Mitsubishi’s rapid Evo X is prying customers away from premium German and Japanese marques according to an in-house survey. Since its launch in March this year, Mitsubishi dealers have been keeping a close eye on the buying trends of the Evo X, especially part exchanges.The results showed nearly 40% of buyers were part exchanging German brands for the SST Evo, while 31% were from Japanese competitors. The automaker has claimed that even supercars have been traded in exchange for the new Evo, with one customer even swapping a Ferrari F430 – plus £90k – for the FQ-300 SST.Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi UK’s Sales and Marketing Director asserted that, “this shows that the new Evolution X is certainly attracting people out of German cars, especially into the SST, and that the manual gearbox car is not only attracting traditional Evo customers, but also customers of other Japanese marques.”
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Re: Mitsubishi steals German buyers
Finally people are getting with the program. People want usable, very high quality cars that drive great--- but, and this is key, are NOT status symbols. BMW's, MB's and VW/A/Porsche's are way too same. And moreover they are mostly too big and heavy or in the case of Porsche just not practical. If a Evo or Sti can match a Porsche on real roads plus can seat 4 comfortably with luggage then it becomes an easier and easier choice.
Sure the Japanese have not solved the fun to drive and feel aspects but maybe that will be there next "innovation" for 2014. Until then, maybe I could get a Cayman S and rebody it with an Sti shell and move the engine to the front.
Re: Mitsubishi steals German buyers
I think the Evo doesn't get the DSG option due to Mitsubishi not having developed a box that could handle the torque. Their manual box has no such issues. I recall AMG having to do serious development work on their autos to handle the torque, then again they were talking about monster figures.
Re: Mitsubishi steals German buyers
Not sure if I agree with you on this one, I'd take a DSG equiped GTI over a manual any day, being that it is quicker, smoother and more fun to drive, the manual box has passed it's sell by date, that's why F1 cars have semi automatic boxes. One suspects the Evo is lumbered with a manual box because Mitsubishi haven't yet mastered modern technology.