Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX wagon: PH Carpool

What do you do when you need estate practicality but want a super sharp drive? Evo estate!

Name: David Harrison
Car: Mitsubishi Evolution IX Wagon
Owned since: 2016
Previously owned: Mercedes 190E 2.5-16, Ford Racing Puma, Subaru Impreza WRX, BMW 335d Touring and MG ZS 180 are the interesting ones.

It's an Evo, just not how you know it

Why I bought it:
"I had been driving the 335d for a while and even though it had a Quaife limited-slip diff and a remap, I just didn't like it. The gearbox was slow, the steering was indirect; what I needed was Touring practicality in something a bit sharper. I came across the Evo wagon on a blog and thought it would be a reasonable investment and a whole lot of fun. A few phone calls to Tom at AT Performance and a deal was done."

What I wish I'd known:
"The service intervals are chronic at 4,500 miles or six months. I do around 20K a year so we're talking a lot of servicing here! I've had to replace it for daily running as the costs were just too much, so the Evo is now in limited use."

Blue wrap in case it was too subtle...

Thing I love:
"The power delivery! It is rabid on boost. I've driven cars of similar outright speed, but the way this thing goes when you hit the turbo is just mad! I can't imagine what this would be like at the 600bhp that some people run in these. 380hp is more than enough for me.

"The handling is so direct, and it grips like a limpet. It is so exploitable with the RS diff too, oversteer easily available on roundabouts and greasy roads. The Ohlins coilovers must help here too, as they're a great compromise of comfort and attack. I had to raise the whole setup by 10mm for regular road use, but this was an easy job..

"The driving position, seats and practicality are ideal for me; I can get the skis and the kids in the back but enjoy the journey too (as long as Mrs H isn't there...).

"I love the rarity too - you never really see another one, and the wrap makes it even more so!"

Servicing every 4,500 miles is costly!

Things I hate:
"The aforementioned servicing costs and turning up at clients' houses in it. The car doesn't fit our business image. For these reasons, it is now up for sale - boo hoo!"

Costs:
"Servicing! Super unleaded. But nothing scary has happened."

Where I've been:
"I've had a few trips up the A93 from Blairgowrie across Glenshee through Braemar and onwards all the way to Banchory and beyond. Beautiful roads and some great scenery."

What next?
"I've got a car to run just now, so I think I will wait for the right time to get a weekend car. Preferably British and definitely manual; Lotus maybe? Or a TVR? Let's see!"