People don’t buy cars like this on a spur of the moment whim. Buying an Evo is a big involvement decision and doing the homework is almost as involving as driving the resultant purchase. Is the classic status of an Evo VI ‘Tommi Mak’ really worth forgoing the existing warranty on a low mileage Evo VIII MR? Deep jargon to most of us, but the basis for an enjoyable night’s discussion to a bunch of Evo owners. The latest model to roll from the factory gates is the Evo IX and it promises to be the last of the current line of Evo models, the Evo X – due in 2007 – being based on a radically different hatchback platform.
In many respects, the development of the Evo IX mirrors that of the latest Porsche 911. Both cars fuse the best aspects of the previous two generations styling but offer a superior all-round package with engines that move the game forward. Both are likely to be found tearing up tarmac at track days but only the Evo can be yours brand new with warranty from £28,141. It’s a formula which has swerved Mitsubishi well, offering the sort of performance and handling that will embarrass junior league supercars with seating for five and a price tag that many of us can relate to.
