Mitsubishi has just announced prices for the tenth evolution of its Lancer, and it will cost considerably more than its rival from Subaru. The cheapest Evo X will be £27,499, £2504 more than the Subaru Impreza WRX STi.
But if you’re not in the market for the all-out, all-paw Lancer then fear not, because the base 1.5-litre front-wheel drive model will cost only £12,499, just £4 more than the equivalent Scooby. A five-door Sportback model will follow, going on sale on 1 September 2008.
And what if I want something to fill the gap between the shopping trolley and supercar-slaying models?
There’s now a mid-range Evo to answer your prayers, and to take on the WRX Impreza. Called the Lancer Ralliart, it comes with a 237bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, four-wheel drive and a twin-clutch transmission. No word on prices yet, but expect it to cost at least £22,000, over two grand more than the manual Subaru.
But what about the full-on Evo X?
Oh yes, that little chestnut. There are three trim levels; GS, GSR, and GSR SST. GS only gets you a five-speed manual, whereas GSR means six forward gears, while the aptly named GSR SST gives you the twin-clutch Sport Shift Transmission. The Evo X makes 290bhp from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, although it’s called the FQ-300.
Any other FQ models?
Available from launch will be both FQ-330 and –360 models with HKS power upgrades. The FQ-330 gets an ECU re-map amongst other tweaks, while the FQ-360 gets even more go-faster goodies, including a Sonic hedgehog-esque vortex generator on the roof.
Power outputs and performance figures will be available shortly, but prices have been announced. The 330 model will start at £30,499 in GS-spec, while the 360 will be £35,499. GSR-spec will set you back a further £2k, and the twin-clutch transmission is currently not available on the FQ models.