Here at Evo Towers we’ve blown hot and cold over the tenth version of our namesake Lancer, primarily because of its technical advancements and more polished finish. As a ground covering tool it would be hard to find anything more efficient and there are fleeting moments of greatness, but we miss the interaction and rally-raw feel of the old Evo IX.
The optional SST twin-clutch gearbox introduced with the X did little to help the new car’s case. Up until now, however, the SST ’box was only available on the basic FQ-300, which led us to conclude that it wasn’t beefy enough to cope with more power. Well, apparently it is, as now the 324bhp FQ-330 can be ordered with it too, and the great news is that it makes for a far more intriguing package.
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The bias of the Evo’s four-wheel-drive system is rearward and here it has enough power to give the driver more options, with both power and lift-off oversteer on the menu. The blink-and-you’ve-missed-it gearshifts are more in keeping with this new-found feistier character too. The great news for Evo lovers, then, is that some of the missing spirit has returned.
Mitsubishi Evo X FQ-330 SST specifications
| Engine | In-line 4-cyl, 1998cc, turbo |
| Max power | 324bhp @ 6500rpm |
| Max torque | 322lb ft @ 3500rpm |
| Top speed | 155mph (limited) |
| 0-62mph | 4.4sec (claimed) |
| Price | £35,999 |
| On sale | Now |
