Jason on Cars

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR
Rally Red
286-hp 2.0-liter, 16-valve, turbocharged I4; 6-sp.
$36,894
Review written by guest reviewer: Stefan Lombard.

If you’re a car guy, and your generation begins with either X or Y, then you know what an Evo is. Especially if you’ve ever played Gran Turismo. Though it’s still fairly new to our shores, the Evo has existed in various guises throughout Europe and Japan for at least a decade.

The Evo is a rally car, built by Mitsubishi to compete with Subaru’s WRX in the World Rally Championship. And it’s been no slouch, either, eventually unseating the WRX in 1998 to win both the Driver’s and Manufacturer’s Championship in the hands of Tommi Makinen.

The MR is the latest and greatest in the all-wheel drive Evo bloodline. Though it is still adorned with all manner of intakes, inlets, mesh grilles, fender flares, spoilers, wings, and carbon fiber, there is nothing “clapped on” about this machine. It is no Honda Civic with a body kit and coffee can exhaust. Indeed, this is one serious sports sedan.

And its price puts it into some pretty serious company, including lightly used BMW M3s and Audi S4s. But its performance means it can run with that company. Staying close to its rally heritage, drivers have the option of adjusting the active center differential with the push of a button. Choose ‘Tarmac,’ ‘Gravel,’ or ‘Snow’ depending on the conditions, and the power transfer adjusts for maximum traction.

Whatever setting you’ve got, be prepared for that turbo. The car is quick from a standstill, climbing smoothly and quickly through the lower revs. At 4,000 rpm, however, something entirely different takes hold. Rapid just doesn’t even do it justice, for here the turbo is fully spooled, and the slightest flex of your right foot means a shot in the back from the Recaro racing seats.

Keep your foot planted and the car accelerates so quickly, the revs advance so fast toward redline, that there is barely time to get to the next gear. And the next, and the next. And with stiff independent suspension, lightweight BBS wheels, big Brembo brakes, and sticky Yokohama tires, the fun comes in far more than just straight line speed.

The interior equipment leaves much to be desired. Material quality is on par with those found in economy cars, with a plasticky feel to most every surface. But you don’t buy this car for the interior, unless you count the MR’s extra instrument cluster, which includes a boost gauge. It’s a wasted effort, however, and its placement at the bottom of the console means you can look at it or the road, but not both. Front end packaging seems almost too fragile, with nothing to stop a 10-mph fender bender from seriously ruining your day, so it’s best to keep your eyes on the road.

What the Evo MR amounts to, ultimately, is one fast toy. Sure it’s got four doors. And yes, there is room for the kids. But for a weekend drive on twisty roads, you shouldn’t have to choose between screaming kids or a screaming turbo. Put your kids in the Volvo and keep this one for yourself.