Skip advert
Advertisement

Mitsubishi Evo VIII

It's early August, and our brand new Mitsubishi Evo VIII FQ-300 is missing. Where its bright yellow bodywork once sat in the street, there's now a huge gap. It's a serious shock, and I can't help pacing up and down the road, hoping there's been some mistake. The optimism doesn't last, though, and 10 minutes later I'm on the phone to the police, reporting the vehicle stolen... The fastest car Auto Express has ever had on its long-term fleet, registration 8CCC, has lasted a mere five days with us.

Pros
  • Massive performance, handling, saloon-car versatility, exhaust system emits a great sound
Cons
  • Theft of the original model, fuel economy, uncompromising ride, a 'boy racer' magnet
Find your next car here
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

It's early August, and our brand new Mitsubishi Evo VIII FQ-300 is missing. Where its bright yellow bodywork once sat in the street, there's now a huge gap. It's a serious shock, and I can't help pacing up and down the road, hoping there's been some mistake. The optimism doesn't last, though, and 10 minutes later I'm on the phone to the police, reporting the vehicle stolen... The fastest car Auto Express has ever had on its long-term fleet, registration 8CCC, has lasted a mere five days with us.
Six hours and three taxi rides later, I am still in a long queue in a police station waiting to give a statement. The cops are interested, but not hugely - until it emerges that I am the vehicle's keeper, not the owner. For a moment you can almost see the suspicion in the officer's eyes... Nothing is said directly, but the questioning seems to suggest the law is keen to eliminate me from their enquiries.
The story could have ended there, but just as it looked like we had lost our long-termer for good, Mitsubishi swung into action. It delivered a near-identical Evo VIII (9,000 miles on the clock, registration 1CCC) just in time for a trip to the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
After popping into the N

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,155Avg. savings £2,019 off RRP*Used from £15,900
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £25,015Avg. savings £2,749 off RRP*Used from £12,300
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,828 off RRP*
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,540Avg. savings £4,999 off RRP*Used from £15,751
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Audi TT back from the dead! Icon set to return as electric sports car
Audi TT design render (watermarked)

Audi TT back from the dead! Icon set to return as electric sports car

Iconic coupe could be resurrected for the electric era, and this is what it could look like
News
21 Mar 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Roomy Renault Scenic EV at the best price we've seen
Renault Scenic UK - front

Car Deal of the Day: Roomy Renault Scenic EV at the best price we've seen

The Scenic of the 2020s is an excellent electric family SUV. It’s our Deal of the Day for 18 March.
News
18 Mar 2025
Skoda Elroq review
Skoda Elroq - front

Skoda Elroq review

The Skoda Elroq is even more appealing than the bigger Skoda Enyaq, and just as brilliant
In-depth reviews
18 Mar 2025