The 260’s acceleration figures were disappointing, hitting 60mph 0.7sec behind the Impreza STi in 6.0sec, and lagging 1.5sec behind by 100mph, which is passed in 14.8sec. Blame the Euro Evo’s rev limiter, which allows no more than 5000rpm with the clutch disengaged, meaning that the usual max revs/sidestepped clutch take-off results in instant bogging down on a dry surface. Power takes a noticeable dive after its peak at 6500rpm, but the payoff is real flexibility – 60-80mph in top takes just 5.9sec compared to 8.7sec in the Subaru.
The Brembo brakes with anti-lock and electronic brakeforce distribution are carried over from the 276bhp Evo VIII, though they put in an improved performance from 70mph by hauling the car up 5.4m earlier in 46.3m. All this despite the 260’s extra 60kg.
The Evo VIII’s superb All-Wheel Control system – complete with Active Centre Differential and Active Yaw Control – also appears with the usual tarmac, gravel and snow settings (dry/wet/icy) to distribute the car’s torque between the front and rear and left and right wheels depending on the conditions.
Enkei 17in alloy wheels are unchanged, but for European cars they wear 235/45 Bridgestone Potenza RE050s in place of the old base model’s Yokohama Advans. There’s less outright grip, but still enough to make it near-unshakeable in the dry, and there’s a useful narrowing of the gap between wet and dry adhesion. Try too hard on the track and it will understeer, but on the road the Evo retains the same stunning balance and neutral attitude of its brethren, quickly yet controllably moving into a slide with a lift of the throttle. At just 2.1 turns lock to lock, the steering is as alert as ever and remains the overriding memory of the Evo experience.
