Mitsubishi Evolution IX Car Review

Overview

Much like its predecessor, the Mitsubishi Evolution IX is a fantastic, impressive vehicle. Whether it is driving along straight stretches or on curvy roads, the car is equally as accurate. Driving the vehicle is where you start to notice the very distinct difference between the Evo 8 and the Evolution IX. The Evolution IX is a 6 speed manual transmission, while the Evo 8 was a 5-speed.

Details

When first sitting down in the seats, you automatically know you are seated in comfort. Similarly to the Evo 8, this car maintains the level of comfort whether you are driving down a straight stretch or going around numerous turns. Covered in a soft suede and leather upholstery, the car is a dream to sit in. In addition, the seats hold you in place even in the most intense turns, which gives a feeling of ultimate safety.

In yet another similarity to the Evo 8, the Evolution IX is equipped with the same three driving choices: Tarmac, Gravel, and Snow. The Gravel feature is identical to that of the Evo 8, making it a completely safe pleasure to take the vehicle on a gravel road, something that can be a little tedious with other vehicles. If you do happen to get a little out of control, rest assured that the car has systems in place to correct those problems and get you steered back on the right track. The fuel efficiency is not something that is going to be easy to stomach, considering it averages about 15L/100KM. There are definitely other cars in this class that are more fuel effficient than the Evolution IX.

Much like its predecessor, the Mitsubishi Evolution IX is a fantastic, impressive vehicle. In fact, it even looks like the Evo 8. Though it might not be the most attractive cars to some people, it rarely passes by someone who does not turn their head. There just are not that many people who own an authentic Mitsubishi Evolution IX, so when people see one, especially other Mitsubishi owners, they are automatically going to be in awe.

Two of the things that were different about the Evolution IX from the Evo 8 are the use of Diamond Trac and the use of Data Dots. First I will discuss the Diamond Trac program. This is a theft deterrent system that is used in the car that offers a few very valuable options. First and foremost, Diamond Trac, which can be activated by pressing one of three buttons, works like a GPS tracking system, following your car if it is stolen so that the people who stole your vehicle will be caught and your vehicle will ideally be safely returned to you. In addition to this feature, there is also a geolock feature, which is best to use if you are parking your vehicle in one place for an extended period of time. You can put a perimeter setting around your vehicle that will alert you if your car is being moved out of this area and give you the option to find out where your car is, then call the police or the Diamond Trac representatives. Lastly, there are small, code-etched discs that can be brushed or sprayed on to various parts of the vehicle. These are called Datadots, and they can be seen only under UV light with a magnifying glass. Each particular vehicle has its own code, so that if thieves stole the car and chopped it up for parts, the part would be able to be searched for in a database and linked back to the car that the datadot is registered to in one way or another. One of the positive things about DataDots is that they are not easily spotted or removed from vehicles, so they cannot be shaved down or removed like other identification tags. A car can have anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 if of the dots, making it impossible to steal and successfully get away with reusing the parts. It is a surprise that this technique is not used on all cars at the factory-I think that in time this technology will expand to where that is a norm. They are used on more items than we would think-including motorcycles, boats, and trailers.

Driving this car is a sheer pleasure. Whether it is driving along straight stretches or on curvy roads, the car is equally as accurate. In all actuality, the car can take corners at speeds that are very dangerous, and though they are not recommended to drivers, it is a fact that the Evolution IX could hang onto those curves easily. Driving the vehicle is actually where you start to notice the very distinct difference between the Evo 8 and the Evolution IX. With a 2.0 Liter 4 cylinder engine, the Evolution IX is even more powerful than the Evo 8. The engine can be a bit pitchy and does not sound as good as it should, but that is as minimal complaint. Besides, when the turbo is in affect, the sound is much more obvious and powerful. Be sure to note what type of cars you have on the vehicle-Mitsubishi Evos are often best equipped with Bridgestone tires and do not make hardly any road noise while driving. Other tires cannot say the same thing of their road noise capability or their ability to keep close traction with the road.

If the drive is not sporty enough for you, you can get the Performance Pack for an additional cost that will perhaps be more satisfying in that department. The steering wheel is the perfect size for the vehicle and actually maneuvers better than quite a few other vehicles. There is not even much energy involved in using it. Unfortunately that is not the case when having to make a U turn. It can take quite a bit more maneuvering than desired because of the wide turning circle. One of the things that was improved upon from the Evo 8 that I was most happy about is the added gear. The Evolution IX is a 6 speed manual transmission, while the Evo 8 was a 5-speed. As I have stated in a review of the Evo 8 previously, the revs were a little out of control on the Evo 8, and this has been changed by adding the sixth gear. Aside from the added gear, Mitsubishi has stuck to the smooth, fast shifting gears. It can be a little tricky to shift into reverse, but all forward gears are simple to shift into. Like the Evo 8, accelerating from the starting line with the Evolution IX is a breeze, and is a joy to do. It can take some of the best in a race from the line, immediately jumping as soon as the light turns green.

In conclusion, you just need to decide what your real need is for this vehicle. If you are looking for a car that is going to be adequate for many road trips with multiple passengers, you are going to want to look somewhere else because of the bad fuel efficiency and lack of space. However, if you are looking for a car that provides a fun drive with an awesome aesthetically pleasing exterior, and you can afford the $60,000 price tag, then look no further. At least give yourself a chance to take it for a test drive-you won't regret it.