Mitsubishi Evo VIII

Like a bolt from the blue, the four-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI revolutionised the way UK drivers judged high performance at its launch in 1998.

Auto Express Car Reviews

January 2003

Like a bolt from the blue, the four-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI revolutionised the way UK drivers judged high performance at its launch in 1998. Quite simply, it raised the benchmark for fast cars. Subsequent editions have built on this success, and now the all-new Evolution VIII, due to hit showrooms in March, threatens to do the same again.

Set to cost ΂£26,995 - some ΂£3,000 less than the current Evolution VII - the car offers 276bhp in standard trim, and an eye-watering 300bhp in FQ specification - but does it raise standards again? Fire the turbo four-cylinder and the cabin fills with a menacing growl. Fizzing, rather than roaring under acceleration, the Evo VIII powers towards the horizon with incredible force. At low revs it is still plagued by turbo lag, but once on boost its devastating pace can be matched by few rivals. Engine revisions including a new turbo system and revised management mean acceleration is smoother than before, but no less brutal.

Suspension is uncompromising and the ride is nothing short of rock hard. However, the Lancer virtually refuses to roll in corners, maintaining its poise under extremely harsh conditions. A new six-speed box means you'll be changing gear more frantically than before, but it won't interrupt the phenomenal pace.

A new anti-yaw control system improves this further, effortlessly shuffling power between front and rear axles to maximise grip. Our test car's brakes were better suited to the track than the road, and need a significant amount of heat in them before they really start to work. Once up to temperature, however, the Evo will slow at a ferocious rate.

Interior specification has yet to be set, but our test car seemed to offer a better driving position than ever before. The seat is mounted lower, and the adjustable steering lifts higher, leaving you feeling as though you are part of the capable chassis. We can't help feeling that the Mitsubishi has done it again. In the face of increasing competition, it has raised its game once more and remains one of the fastest cars of our group.

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