2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Review

MPG-o-Matic 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Review Summary: With a starting price of $37,895, the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR packs a remarkable amount of punch for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) dollar, with the legendary Subaru WRX STi the only real competition in its price range ($34,295 with a six-speed manual, automatic not available). If you want to take it up a few notches and have more money to plunk down ($49,000 with the seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic and quattro AWD), the 333 horsepower supercharged Audi S4 is a far more luxurious option than the EVO MR, but it’s no faster in the 0-60 mile per hour (MPH) sprint.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR (EVO) is equipped with a turbocharged Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 291 horsepower and 300 foot pounds of torque. The EVO MR is exclusively fitted with a six-speed TC-SST dual-clutch automatic, while the EVO GSR is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission.

The official fuel economy estimates for the 2013 EVO MR are 17 city / 22 highway miles per gallon (MPG). The EVO GSR is rated at a slightly higher 17 / 23.

We covered roughly 300 miles in our Cosmic Blue review unit and eclipsed the official mileage estimates, with an average of 25.8 MPG on the Interstate highway and 19.3 MPG combined with temperatures in the fifties through the seventies. The trick, as always, is keeping your foot out of it.

Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the high-fifties.

Our test vehicle was equipped with 18 x 8.5 inch BBS forged aluminum alloy wheels, clad with Yokohama ADVAN 245/40R18 high-grip performance tires, and was delivered with slightly over 1200 miles on the odometer. The 2013 Lancer Evolution is equipped with an 14.5 gallon fuel tank and is designed to run on 93 octane premium unleaded gasoline. Highway driving range is acceptable.

The EVO MR is fitted with a Brembo braking system that uses 13.8-inch two-piece ventilated discs on the front (4-piston caliper), with 13-inch ventilated discs on the rear (2-piston caliper). The Evolution MR tips the scales at 3,572 pounds (curb weight), while the GSR slips in at 3,516 pounds.

Of course, the EVO is all about the MPH, not the MPGs. The MR’s launch control system allowed us to nail a 4.7 second 0-60 MPH time.

While the base Lancer – starting at roughly $16,000 – might not impress your buddies at the 7-11, the top-of-the-line EVO MR mates a slew of top-shelf aftermarket goodies – Brembo brakes, BBS alloy wheels, Eibach Springs, and Bilstein shocks with Mitsubishi’s proven drivetrain technology.

Bottom line: it’s fast, precise, and remarkably fun to drive.

Mitsubishi’s Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) and steering-wheel-mounted magnesium paddle shifters help you keep the tires on the road and your hands on the wheel, while banging out lighting fast shifts. The ride is firm, but not punishing.

Gorgeous Recaro front buckets keep you glued in your seat, but are tight. You’ll definitely want to try this one on for size before signing on the dotted line. The front buckets have two-level heating and leather upholstery is optional.

There’s just one 12-volt outlet, located at the base of the dash. The USB input is located inside the glove compartment.

The optional nine-speaker 710-watt Rockford Fosgate Punch audio system includes a 10-inch subwoofer, and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. The optional navigation system’s LCD has features that include fuel economy and altitude tracking.

The four-door Lancer is more kindly to rear seat passengers than the typical sport coupe, with the second row seat providing 36.9 inches of headroom and 33.3 inches of legroom. The trunk provides just 6.9 cubic feet of storage. The rear seat does not fold down, largely due to the trunk-mounted battery and windshield washer fluid reservoir.

All-in-all, the 2013 Lancer Evolution MR lives up to its billing. This is a race car on street tires. If you love to attack twisty roads with mixed surface conditions and you’re more keen on pure performance than luxury, the EVO is the E-Ticket. Just make sure your derriere fits between the bolsters.

Warranty
Power train Limited Warranty – 5 year/60,000-mile
New Vehicle Basic Limited Warranty – 3 year/36,000-mile
Anti-Corrosion/Perforation Limited Warranty- 7 year/100,000-mile
Roadside Assistance – 5 year/unlimited miles

– by Daniel Gray

October 26th, 2012