Mitsubishi Evo returns to UK

A limited run of 40 new Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Xs will go on sale later this year, celebrating the company's 40th anniversary.

Although specifics have yet to be revealed, Mitsubishi UK boss Lance Bradley said the cars would be specced to meet the Evo’s iconic status:  “We have negotiated hard to get the price right, but also ensured the cars have the right standard equipment to deliver the performance we want,” he said.

“The Evo has played such a role in our company’s history, and helped carve such an iconic image, that we were always aware that we would only bring the car back on sale if it was absolutely the right thing to do.”

Bradley's comments have raised speculation that the special edition cars will be tweaked to deliver the most power from an Evo ever. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X FQ-400 delivered 405bhp. Bradley declined to comment.

Since it was last on sale in the UK the Evo X has undergone minor styling tweaks. The new cars are also expected to carry minor detailing in homage to the 40th anniversary.

The Evo has not been sold in the UK since 2011, after unfavourable exchange rates made it uneconomic to import. However, improved exchange rates and backing from Mitsubishi has helped secure the car’s return.

The Evo’s reappearance will also add impetus to Mitsubishi’s current sales push in the UK. It grew sales by almost 40 per cent year-on-year in 2013, and has targetted similar levels of growth in 2014.

“We are a niche player, but we believe the new products we have coming, combined with the new products we introduced last year, give us significant opportunities,” said Bradley. “The dealers are profitable again, and they know the opportunties are there for us with exciting new products like the Outlander PHEV.”