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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Review

Freeway Warrior

A three-quarter front view of a white 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR

In short: A swift, athletically designed and feature-packed sedan.

Sedans aren’t often noted for their aggressive qualities, something this particular model has in abundance. Etched with sporty lines and boasting a rear spoiler, the five-passenger Mitsubishi Lancer MR looks more than prepared to take on urban thoroughfares. This speed-happy car is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds thanks to a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The MR’s unique six-speed manual Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (which comes with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters) offers swift, efficient gearshifts in three modes of driving.

Also included is a Super-All Wheel Control system, a smart all-wheel drive that helps give the asphalt a sticky feeling. Unsurprisingly, given its racecar aspirations, the Evo features a mediocre fuel economy and an equally so-so price. However, inside the somewhat spartan interior, the MR showcases a range of premium features such as a Bluetooth cell phone interface system with a voice recognition microphone, and steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls. Our tester came with special options, which included a 30-gigabyte HDD navigation and music server, Sirius satellite radio, and a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Punch Premium sound system with nine-speakers and a ten-inch subwoofer.

Read a review of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX

Warranty/Service: Three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty; five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty; seven-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion warranty; five-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance.

QUICK SHEET

Base Price: $38,290 / As Tested: $41,515

Technical Specifications

Vehicle type: front-engine, all-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

Engine: 2.0-liter, 16-valve DOHC inline 4-cylinder MIVEC turbo
Horsepower: 291 bhp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed twin-clutch Sportronic shift with paddle shifters

Curb weight: 3,608 lbs
Wheelbase: 104.3 in
Length/Width/Height: 177/71.3/58.3 in
Turning circle: 38.7 ft

Brakes: all-wheel ventilated disc with ABS and EBD
Suspension: MacPherson-type strut in front; multi-link in rear; stabilizer bars, control arms, Eibach springs and Bilstein shock absorbers in front and rear
Traction: n/a

0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds
Top Speed: n/a
60-0 mph: 104 ft

EPA City: 17 mpg
EPA Highway: 22 mpg

Smog Index: .49

Safety: dual-stage front airbags with occupant seat position sensors; front seat-mounted side airbags; side-impact curtain airbags in front and rear; driver’s side knee airbag; tire pressure monitoring system; daytime running lights; front pedestrian impact crumple zones

Likes: fun to drive; handling; sportiness
Dislikes: price; barren interior; insurance cost?

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Photography: AlphaMedia

PSV012009

(Updated 1/30/09 SCV)

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