[Brosreview]

I wasn’t shocked to witness a crowd of Tupac wannabes hovering next to The Evolution. I was sad to see the long-list of test-drivers. Just as I began to think that I wouldn’t get a chance to drive him, the manager recognizes me and welcomes me to his cabin. He says, “Yea, we are kinda booked till 5pm this evening for test drives. But, you see there is a more powerful one which we have not yet showcased”. And, he smiles. The rest of the experience was just driving pleasure.

Okay, I shall start with a confession. I may have been wrong when I last claimed that this car would not be a looker. It is quite evident from the side trims and the frontals head-lamps that the car has been influenced by Italian styling. And, that is good. Gee, thank God, they didn’t adopt the Ssanyong styling norms. Having said that, I entered the Mitsubishi showroom after driving the unlovely STi which I am ashamed to admit expected to be good. It disappointed me to the max. As I have mentioned in my earlier review that STi was a more sensible choice for everyday driving and thrashing whereas Evo was more of a “thrash around the track” car. However, it was hard to decide between the two. But, now with their new models released the choice and I mean this, has become one-sided. Just go and buy the bloody Evo, okay?

It is quite evident that Mitsubishi does empty their complaint box by actually reading them. I recall leaving a report recommending the one factor that made STis more preferable than the Evo IX – the comfort. The new model has listened to the tri-diamond lovers and has made its’ car comfortable and thus more preferable than the Subaru. But, that’s not it. There’s more. Read on.
Not only is the Subaru ugly, it still carries its’ legacy of under steer problems. The settings in the car are so complicated but manageable though time consuming. That explains why Solberg isn’t doing well these days.

On the other hand, the Evo X GSR FQ-360 is much better looking, less complicated to set up and is comfy too. I am dumbstruck by the way Mitsubishi manages to manufacture new Evolution models which are literally generations away and better than their prior one. I mean, how do they do that? And, there is another thing. Most car manufacturers make quicker versions by subjecting their cars through a diet. However, Mitsubishi has gone the other way of the scale this time.

The Evo X is approximately 110kilos heavier and is still as quick as their predecessors (actually, only 1-2 seconds slower than the older ones). No, you are wrong. The displacement is still a 1998cc, power – 360hp @ 6500revs, torque – 492nm @ 3500revs. Yes, a comparatively sluggish start is evident but the top speed blows your mind away; thanks to the slight increase in torque. It still hits 100ks in around 5.5 seconds.

It is not only the comfort complaint that Mitsubishi responded to. I mentioned in my earlier review of the Evo that once the road got bumpy, the handling did get slightly dodgy. For this, the sensei’s have installed a 25mm longer wheelbase and 30mm wider track. The handling is further tightened by the Super All-Wheel Control system (S-AWC) that combines the stability control and the active central differential. The more stiffened suspension with dampers has made the handling very much sharp. Here’s a visual perspective of the affect of this change – in the earlier Evo, the vehicle would never let go of the road however quick and tilted the turn you drive into that at times the car would be on three wheels. In this one, the three wheel occurring is avoided by the above mentioned features. Just as I began to conclude that this is the best Mitsubishi could make the Evo, they come up with something more amazing. The grip of this machine is just staggering.

For the ones who are wondering about the “stiffened suspension” – do not conclude this car to be less comfortable as their older brothers. There are settings provided in the car that can reduce the stiffness which actually makes the car suitable for long drives where comfort is a key issue.

The electronic stability control which straightens the mad car too has options. You can choose to be aided by it or completely unaided which leaves you responsible for the car and your fate. The other setting disables the stability control but offers brake assistance. So, basically you can train yourself on this car.

The option of a 6-speed Twin clutch sports shift transmission (TC-SST) is quicker than the 5-speed manual. Yes, I am aware that a manual gear is always a drivers’ choice. But, think again. The gear-shifting is similar to that of the DSG gearbox available on Audis. The response time boggles your mind.

Again, there are three settings for the gear-box as well. One offers a slow gear change for the normal driving conditions. The second option is tad quicker and the third one is strictly for the race track. The gear box ensures the engine to be consistently running on the power band and pulls the car till 6000revs. Yes, it actually does it unlike other cars with similar systems that compromises on revs.

