Mitsubishi Evo: Mitsubishi Evo's X Appeal

In stark contrast to the controversial Impreza, the all-new Evo X really looks the business. And unlike the Subaru, which basically inherits carryover engines and transmissions, the Evo X employs a newly developed MB11 2-litre MIVEC turbo engine generating around 320bhp and 295lb ft of torque.

The Evo’s dual-clutch DSG-like six-speed gearbox with paddle-shifters is another first for Mitsubishi and will be the standard fit 'box in the UK, although a regular six-speed manual will be available. But the new Evo’s most significant piece of hi-tech kit is its Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) technology.

Based on the current car’s electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system with its Active Stability Control, Active Yaw Control (AYC) and an Active Centre Differential (ACD), S-AWC takes the Evo to the next dimension by incorporating active brake control, active suspension and active steering. evo has driven an engineering prototype on a slippery slalom course and, despite being fitted with only half of the S-AWC package comprising the AYC and ABC, the car's electronics worked superbly to deliver just the right amount of traction.

The Evo X makes its official debut at September's Frankfurt Show, possibly dropping the X to be called simply Evolution, with British sales starting in March 2008. Prices have yet to be fixed but Mitsubishi UK insists it won't be ‘significantly more expensive’ than the current model so expect prices to start at under £35,000.