Mitsubishi EVO 9 Review Australia | Features, Specification, Price

• Car Reviews,
• Sep 10, 2020

There are things in life that you like to experience again and again. Take chocolate as an example. Would you be content with just a small square? Or you would need a full bar at least to fulfill that craving. The same can be said of some of the most beautiful places you visit. You do not feel like leaving the moment you arrive.

 

This paradigm applies to cars as well. There are some cars that you get addicted to. You just want to drive them again and again or end up owning one. The combination of extreme performance, breathtaking control, and excellent grip make some cars difficult to let go. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 is one such example.

 

Before you dismiss the Mitsubishi Evo 9 for being a derivative of the simple Lancer, we suggest that you keep in mind that the Mustang and the Torana GTR are also sports cars derived from everyday models. Read on the Mitsubishi Evo 9 review and details of its specifications and features.

 

The Evolution of the Mitsubishi Evo:

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or simply called the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo started production in 1992. It was designed as a sports sedan by the Japanese car manufacturers Mitsubishi Motors. To date, a total of ten versions have been rolled out, and each model has been designated a roman numeral starting from I to X. All the versions use a similar 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine and an all-wheel-drive layout.

 

The initial production of the Evolution was only meant for the local Japanese market. However, demand for the car grew through the grey import market worldwide. It was not until the Evo reached the eight generations when Mitsubishi decided to formally export the car to the global market. Starting from the USA.

 

The last generation of the Mitsubishi Evo called the Evo X was revealed in 2007. It was launched globally a year later with a positive reception. The Evo X stayed in production for almost 10 years and finally ceased in 2016.

 

Mitsubishi Evo 9:

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 was launched in 2005 in Japan, revealed at the Geneva Motor Show. It was marketed to the European market the same day. It was later exhibited to the North American market at the New York International Auto show. That was also the time when the car found its way into the Australian market. The engine was the same 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder one. It had a revised turbocharger design with increased power output and torque.

 

Trims:

Following are the trim levels which were available for the Mitsubishi Evo 9:

✓ GSR – The standard model, called the Grand Sport Rally

✓ RS – Rally Sport

✓ SE – Special Edition

✓ MR – Mitsubishi Racing

 

All the trim levels vary slightly in their performance. There are differences in their top speeds, acceleration, and handling. The MR and SE have the most features, while the same features are excluded in the GSR and RS trims. Unfortunately, a Mitsubishi Evo wagon never made it to the Australian market.

 

Engine:

The Japanese version for the Mitsubishi Evo 9 was powered by a 2.0-liter MIVEC turbocharged VVT engine. It complied with Japan’s maximum allowed power limit of 209 kW and 355 Nm torque. However, in the rest of the markets, you will see some variations where the limit does not apply. Such as the Evo 9 FQ 320 and the FQ 340 capable of doing 0-100 in 4.3 seconds. Yes, you heard right! That is faster than a BMW M3 and the Porsche 911.

 

In Australia, the version which was available was the Evo 9 FQ 280 which reached the 0 to 100 mark in 5.7 seconds. Mitsubishi Evo 9 performance parts are readily available throughout the country, in case you are looking to customize.

 

Features:

Starting with the top of the line Evo 9, it came with a six-speed manual transmission and BBS forged wheels. It also came equipped with HID xenon headlights, fog lights, and an aluminum roof. All the variants came equipped with Recaro sports seats, Momo steering wheel, and Brembo brakes, completing the sports feel.

 

Exterior:

With an aluminum roof, 200 extra welds on the shell, and reinforced suspension mounts, Mitsubishi did not leave any left unturned. The bonnet, front guards, and side-impact bars were also made in aluminum. That made the overall car stronger while making the car lighter. This meant a lower center of gravity.

 

Interior:

Yet, the genuine excellence is that it loses none of common sense. The boot is as yet tremendous, the back seat will really house people, and the front seats are simply rapture. Furthermore, the visibility is excellent. 

 

Price:

The Mitsubishi Evo 9, when initially revealed, was priced at $56,500. Today, you can get one for somewhere in the mid $40,000s. Now, that may sound like a lot of money for a Mitsubishi sedan. But once you get an idea of the car and the benefits it offers; the price seems fair.

 

Final Verdict:

The chassis electronics for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo may sound complicated. But the overall system is easy to use, making the car a good buy. It makes for a faithful companion and would not let you down no matter the circumstances.

 

When buying an Evo 9, make sure that you check for crash damage, especially under the bonnet. You should also check the plastic parts to make sure there are no cracks and the paint is evenly colored.

 

Check for holes under the carpet where a roll-cage may have been installed. Or drillings for drain plugs under the engine. The engine is pretty robust, but you need to check the clutch as that is the point where things can go wrong. All in all, this is a modern classic and a very sought-after car. Try to get your hands on an unmodified and genuine car and you might have the deal of a lifetime.

 

But, buying a car is a big decision that could be perplexing. So, why not clear all the doubts beforehand? Now, you can satisfy yourself by getting all the desired history of the vehicle within a few minutes. Enter the details on our online portal and get all the information. Click here!