The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI, produced between 1999 and 2001, remains a legendary performance car, revered for its exceptional handling and blistering speed. It wasn’s just a fast car; it was a meticulously engineered machine built around a potent combination of rally-derived technology and everyday usability. This review delves into what made the Evo VI so special, highlighting its key features and evaluating its strengths and limitations.
Technological Marvel: All-Wheel Drive and Active Yaw Control
At the heart of the Evo VI’s impressive performance lies a trifecta of advanced technology: a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, a turbocharged engine, and an electronic active yaw control (AYC) system. The system normally splits torque 50/50 between the front and rear axles, although this ratio adjusts automatically depending on road conditions.
The AYC system is particularly noteworthy. Using a suite of sensors, it continuously monitors steering angle, braking force, throttle position, and longitudinal acceleration. It then intelligently adjusts the front and rear differentials to counteract understeer and oversteer, virtually eliminating undesirable handling characteristics.
Interior and Driving Environment: Function Over Flash
The Evo VI was designed to be a driver’s car, and that ethos is reflected in its interior. While not luxurious, the cabin is ergonomically superb. The chunky Recaro seats—providing exceptional grip—and the distinctive white-on-blue instruments offer visual cues to the car’s capabilities.
The driving position is faultless, with perfectly aligned pedals, a multi-adjustable Momo steering wheel, and a gear lever ideally placed for quick shifts. The quality, while typical of a mass-produced Japanese saloon, isn’s quite on par with European rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, lacking some of the feeling of solidity you might expect.
Practicality and Usability: More Than Just a Rally Car
Despite its performance credentials, the Evo VI proved to be surprisingly practical. It’s a genuine four-seater with a decent-sized boot, often overlooked given its other impressive attributes.
The Evo VI’s true strength isn’t simply its speed, but its usability in real-world conditions. While a TVR Cerbera might be quicker on a dry, straight track, the Evo VI consistently outperforms it in more typical driving scenarios. This advantage isn’t solely due to its all-wheel-drive system, but also due to the engine’s wide powerband—a massive 5000 rpm range where significant torque is available.
Raw Performance: Acceleration and Handling
The Evo VI’s acceleration is genuinely breathtaking. From a standstill, it hits 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and 100 mph in 11.2 seconds, with a top speed of 150 mph. The 30-70 mph sprint takes just 4.1 seconds – a figure rivaling even that of a Ferrari 550 Maranello.
But the Evo VI’s prowess extends beyond straight-line speed. Cornering is where it truly shines, delivering a driving experience akin to piloting a fighter aircraft. Its ability to slice through bends and maintain traction is simply remarkable, seemingly defying the laws of physics.
Traction is so impressive that exiting slow, wet corners at full throttle is a controlled surge of power. The steering, while initially appearing overly responsive, quickly adapts to the driver’s input, providing a surprisingly fluid handling experience.
Efficiency and Range: An Unexpected Bonus
Given its performance, one might expect poor fuel economy, but the Evo VI is remarkably efficient. Achieving over 23 mpg in varied driving conditions, rising to nearly 30 mpg on longer routes, demonstrates a remarkable balance between speed and efficiency. The only significant drawback is the limited range from the 13-gallon tank – realistically, around 280 miles.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI isn’t just a fast car—it’s a testament to the power of rally engineering, offering a unique blend of blistering speed, exceptional handling, and surprising usability.
