13 years ago, India got this 291 BHP car: Walkaround review [Video]

Ever since its launch in India in 1998, the Mitsubishi Lancer attained cult status among driving enthusiasts due to its fine driving dynamics. However, Lancer fans in India witnessed the pinnacle of Mitsubishi Lancer brilliance with the introduction of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X in 2012. While the Lancer Evolution was already a legendary car sold in many parts of the world, India only received the tenth and final version of this sports car, which was phased out from the market at the end of its life cycle in 2016.

A YouTube video from “Namaste Car” that describes the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X has brought back numerous memories for car enthusiasts who dreamt of driving this exceptional four-door sports saloon. In 2012, Mitsubishi introduced the Lancer Evolution X as a direct import from Japan in limited numbers. This silver-coloured, well-preserved Lancer Evolution X featured in the video is one of those rare imported cars. This particular example is from Karnataka and is in pristine condition with minimal modifications, making it even more special.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X shown in the video is the top-spec GSR version engineered for the Japanese market and is one of the few units of the car imported from Japan by Mitsubishi for sale in India. This car was available with both a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, the Indian market only received the latter, which was available in a fully loaded trim level sold at Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom price) back in those days.

Compared to the regular Lancer, the Lancer Evolution X featured subtle exterior tweaks that gave it a sportier appearance. These changes included different front and rear bumpers, side skirts, BBS lightweight alloy wheels, Brembo ventilated disc brakes, a dual-port exhaust muffler, and 18-inch low-profile Yokohama tires. The standout feature of the Lancer Evolution X’s exterior was the body-painted massive boot-mounted spoiler, which came as standard equipment.

The interior of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X was similar to that of the regular version but included a few premium and sportier-looking touches and features, such as full leather upholstery, a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system, keyless remote entry, and steering-mounted magnesium paddle shifters.

More powerful

To enhance its responsiveness and reduce weight, Mitsubishi made significant changes to the Lancer Evolution X compared to the standard version of the car. The Lancer Evolution X featured aluminum in its roof panel, hood, front fenders, and rear spoiler. It also boasted a more powerful 4B11T-type 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine paired with the 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

This turbocharged petrol powertrain in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X delivered a maximum power output of 300 PS and a torque output of 422 Nm. It channeled all the power to all four wheels through S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), which distributed different torque outputs to the rear wheels using torque vectoring. With this engine, the Lancer Evolution X claimed a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds.

Priced at Rs 50 lakh, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X was a more affordable option compared to similarly powerful sports sedans like the Mercedes-AMG C 63, BMW M3, and Audi S4. However, expensive spare parts and complex electronics were two of the biggest drawbacks that deterred many potential buyers from this otherwise finely engineered sports sedan. Mitsubishi sold the Lancer Evolution X in India in limited numbers before discontinuing its sales in 2016, as it was phased out globally in 2015.

Pictures from T-BHP