2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I took advantage of a little seat time in the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR this week. My gut said that I was going to like it. My gut was right.

If I could describe the Evo MR in just a few words it would be: solid, quick, and very entertaining. And this from a car that can be had as an economical sedan priced in the mid-teens to a fully tricked MR that stickers at just over $40,000.

And when I mean solid I mean like a rock. My short stint included driving in the Normal, Sport and Super Sport modes. Each has its advantages but all, interestingly enough, are a blast and change the car in unique ways.

The route I drove was predetermined and featured right-hand-only turns. Whether driving a straight or taking quick turns, the car feels planted. Body roll is minimal with no detectable flex in the chassis. Too bad Mitsubishi is out of the WRC. There's no doubt they've got an excellent chassis for a competitive rally car.

Tweaked to deliver 291 horsepower, the Evo's 2.0-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder spins-up easily and has a grunt most 4-bangers would envy. Maximum torque is 300 lb-ft at 4000 RPM.

Mitsubishi's new dual-clutch transmission, called Sportronic® Shift Transmission or SST, is a kick. It has me willing to toss aside my allegiance to tradition clutch manuals. It shifts quickly, with the added thrill of rev-matched downshifts in Sport and Super Sport mode.

Switch to Super Sport and the car takes on a decidedly track-like attitude. In this mode, engine mapping changes, with revs kept in the motors power band, not dropping below 4000 RPM. And by the same token, the mapping holds until it red lines at 7000 RPM. But this is not a setting for daily driving. With the engine on a constant boil, it's a little too noisy. The constant drone will get tiresome, not too mention a big hit on your wallet at the gas pump.

My time behind the wheel was short. I had to develop some quick opinions but if you're in the market for a sports sedan, put Mitsubishi on your list. If the Evo is too pricey, check out the new Lancer Ralliart. It's performance capabilities are less than the Evo's but at a better price point. It even looks similar to the Evo. It's a nice mix that makes for a better day-to-day driver.

Do you own one of the new Lancers? If so, let everyone here at Ridestory know what you think. We'd love to hear a buyers opinion. Even if you don't own one, leave me some comments below. I look forward to hearing from my readers.