So, there you go, the car is fatter, quick, good looking and comfy. I think it is the hi-tech revolution that makes the Evo X, the Evolution that all were waiting for. So, instead of buying the cheaper STi, just go and buy the bloody Evo, okay? It is justすばらしい(wonderful).

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[GTO]

Great writeup, Brosreview. Lucky you to have experienced the X. The EVO X seems to be a stupendously quick car, even in comparision to the regular EVO X. But can you compare the FQ360 to the regular Sti?

There's one too many potential owners & EVO IX fans who claim that the X is nowhere as sharp, aggressive or agile as the IX? Assuming that you have driven both, it will be interesting to read your comments. From what I have heard so far, the X is more liveable and appeals to a broader market with its softer approach. The IX was raw, a racer's dream.

P.S. For those who aren't aware, the FQ is a Brit-specific *officially* tuned EVO. The board rules won't allow me to type out what FQ stands for, but I will tell you that F = a certain 4 letter word & Q = Quick. Seriously

[Steeroid]

Nice writeup there. Havent met many who have owned both versions of the car so your writeup is quite an eye opener.

OT but still related is the news that the new Lancer Ralliart fastback has been announced and the 5-door will feature a lot of hand-me-downs from the Evo X including suspension setup. Only 236 bhp, but still a good gap filler between the regular commuter Lancer and the Evo.

[Brosreview]

Hey GTO,

Thanks for reading. Yes, there is an unfair advantage for the Mitsubishi when the Evo X is compared to the STi. But, trust us, even the 300hp Evo X is better but slower than the STi.

I (the writer for Brosreview) completely agree with the IX being more raw and fun to drive but at the expense of comfort which is okay as for now considering our young age. I know this since I own a red Evo IX MR edition. Evo X is merely a response that Japan is capable of making a fast car that is luxurious, loaded and comfy as European ones.

Take care and drive safe!!!

PS: Since we are not professionally test drivers we are disallowed to click pics as we intensely test cars. Sorry about that.

[GTO]

Evo X is merely a response that Japan is capable of making a fast car that is luxurious, loaded and comfy as European ones.

Isn't that a step away from what made an EVO an EVO?! Even the pricing has apparently shot up to an entirely different category.

There's news that HM is going to bring the EVO X to India as a direct import. You can imagine how some amongst us can hardly wait! Hope they price it correctly.

[beanstalk_230]

Now thats really something new to talk about and something i was actually wishing would pop up sometime into the forum.

Thanx @ Brosreview for the review of the Evo X...

And yeah it no doubt appeals to a broader segment now. Saw it at the Auto Expo Delhi this year and man.. IMHO its drop dead gorgeous to look at and i knew i had fallen in love again. Wish i had those pics with me. Abhi where are you..????

[Cyrus43]

Here is the Picture of the EVO X...Well, whatever i could manage of it!!!

[iraghava]

Here are some more pictures I took:















And since I was accompanying the lead singer from "Right Said Fred", we even got to sit inside the car & take pics of the engine!!











And here's the super star!

[shantyrocks]

like woow maan!
evo x looks amaazing maan!
the interiors r no less than a cockpit...
0-100 in 5.5 secs is unbelievable maan!

[Brosreview]

Thanks for reading!!! Yea, we apologise for no pics in any of our next upcoming reviews as well. It is because we do this as our second job and thus are strictly disallowed to click pics whilst testing the cars, be it on normal road conditions or power-sliding it round a track. Trying to gain recognition so that in future we gain rights to film as well.

[speedzak]

A very good write up there. Nicely compared and very true in reality.
All the manufacturers are trying to make cars cater to a larger market and doing that, they compromise on the sportiness and raw attitude for luxury. Some may love it but many would hate this move.

Arrey! What's a Bandar doing in an EVO? Woh bhi Yeda!

[Brosreview]

Images of Evo X and STi @ Detroit Autoshow

[Brosreview]

Images of Evo X MR @ L.A. Autoshow

[RufRoc]

Still love what's left of the beast! Really hope HM gets the pricing right, with the imports.

[ashish22]

it really looks menacing in black!
interiors are disappointing though