While it has always been the number-one choice for the uncompromising driver, it’s that unswerving focus that has stood between Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evo and mass-market appeal. Put simply, the more usable Subaru Impreza STi has always made more sense as a daily drive/weekend plaything. Mitsubishi’s solution is the Evo VIII 260, the first fully European-homologated Evo and the first to compete directly with the Impreza on price.
The spec sheet is familiar territory: turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder dohc engine driving all four wheels, MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension and ventilated disc brakes all-round. The differences are mainly cost-cutting: there’s 261bhp instead of the old base model’s 276bhp, the gearbox has five speeds instead of six and the puny new spoiler and larger seats are an attempt to inject a touch of subtlety and – whisper it – civility. And Mitsubishi UK reckons it will shift 800 260s in 2004, boosting annual Evo sales in the UK to around 1800, aided by the arrival of the official import MR (Mitsubishi Racing) range and the Evo’s return to the WRC this year.
Making a welcome return in the 260 is the Evo VII’s five-speed gearbox in place of the six-speed unit in costlier VIIIs. Ratios one and two are identical – which means second gear will take you past 60mph – while the remaining three gears are stretched to allow relaxed high-speed cruising: 70mph reads a shade under 3000rpm in fifth, and 3750rpm gives 90mph. The new, smaller-bore exhaust also brings a significant reduction in cabin noise. The shift itself is a joy, with a precise, mechanical feel and super-quick action. On the minus side, there is gear whine when pulling away, the throw is unusually long and you can forget dropping to first while the car is moving if you want to avoid a nasty crunch.
