we tried the Bilstein-equipped black Evo X (Premium Package with BBS rims, Bilstein suspension, Brembo 2pc brakes) a little while back and the ride was surprisingly pliant for something that has its roots in hardcore performance motorsports. this red car sits on stock suspension and the ride is pliant for the most part, but there's just a hint of crashiness over poor road surfaces.
the galant-esque looks still continue to polarise opinion. it certainly is aggressive looking and it bristles with all manner of bulges and protrusions. the ubiquitous vents and naca ducts on the bonnet are still there, while the gaping maw of the bumper reveals a shiny intercooler within. however, is it everything a lancer evolution should be? there's an TC-SST (automated twin-clutch manual like VW's DSG system) version and the cars are even equipped with traction control!
unlike earlier incarnations of the evo, the X feels as big to drive as it looks on the outside, but that doesnt mean it's not as nimble as before. steering is sharp but that electronic throttle is a pain.
the limits are so high they're unlikely to ever be breached on normal roads; that could go some way towards explaining why the car never feels terribly stressed even when you're pushing as hard as you dare on normal roads.
the TMNT-look (teenage mutant ninja turtles) recaro bucket seats grip snugly but the driving position isn't as ideal as i'd hoped (yes, yes im short and oddly shaped!).
the S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) toggle is positioned on the steering wheel, but the RS spec of the X omits this for those who prefer a purer drive. there's lots of room in the back for rear occupants and the boot is generous enough for the average nuclear family (husband, wife, 1 kid, 1 maid); the X stays true to the 4-dr sedan roots of the Lancer Evolution, unlike the upcoming Subaru Impreza WRX STI, which is taking on the shape of a hatch-back.
the X marks the debut of the 4B11 mivec turbo engine in place of the venerable 4g63. there's quite a fair bit of turbo lag from the 2L engine. the turbo hits full boost around 4000rpm with rev-cut just shy of the 8000rpm mark.
this aint no JDM car that's limited to 180km/h either lol!
the gear-shifts from the 5-speeder are firm, precise and satisfyingly notchy, although slightly closer ratios would have been nice. The brake pedal is feel-some and easy to modulate; word on the street is the SST (clutchless manual/auto) has been delayed due to reliability issues, but we expect that variant to be the hot-seller among convenience-minded singaporeans. after all, we all want our cake and be able to eat it too! :)
brembo brakes offer stupendous stopping power even from the crazy speeds the evo X is capable of hitting. the car is fast and effortless to drive hard, but lacks a certain rawness that many have come to associate with the Lancer Evolution model.
*yep, we're back to the familiar blurry pictures thanks to a SE W910i and an original Motorola V3 (eeks)
Fast Facts: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
Engine: 1998cc, in-line 4 cylinders, turbocharged, MIVEC
Maximum power: 280bhp at 6500rpm
Maximum torque: 422Nm at 3500rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
0-100km/h: < 6 seconds
Top speed: n/a
LxBxH: 4495x1810x1480 mm
Wheelbase: 2650mm
Kerbweight: 1520kg
Price: $136,988 (with COE)
Agent: Cycle & Carriage (Mitsubishi)
wahhh so good, u get the car to drive and i dun have.
ReplyDeletepiping hot shabu shabu in the dead of winter would be perfect though! - yeah the last one we had was really sooo good !!!
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