Flash Drive

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

December 29, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a thinly disguised rally car for the street.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a thinly disguised rally car for the street.

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas turbocharged, 291 horsepower, 300 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed twin clutch automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 17/City—22/Highway—19/Combined

Base Price: $38,995

As Tested: $41,805

Performance:

A four-door go-kart

Crazy acceleration

Glues itself to corners

A pocket rocket

Powerful big Brembo brakes

The turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 produces 291 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 produces 291 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.

BBS alloy wheels

Crisp shifting twin clutch automatic transmission

2 transmission modes: normal and sport

Paddle shifters

3 AWD modes: tarmac, snow, and gravel

A mode for all driving conditions

Great exhaust note although a little raucous

Harsh ride over freeway expansion strips

Quick steering, instantly responsive

We got 24 mpg on an all freeway trip

Limited slip differential

Active center differential

Active yaw control

Comfort:

Supportive heated bucket seats

The supportive, heated bucket seats are great for spirited driving on twisty roads.
The supportive, heated bucket seats are great for spirited driving on twisty roads.

Medium thick leather steering wheel

Great auxiliary controls

Stretch-out front legroom

Medium size sunroof

Backseat space is limited unless fronts are moved up

Utility:

Rear seats don’t fold down

One seatback pouch

Medium size glovebox

Medium size front door bins

Small console bin

Trunk is on the small side

Huge stereo speaker takes up a lot of trunk space

Big Brembo disc brakes help slow this pocket rocket.
Big Brembo disc brakes help slow this pocket rocket.

Wow Factors:

An absolute blast to drive

Hard not to smile when driving

Outstanding handling

Sharp styling

Impressive acceleration

Whines:

A little short on noise insulation

Pretty expensive for a pretty basic sedan

Tight backseat

Bottom Line:

2015 is the last year of mighty Mitsubishi Evo, so act quickly if you want a new one. As a practical

The Lancer Evo can be equipped with or without the rear wing.
The Lancer Evo can be equipped with or without the rear wing.

compact sedan the Evo comes up short to similar size cars, but as a go-kart with air conditioning, heated seats, and room for four the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is hard to beat. An incredible fun factor is the best reason to buy a Mitsubishi Evo.