Mitsubishi Evo X FQ-440 MR: Spotted

Missed the ultimate Evo when announced? Fear not, there's one in the classifieds...

"As soon as it's released you'll see nearly all of these for sale at £39,950." That's just one of many fascinating comments in the thread following the Evo X FQ-440 MR announcement. Sorry to disappoint Mr Pommygranite, but that doesn't appear to be the case. This Evo is £55K. Erk.

You could have taken it somewhere nice

You'll remember the Evo X 440 sold out very quickly at launch, the 40 units reputedly snapped up within an hour. Some of these will have been purchased by aficionados but of course some will have been allocated to dealers as well. Given this car already has a private registration it would appear to have reached a customer first and then a dealer. All guesses welcomed as to why...

The 440 certainly stands out in Station Garage Mitsubishi's stocklist. Currently the Aberdeen dealer has four cars for sale: an ASX, an Outlander, a 'normal' Evo X and then the 440. Quite the line-up. Even compared to the Evo FQ-330 the new car looks wild; the vortex generator is back, the front end is noticeably more aggressive and this car gets mud flaps too. Because rally car and all that.

There was an FQ-440 at our recent Wilton House Sunday Service and it looked brilliant actually. Lowered and hunkered down over those gorgeous BBS wheels it undoubtedly had presence, even amongst the assembled array of PHer metal. If the owner sees this we'd love to know how you are getting on!

Dual-clutch only remember

The big question with this Evo must surely be how much of that £55K you're likely to see again. Yes, it's a very limited edition and it will likely be the last pre-hybrid Evo but it also arrived when this type of car was arguably at its least popular. When the Evo Tommi Makinen and Impreza 22B were launched the rally reps were seriously desirable, which is now being reflected in their appreciating values. Those wishing to relive the glory days of WRC are having to pay for the privilege. The Evo X was never the most coveted fast Lancer so it will be interesting to see how far the 440 depreciates.

You probably don't need reminding that £55K is BMW M3 money, or that £20K less buys an FQ-400 with fewer than 20,000 miles. This car will always be a tough sell but surely in Scotland is the place for it to be enjoyed? Just don't forget about that data recorder...

MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO X FQ-440 MR
Engine: 1,998cc four-cyl turbo
Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 446@6,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 412@3,100rpm
MPG: Probably very few
CO2: Probably very many
First registered: 2015
Recorded mileage: 15
Price new: £50,000
Yours for: £55,250