2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR (947)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR. Before we get started, can you believe it is 2013 already?

In my opinion this EVO as it is referred to is a car for the young man, however a couple of young guys who stopped me in a parking lot said they thought age didn’t make a difference. But how you look in a car is important to you and it is kinda like someone over 30 riding a skate board. It somehow just doesn’t fit.

I did have fun driving the Evo because I appreciate performance and like to see obstacles in the dust through the rear view mirror. But when I look back through that rear window and the dust my vision is obstructed by a spoiler wing splitting the rear view. That was annoying.

Overall this is a nice ride that is fun to drive no matter what your age. There is no doubt the Evo was intended for the youthful consumer who is financially able.

General Information:

Parts from the US / Canada 0%, Japan 99%. It is assembled in Kurashiki, Japan, Classification is Compact. Cars from Mitsubishi: Eclipse, Endeavor, Galant, i, Lancer, Lancer Evolution, Lancer Sportback, Outlander, Outlander Sport.

Handling & Performance:

Performance, of course, is a mix between how well it accelerates and takes the curves, versus how stingy it is with gasoline – especially in today’s world of $5.00 a gallon at the pump. It will only take you about 20 miles and that is expensive fun.

But then I remember those days when most muscle cars so popular among young drivers only got about 7 mpg. But gas was $.31 a gallon. Now it is nearly 16 times as costly for the gas while cars would be hard pressed to get 112 mpg to be equal to the cost then (based on the economic value of money in 1960).

Styling:

Designer’s have managed to catch the eye of people who appreciate the automobile and Evo’s reputation seem to have preceded my week testing this car. But those I talked with also knew about how ‘fast and furious’ a ride it can be. In other words looks alone would not sell this car if its performance didn’t set it apart from the crowd. Everyone loves speed and acceleration. . . ok, except the little old lady from Pasadena… but the look is also as bold as its performance. I like the prominent grill that quickly grows on you. Design has achieved its goal because I think the look is “confident”.

On the other hand I have to comment on one of the identifying features of style – the rear stabilizer wing. It is “Smack Dab” in the center of your rear view. It was a real negative for me as it splits the view behind right in half. You are reminded every time you check out the traffic around you and that begins with what is right behind you. I found that obstruction distracting and it didn’t go away all week.

Fit and Finish:

Very good in and out.

Cost:

A little pricey for this car for me, and it can only be justified for its performance attributes.

Conveniences and comfort:

It is very comfortable in class and has all the bells and whistles you expect these days.

Consumer Recommendation:

This is NOT a cheap car and the competition is stiff. To me the closest competitor is the Impreza WRX. The Nissan Z is a favorite of mine but isn’t really comparable since the Z only seats 2.

Recognized Competition:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution $34,000, Audi S4 $48,000, Chevrolet Cruze $17,000, BMW 3 Series $35,000, Mazda 3 $15,000, Mazda RX-8 $27,000, Nissan Z $32,000, Subaru Impreza WRX $26,000, Suzuki SX4 Sport $17,000, Toyota Corolla $16,000, Volkswagen Beetle $19,000, Volkswagen GTI $24,000.

Good News:

Stylish, fast, fun to drive.

Bad News:

Rear stabilizer wing annoyingly in the middle of your rear view, poor fuel economy.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 4-cylinder 291 horsepower engine, 5-speed manual transmission, AWD, turbocharger with front mounted intercooler, Brembo vented disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution, front struts, front and rear stabilizers, front, side and side curtain airbags, drivers knee airbag, LATCH system for child seats, Tire pressure monitor, engine immobilizer, stability control and traction control, climate control, usb port, leather wrapped steering wheel with controls, audio with 6 speakers, power windows and locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, auto headlights, fog lights, large rear wing spoiler, 18” alloy wheels.

Gas Stats:

$3.75 / Gal avg. November 13, 2012

www.fueleconomy.gov

For more information.

17 City and 23 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $34,695.