Car news! Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Sedan

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Sedan

Full 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Review

What's New for 2014

The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution gets a new touchscreen audio interface and satellite radio as standard, along with a revamped optional navigation system.

Introduction

The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is one of those rare cars aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts. It may look like a four-door economy sedan with an indiscrete wing on its rear deck, but when you get behind the wheel, you'll realize it's much more than that.

The Evo, as it's known among car enthusiasts, is arguably the best handling car available in its price range. Its communicative steering and amazing grip will blow your mind on twisty back roads and racetracks alike. The turbocharged Lancer Evolution has impressive straight-line speed as well, as only powerful V8 cars like the Chevy Camaro SS and Ford Mustang GT can keep up with it. What's more, the availability of both a conventional manual gearbox and an automated manual transmission makes Mitsubishi's all-wheel-drive performance sedan more accessible to commuters and anyone who would prefer not to deal with a clutch pedal.

Of course, no car is perfect, and the reason we aren't all driving Mitsubishi Lancer Evos has plenty to do with the car's polarizing exterior style and significant sacrifices in comfort. In trade for its stellar handling, you get a stiff ride on city streets. And apart from the Lancer Evolution's wonderfully supportive Recaro bucket seats, there's not much in the way of cabin ambience. The overall design is dated and the steering wheel doesn't offer telescope adjustment, so many drivers will have a hard time finding that just-right driving position.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a high-performance compact sedan available in GSR and MR trim levels that correspond to the transmission choices. The GSR comes with a conventional five-speed manual transmission, while the MR gets the automated manual "Sportronic" transmission with shift paddles.

Standard equipment on the GSR includes 18-inch alloy wheels; foglights; a large rear spoiler; full power accessories; automatic climate control; cruise control; keyless entry; a leather-wrapped tilt-only steering wheel; Recaro sport bucket seats; Mitsubishi's Fuse voice-activated electronics interface; Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity; and a six-speaker sound system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod/USB audio interface and satellite radio. The MR adds lighter-weight BBS forged alloy wheels, two-piece front brake rotors, a smaller rear lip spoiler, height-adjustable xenon headlamps and a slightly softer suspension calibration.