2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution SE 4-door Sedan (831)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution SE 4-door Sedan.
The Lancer Evolution is Mitsubishi’s rally-inspired high-performance all-wheel-drive sedan based on the Lancer compact sedan. Redesigned for 2008, Evolution is the tenth generation of the rally car for the street but only the second version offered in the U.S. market. The first Lancer Evolution to be sold in the U.S was the Evo IX, first imported as a 2003 model. The redesigned Evo brings to market nearly identical styling and much of the technology first shown on the Mitsubishi Concept X at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show.

Opinion:

Most drivers don’t start out driving their car with the intent to break speed laws. So I remind you again the greatest tool to avoid speeding citations is “Speed/Cruise Control. This handy feature will pay for itself quickly by eliminating drifting concentration that can lead to an expensive ticket. You simply set it and forget it for the most part. Yes you still need to stay awake but you’ll maintain consistent speed which will keep you from Yo-yo’ing down the highway – slow then fast then slow again. Additionally you will minimize the conditions that lead to accidents. If the model you are buying offers “Smart Cruise” go for it if you want the best of the best.

Ok, there are always those who consider themselves more important than others and they will tailgate and cut in front of you with little more than a parking space distance between you and the car in front of you. But ain’t it great when you cruise by them as their mind wanders and they lose their edge. So do yourself a favor and demand Cruise Control with your next car.

And if you have it, use it. The love of my life (rephrase – one of the loves of my life) has Cruise Control but refuses to use it. She is great on city streets but is a scardi-cat on the freeways. You know, one of those who drives with a death grip on the steering wheel. Don’t worry, she doesn’t read my column… I hope.

Handling & Performance:

You’ll get a rush from a non-drug-induced high you get from driving this kind of high performance car. In fact you will think it looks like a kid’s car until you drive it. Then parents will NOT want to buy one for their kid. Performance starts with P and that rhymes with T and that stands for trouble … that’s with a capital T.

You do not need a manual transmission for shifting control, because it doesn’t get any better than this Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift Transmission. And for those who must busy themselves with shifting it comes with paddle shifters.

If you’re a parent and that doesn’t dissuade you from buying Junior one of these, one last shot. The speedometer goes up to 180 MPH. I didn’t get it even close to that but you can bet a teenager will.

Styling:

Cool for today’s young single. Not my idea for a family car.

Fit and Finish:

On the upper end of the scale of more than half of today’s cars.

Cost:

Some would say this EVO is too pricey for a little pee popper. The price is a little stiff … so deal! The mitigating fact however is that the Evolution is far more capable than Cobalt or Cruze for example. AWD makes it safer, it will handle better and the Turbocharger makes it a rocket with a touch of the accelerator. It will compete better with Audi and BMW that cost more.

Conversely it will cost much more in gas than the Chevrolet products.

Conveniences and comfort:

All the goodies and gadgets most people will demand are provided as standard equipment. I found the seating very comfortable.
Recognized Competition:

Mitsubishi Lancer $34-41,000, 2011 Audi S4 $47-48,000, 2011 BMW 3 Series $33-58,000, Chevrolet Cobalt $15-25,000, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze $16-22,000, MazdaSpeed 3 $23,340, Nissan Z $30-41,000, 2011 Subaru Impreza $17-20,000, Subaru Impreza WRX $25-35,000, Volkswagen GTI $23-24,000, Volkswagen New Beetle $17-27,000.

Good News:

Great performer that is fun to drive, comfortable and AWD handling.

Bad News:

Not so good fuel economy and a little pricey to some.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter DOHC inline turbocharged engine, Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift Transmission, Paddle shifters, Bilstein shocks, heated front seats, rear lid spoiler, front, side and side curtain airbags, drivers knee airbag, LATCH child seats, tire pressure monitor, daytime running lights, Engine immobilizer, stability control, traction control, all-wheel drive, twin-scroll turbocharger, Brembo ventilated ABS disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution, active yaw control, rear limited slip differential, front and rear stabilizer bars, auto A/C with micron filter, remote keyless entry, leather wrapped steering wheel w/ cruise and audio controls, color LCD multi information display, Recardo front sport seats, Bluetooth, 140 watt CD/MP3 audio with 6-speakers, mirror visors, map lights and center console w/ storage, fog lights, flared fenders, aluminum roof panel, front fenders and hood and 18” alloy wheels.
Gas Stats:

$2.79/ Gal avg. October 1, 2010
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

17 City and 22 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $35,790.