Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR SST FQ-330
by Tim Barnes-Clay, the man behind the wheel.
Date: 16 July 2010
THE MITSUBISHI Evo is a legendary beast and attracts looks and shouts of admiration from petrolheads wherever you go.
That comes as no surprise because the Evolution X is about as understated as a pig in a wig.
It is low, wide and oozes aggression. The black muzzle with yawning radiator grill shouts ‘power’ and the massive tailpipes and vents on the bonnet more than hint at the levels of pure performance lurking beneath.
The Evolution FQ-330 SST produces a whopping 324 bhp from a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine mated to a four wheel drive system. The engine's power is distributed to the wheels that can use the clout the most and the brakes are sensational. All this gives you a sense of unbelievable reassurance when pushing the car to its limits.
The FQ-330 drives just like all its other Evo X kith and kin, which is to say it's eye-wateringly fast. Ok, the interior plastics are a bit cheap looking, but the Recaro bucket seats are just brilliant.
Addictive
It really is an addictive car to be in and the performance never gets boring, though you'll soon realise there is a cost to the addiction – and that’s the fuel economy. Let’s just say it is best to know where the petrol stations are in advance if you’re planning a fun long burn off the beaten track.
What's new though is the SST (Sports Shift Transmission) dual-clutch transmission, which makes accessing the FQ-330's velocity even easier.
Push the pedal to the metal and flick through the gear paddles on the steering wheel (or leave it in pure auto mode), and it'll accelerate to 62mph in 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 155mph.
It could go faster but Mitsubishi have stuck an electronic speed limiter on the car.
While I usually prefer manual transmissions in sports cars, the SST system really suits the Evo's insane character, moving through the gears as easily and quickly as the greedy engine will allow.
Possibly the most refined engine output and transmission combination in the Evo X range, the FQ-330 SST has been worth the wait. Sparkling performance matched with fingertip control could mean it's the most rounded Evo X you can buy. But I won’t know for sure until I road test the 360 and the mighty new 400. Watch this space!
PROS ‘N’ CONS
PROS
- Power
- Image
- Unbelievable grip
- Fun
CONS
- Interior plastics
- Poor fuel consumption
FAST FACTS
- Max speed: 155 mph
- 0-62 mph 4.4 secs
- Combined mpg: 25.4
- Engine layout: 4, 16v, 1998cc
- Power: 324 bhp
- Torque: 322 Ib/ft @ 3500rpm
- CO2: 256 g/km
- Price: £36,799 (On the road)
