RE: The end of the Mitsubishi Evo
Discussion
When I tested a IX FQ360 MR, my expectations were mixed. I expected a suicidal death rocket with evil turbo lag, crazy handling and a pretty chavvy image.
Then I saw it - I never liked the early one but post VI, they "grew up" and got a lot more likeable in my eyes. This looked great in dark metallic grey with a few subtle carbon bits and sensible sized but very nice alloys.
I fired it up with more than a little apprehension - 366bhp in a small saloon weighing a modest amount simply sounded bonkers. It started fine, settled into a fairly smooth idle, went into gear fine and had a perfectly useable clutch.
Driving it soon showed the true colours of the car - everything happens MUCH faster than almost anything with no penalty in drivability. There's a bit of lag but it's not an issue and it simply goes like the clappers. I tested it on fast A roads, tight Bs and even a near farm track and was astonished by the grip - it feels like the rear wheels steer too (that'll be the AYC) and "help" you deploy all the power out of almost any bend. I've not experienced anything like it since - the next fastest car (with a higher top speed - an F355) made a lot of fuss but was slower in 95% of situations. The Evo just went where you wanted, struck a great balance of involvement yet approachability and is a true weapon.
The arrival of two kids and a dog meant a saloon is a no no but I am still planning on getting one at some stage. If that's "Playstation driving" then I'm in.
Then I saw it - I never liked the early one but post VI, they "grew up" and got a lot more likeable in my eyes. This looked great in dark metallic grey with a few subtle carbon bits and sensible sized but very nice alloys.
I fired it up with more than a little apprehension - 366bhp in a small saloon weighing a modest amount simply sounded bonkers. It started fine, settled into a fairly smooth idle, went into gear fine and had a perfectly useable clutch.
Driving it soon showed the true colours of the car - everything happens MUCH faster than almost anything with no penalty in drivability. There's a bit of lag but it's not an issue and it simply goes like the clappers. I tested it on fast A roads, tight Bs and even a near farm track and was astonished by the grip - it feels like the rear wheels steer too (that'll be the AYC) and "help" you deploy all the power out of almost any bend. I've not experienced anything like it since - the next fastest car (with a higher top speed - an F355) made a lot of fuss but was slower in 95% of situations. The Evo just went where you wanted, struck a great balance of involvement yet approachability and is a true weapon.
The arrival of two kids and a dog meant a saloon is a no no but I am still planning on getting one at some stage. If that's "Playstation driving" then I'm in.
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