The commonly nicknamed Evo was born in 1992 initially to allow Mitsubishi entry into the World Rally Championship’s Group A class and the SCCA Pro rally Championship. The first Evo’s were only sold on Japanese soil initially and were modeled on the popular Lancer saloon.

The car soon developed a cult following and started to enter the european market as a sought after grey-market import. The keen interest soon triggered official imports to the UK in 1998.

The very first model had a 5 speed gearbox and a powerful 2.0 litre engine, brought together with a four wheel drive system, this car could bump out 244bhp which was pretty meaty stuff for a saloon. This was the president which was set for future standards for the Evo, and Mitsubishi didn’t come off the gas at any point giving us many different and powerful versions of a classic motor car.

The Evo was built alongside the more family orientated Lancer Saloon, like a hot headed big brother, and though the evo got heavier, the power and the handling got better and better until Mitsubishi had literally evolved a cult classic. The Evolution developed respect amongst speed freaks and rally drivers alike and although the car wasn’t a real eye opener to look at, under the bonnet punch was key to a long and successful life.

The Evolution IX was launched in 2006 and was the last box edged Evo off the production line before the newer model was introduced. The Evolution IX had many new improvements over the original with a new lightweight aluminum roof and a carbon fibre rear wing which was larger for better weight distribution and corner handling. The engine was still a 2.0 litre turbo with variable valve control, and really kicked in with 345 bhp controlled by a 6 speed sports box.

This car could shake out top speeds close to 148mph and power from 0-60 in just over 4.2 seconds, which is pushes you firmly into the back of your seat and dries out the inside of your mouth pretty fast, so yes, the Evolution was quick but it was popular for more than just sheer power. The Evo was was very smooth to handle so rally drivers loved it dearly, put bluntly, the Evo was probably one of the best handling sports saloons ever made.

On a point to point race, tackling winding roads and tracks there are very few cars in the same class which could compete with the Evo, largely due to the four wheel drive and low centre of gravity. Bilstien dampers and Super active Yaw control gave the car handling which was second to none, so if you manage to get hold of an Evo, go steady. These cars can move.

A strong indication of what the all new Evolution X may look like was unveiled when they showed the Concept X showcar in 2005. Gone were the square lines replaced by cool modern styling and a smoother more aerodynamic bodystyle. Although the car’s looks have been updated this car is still in tradition with the Evolution of old, she just had a nip and tuck to remain pretty.