2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution / Ralliart Review

November 25, 2008

STYLING | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Retains its 'bad-boy racer' spirit
Road & Track

The interior no longer reeks of Play-skool technology
Automobile

The proper interior 'go-fast' pieces are mostly present
ConsumerGuide

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com generally praise the Lancer Evolution's exterior styling, but some minor gripes arise with the interior.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X features all-new styling that is slightly more mature than previous models, but it still gives the impression of a seriously capable performance car. The Evolution is an entirely different car than the plebeian Mitsubishi Lancer on which it's based, with an enhanced body structure and many of the steel body panels replaced with lightweight aluminum ones.

Working from the outside on in, ConsumerGuide comments that the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X "is aimed at a broader, more upscale audience," which explains why Mitsubishi did away with the old Lancer Evolution's enormous rear wing and semi-circular hood scoop. ConsumerGuide also appreciates the inclusion of "the proper interior 'go-fast' pieces," including "leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob." The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X does come with a more subdued spoiler on the back, and Road & Track approves of the "vents on the hood suggesting something wonderfully wicked resides underneath." The car's front end also draws comparisons to a shark's mouth from several reviewers.

After admiring the well-modeled and aggressive exterior styling on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, drivers might be slightly disappointed by the interior styling. While there are no glaring deficiencies inside, ConsumerGuide laments the "unconvincing 'aluminum' finish" and lack of "anything dressy or upscale about the interior." Automobile says, "The interior no longer reeks of Play-skool technology," though.

TheCarConnection.com has had extensive driving time in the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, and appreciates the styling of its sheetmetal far more than its cabin. The body quite clearly looks like a hopped-up sedan—but the dash and interior panels still appear as if nothing dramatic has happened, save for a large spot in the center of the dash reserved for the optional navigation system.

Conclusion

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X gives the right sporting impression outside, but less so inside.

STYLING | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Retains its 'bad-boy racer' spiritRoad & TrackThe interior no longer reeks of Play-skool technologyAutomobileThe proper interior 'go-fast' pieces are mostly presentConsumerGuide Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com generally praise the Lancer Evolution's exterior styling, but some minor gripes arise with the interior. The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X features all-new styling that is slightly more mature than previous models, but it still gives the impression of a seriously capable performance car. The Evolution is an entirely different car than the plebeian Mitsubishi Lancer on which it's based, with an enhanced body structure and many of the steel body panels replaced with lightweight aluminum ones. Working from the outside on in, ConsumerGuide comments that the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X "is aimed at a broader, more upscale audience," which explains why Mitsubishi did away with the old Lancer Evolution's enormous rear wing and semi-circular hood scoop. ConsumerGuide also appreciates the inclusion of "the proper interior 'go-fast' pieces," including "leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob." The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X does come with a more subdued spoiler on the back, and Road & Track approves of the "vents on the hood suggesting something wonderfully wicked resides underneath." The car's front end also draws comparisons to a shark's mouth from several reviewers. After admiring the well-modeled and aggressive exterior styling on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, drivers might be slightly disappointed by the interior styling. While there are no glaring deficiencies inside, ConsumerGuide laments the "unconvincing 'aluminum' finish" and lack of "anything dressy or upscale about the interior." Automobile says, "The interior no longer reeks of Play-skool technology," though. TheCarConnection.com has had extensive driving time in the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, and appreciates the styling of its sheetmetal far more than its cabin. The body quite clearly looks like a hopped-up sedan—but the dash and interior panels still appear as if nothing dramatic has happened, save for a large spot in the center of the dash reserved for the optional navigation system. ConclusionThe 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X gives the right sporting impression outside, but less so inside.  2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION X STYLING | [9 out of 10] Road & Track: "Retains its 'bad-boy racer' spirit" Automobile: "The interior no longer reeks of Play-skool technology" ConsumerGuide: "The proper interior 'go-fast' pieces are mostly present" Reviews read by ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Dodge Caliber SRT4 is much cheaper than the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or any of its competitors, but the SRT4 only has front-wheel drive, and its drivability is notably inferior. At the opposite end of the scale, the BMW 135i is a coupe and has a more mature presence and driving experience than the others. The primary competitor to the Evo is really the Subaru WRX STi; and for those who play by the numbers, the STi might be a little bit faster. The new STi is more refined and comfortable inside than the Evolution, and the Subaru's interior materials feel of a higher quality. The Evo has one up on the WRX STi, though: an available automated manual transmission, which can take a lot of the pain out of creeping along in traffic. But the Impreza, on which the STi is based, might have an edge in safety--it's been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2008.

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See the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution / Ralliart in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

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