Lancer evo ix MR

BRUCE NEWTON takes a bumpy, noisy racer for a spin, and loves it.
Undeniable, unbelievable performance value. Every driving enthusiast should sample Evo at least once in their life. Goes like mad, corners like crazy.

* Bad


Excessive noise and crap ride could well drive you insane. Far too hard core for most.

2 Minute road test (See full review)
Price and equipment

* Three Star


There is an intended symmetry to the Evo IX’s $56,789 price tag. It also has the practical effect of keeping it under the luxury car tax. Mind you, one look around the rather Spartan cabin is enough to realise linking luxury with this Lancer is a misnomer. Yes, it now gets climate control and six CD audio, to go with the part-leather trim. But much of it looks and feels old from the driver’s seat.
Under the bonnet

* Four Half Star


The 4G63 2.0-litre turbocharged and intercooled engine is an absolute classis. But with the addition of variable valve timing, a new turbo and some internal fettling it lifts another grade for Evo IX. The raw numbers – 206kW and 355Nm - are pretty good and the delivery has been smoothed out. But it’s still raw stuff, offering little until you get to the mid-range. Then all hell breaks loose. A six-speed gearbox manual means an extra ratio compared to Evo VIII and that helps milk the engine’s awesome potential.
How it drives

* Four Half Star


Light weight and massive power mean Evo IX is very quick in a straight line. But where this car really shines is in the bends. With all-wheel drive controlled by computers that distribute torque front to rear and side-to-side depending on a whole bunch of inputs, this is a remarkably quick car. Its bitumen ability is only surpassed by its behaviour on gravel. Then it is quite simply brilliant.
Comfort and practicality

* Two Star


Not for everyone. In fact, not for many people at all. Noisy, rough riding and only offered as a manual, the Evo IX is far too hard core for most people’s tastes. If that doesn’t put you off then check out the extravagant exterior styling.
Safety

* Three Star


Aged and showing it with a three star NCAP rating. Really, these days it’s substandard stuff. Mind you that is a standard Lancer whereas this car is based on a slightly larger Japan-only model called the Cedia. It is also strengthened with 200 spot welds to keep the body tight despite its high performance stresses. Dual airbags and ABS are standard.
Overall verdict

* Four Half Star


Burn your cardigans before driving.
Nuts & Bolts

Price


$56,789 (manual), plus options and costs.

Warranty


5 years/130,000 km.

Engine Size/Type


2.0-litre, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged inline 4-cyl.

Power


206 kW at 6500 rpm.

Torque


355 Nm at 3000 rpm.

Transmission/Driven Wheels


Six-speed manual, all-wheel-drive.

Kerb Weight


1410 kg

Fuel Consumption


10.6 L/100 km.

Fuel Tank Size


55-litre tank.

Insurance


$1852 (RACV, 40-year-old rating-one male, medium-risk suburb, $450 excess.)

Steering


Rack-and-pinion power steering, 2.1 turns lock to lock. Turning circle 11.6 m.

Suspension


Front: Independent by inverted MacPherson struts, coil springs and stabiliser bar. Rear: Independent by multi-links, coil springs, shock absorbers and stabiliser bar.

Wheels/Tyres


17 x 8.0-inch alloy wheels, tyres 235/45. Space-saver spare wheel.

Safety Equipment


Dual front airbags; height-adjustable, pretensioning and force-limiting front seatbelts; lap-sash seatbelts for all passengers.

Brakes


Ventilated front and rear discs, ABS with EBD.

Competitors

Subaru WRX STi $59,990
Only a degree or two more civilised than the Evo, outstanding performance potential. 4 stars.

Mazda6 MPS $48,600
Almost as quick as Evo or STi and much easier to live with. 4 stars.