Latest Mitsubishi Lancer Evo released

The 'entry' 5-speed manual Evolution remains, but the TC-SST (Twin Clutch Sports Shift Transmission) automatic, previously available on the entry-level Evo, is now limited to the premium 'MR' version.

Powerplant for both is Mitsubishi's inter-cooled turbo-charged 2.0-litre DOHC MIVEC engine, which produces 217kW of power at 6,500 rpm and 366Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm, unchanged from 2013 spec.

Drive is to all four wheels, with the Active Centre Differential (ACD) determining optimal torque split between the front and rear axles. ACD works in three modes - tarmac, gravel and snow - to enable quicker control response for changes in road surfaces. Mitsubishi's sophisticated full-time Super All-Wheel Control System (S-AWC) is also part of the package, utilising three independent systems working together to give superior road handling.

The Evolution contains all of the Lancer's advanced safety features as standard, including; Mitsubishi's innovative Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body, which provides super strength cabin protection in the event of an accident; as well as Active Stability Control, Active Traction Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Distribution and Mitsubishi's Brake Assist technology; and is fitted with two new-for-2014 ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the rear.

Appearance features common to both Evolution and Evolution MR are an aluminium rear spoiler and side air dams, while each version has slightly different treatments for wheels, bonnet and front guard vents, exhaust tips, mirrors and other exterior features.

Five colours are offered: Starlight; Titanium; Phantom Black; Red; and Lightning Blue, which returns to the Evo colour options list for 2014.

Lancer Evolution
The entry level five-speed manual Evolution comes with S-AWC, Brembo brakes and high performance McPherson strut suspension.

Appearance-wise, the Evolution differs from the base Lancer model by the aforementioned rear spoiler and side air dams, with blackout bonnet and front guard air vents, dual chrome exhaust tips, colour-coded electric door mirrors and door handles, halogen headlamps and 18-inch ENKEI alloy wheels.

Inside, the Evolution features RECARO front seats with partial leather trim, seat heater slide and recline function, as well as a sports type leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and phone controls, leather bound gearshift knob and aluminium pedals.

Power windows, central locking with crash detection, immobiliser, security alarm with DataDot, dusk sensing headlamps, rain sensing wipers, cruise control (with steering wheel controls), power mirrors, and a Smart Key keyless operating system are all standard.

Mitsubishi's LINK system allows hands free Bluetooth with voice activation and audio streaming, iPod and USB connectivity, playable through four speakers and two tweeters. A 6.1-inch colour display touch screen also features a reversing camera interface.

At $3,000RRP over the $56,990 list price, the 'Evolution Performance Pack' adds Brembo front discs, Bilstein shock absorbers, Eibach springs and 18-inch BBS alloys.

Evolution MR
Prime difference between the Evolution and the $65,990 Evolution MR is the TC-SST auto transmission, which operates in three modes: 'Normal' for day-to-day driving; 'Sport' for quicker acceleration and gear changes; and the ultimate 'Super Sports Mode' (S-Sport ).

The MR comes with the Evolution Performance Pack fitted as standard, ie. Brembo front brakes, Bilstein shocks, Eibach springs and 18-inch BBS wheels.
Exterior styling differences include colour-coded air vents, chrome belt line moulding, chrome grille surround and HID headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System, headlamp washers and auto levelling.

Inside, the MR adds leather seat facings on the RECARO front seats and chrome sill scuff plates, a larger 7-inch screen for the Mitsubishi Multi Communications System (with satellite navigation 3D mapping and rear view camera interface), plus a top-of-the-range Rockford Fosgate Premium Audio System with four speakers, four tweeters and a subwoofer.

The 2014 Lancer Evolution is available now at specialised Mitsubishi dealers nationally.

Pricing is as follows:
MODEL RRP
Lancer Evolution 5MT $56,990*
Lancer Evolution MR TC-SST $65,990*
*RRP excludes all on-road, dealer and delivery costs

Mitsubishi offers a five year / 130,000 km new vehicle warranty, five year Roadside Assist and Capped Price Servicing for the first four years or 60,000 km of ownership on all new vehicles.*1

*1: 1 year roadside assist (service condition apply). For purchases of new Mitsubishi vehicles after 1st October 2012, initial 12 month roadside assist will be extended for a period of 12 months from the date of the most recent eligible CPS for that vehicle performed at an authorised Mitsubishi dealer. Roadside assist, if extended in accordance with these items, is available for a maximum of up to 5 years.