Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 2008 review

The first thing you notice as you approach the latest Lancer Evolution is that it's no wild child - there's no automotive equivalent of tattoos or body piercings here.

For example, there are no outsize skirts and spoilers hanging off the body; no bonnet power bulge and no outrageous wing out the back. It's relatively restrained in looks.

The second thing you notice is there is no key to unlock the doors - just a gizmo that looks like a key fob without the shaft and sends out a signal when it's close to the car. Touch the handle and the driver's door automatically unlocks. So the hi-tech stuff is all here.

Explore the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer range

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Then, settling in the driver's seat, the next thing that catches the eye is the speedo, which tops out at 300km/h. Now, that's more like the Evo we know and love.

The tenth version of the iconic Mitsubishi performance car is based on the Concept-X, shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, and has recently arrived Down Under.

While more laid-back in looks than many of its ilk, Evo X stays true to the styling direction of the concept car and hints at the agility, flexibility and aerodynamics which characterise Mitsubishi's rally heritage.

OK, it has a shark nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes.

The 2008 Lancer Evolution boasts a new inter-cooled and turbocharged 2 litre DOHC inline four-cylinder engine, with reinforced cast-aluminium cylinder bock, which generates an impressive 217kW of power at 6500rpm and 366Nm of torque at 3500rpm.

Alas, the test car did not have Mitsubishi's all-new twin clutch sport shift gearbox, an automated manual transmission capable of executing lightning-quick gear changes with no discernable drop-off in engine power, and featuring a console-mounted shifter and steering wheel paddle shifters.

This Evo had a five-speed manual that, nevertheless, gave some satisfaction in the hard-driving department. Best we could do for fuel consumption was 9.4 litres per 100km (30 miles per gallon).

Under urging, the figure quickly ran out to Rolls-Royce territory of more than 17 litres/100km (16mpg). Ah, well.

It's wall-to-wall high-end technology with the next generation of Mitsubishi's Super All Wheel Control incorporating an Active Centre Differential, Super Active Yaw Control, Active Stability Control and Sports Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and a Limited Slip Differential supplying a significant advance in dynamic capability.

The S-AWC offers the driver three traction modes - Tarmac, Gravel and Snow.

In my short time with the car tarmac was all that was needed.

Braking just as technologically controlled with a Brembo system comprising 18in ventilated four pot front brakes (two-piece type on up-spec models) and 17in ventilated two pot rear brakes.

The Evolution X hugs the road with the aid of a high performance suspension system including front McPherson strut suspension (inverted), and rear multi-link suspension with mono-tube shock absorbers and front and rear stabiliser bars and front strut tower bar.

Standard passive safety is taken care of by driver and front passenger airbags, driver side knee airbag, and side and curtain airbags.

Recaro bucket seats are a tight fit for all but the narrow-backed body and a sports-style steering wheel is pleasant to the touch.

Pricing ranges from $59,490, with TC-SST from $64,490 and the top level MR from $71,690. The optional Performance Pack adds $5500 to the entry level Evolution.