-gallon tank vs 15.3 and require premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

DE and ES models are absorbent and capable thanks to smart suspension tuning, a solid-feeling structure, and sensible 16-inch tires. The GTS rides a bit harsher due to its firmer suspension and 18-inch tires. Evolutions are stiff, though not as bad as they used to be, with the MR being slightly more compliant over bumps.