EVOcative

As usual, the new model is based on a four door sedan body and is a road going evolution of cars used in the World Rally Championship. That's where the Evo name comes from.

It's a bigger car than ever growing in wheelbase and overall size and weight is up by 200kg compared to Evo VI, to around 1400kg. This is despite weight saving measures such as greater use of aluminium and carbon fibre in the body and other components.

Power is down a tad to 195kW with torque around the same at 355Nm. Acceleration is also not quite up to the previous model at 6.1 seconds for the 0-100kmh dash.

You'd be forgiven for thinking the VIII is a dumbed down version of the Evo but you'd be wrong.

Driveability is better than ever and the VIII is possibly a quicker car point to point thanks to superior dynamics and the stiffer body.

All its underpinnings have been tried and tested in the cut and thrust of international rallying and it shows.

While there isn't any real ground breaking new technology, the car is subtly refined and each system and component upgraded to deliver better perform- ance.

It retains all the good bits like the active centre differential and active yaw control which gives a 10 per cent gain in traction. The suspension is upgraded front and rear as are the brakes which feature multi piston Brembo calipers and large discs with "sport" ABS. The ABS is integrated into the cars steering and features G sensors for optimum stopping power.

Engine revisions in the 2.0-litre, twin cam, four cylinder are significant and are aimed at reliability and lower emissions as well as stronger response across the rev range.

The torque curve is flat thanks in part to the Evo's twin scroll turbo which has virtually no lag.

Boost pressure is up to 0.9 bar from 0.8. Redline is 70000rpm.

Though a six speed manual is available overseas, it seems superfluous when you drive the strengthened five speeder sold here.

On the road the new Evo is a sensational drive, a real rocketship with startling acceleration always on tap. And all this go is harnessed by the dynamic package particularly the all wheel drive system which gives a high level of grip in all conditions.

The car is a point and squirter as it virtually leaps from corner to corner and feels like a kart due to direct steering, strong throttle response, stiff chassis and powerful brakes.

Some drivers might feel confronted by the VIII's direct steering and firm gear change but it adds to the sporty feel.

The interior is fairly bland in a generic Japanese econobox way but is functional and has pretty well everything you need like aircon and a decent sound system. Recaro sports seats offer the necessary amount of side support for extremly fast cornering.

Optional leather upholstery is available but there are some other goodies to enhance the handling that actually make the car less fun to drive because it becomes too stiff in the ride department. Mitsubishi is aiming the Evo VIII at Subaru's WRX STi, the Mazda RX8 and the Nissan 300Z.

It's a few grand more than the slightly quicker accelerating STi but the Evo's a good looker with a brash body kit and low ride height and room in the back seat. The large carbon fibre deck wing is fairly in-your-face.

Living with the Evo VIII on a day to day basis wouldn't be a problem. Keeping your licence would.

Only 100 have been imported intially with more on the way. Most of the first shipment have been pre-sold.