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Contract Hire

Toomey Mitsubishi

Service House,
West Mayne, Basildon,
Essex SS15 6RW

We add to our used car stock every week, so be the first to find out about the latest additions.

Mitsubishi Evo Saloon FQ-300

For:
Stunning acceleration and grip. Cult status; good residuals; practical

Against:
Expensive to insure and run. Solid ride in town; noisy on motorway



Performance

The Evo isn't just fast, it's staggering, thanks to turbocharged engines that deliver authentic rally-car performance, but only if you keep the revs above 3000rpm. The six-speed gearbox is slightly notchy, but accurate.

Ride & handling

Standard four-wheel drive provides incredible traction out of corners, while suspension revisions make this the most nimble and enthralling Evo yet. Surprisingly the ride isn't that bad. Steering is responsive and accurate with just the right amount of assistance.

Refinement

Rally-car replication extends to doing away with most sound-proofing, which tends to exacerbate the engine and road noise. The big-bore exhaust pipe does more than its fair share to add to the mechanical cacophony.

Buying & owning

There's a price to pay for all that entertainment. The Evo is expensive to buy and goes through fuel like the space shuttle. Insurance companies are likely to have a chuckle when you ask for a quote, and you'll be on first-name terms with the local service department, because you'll see them every 4500 miles.

Quality & reliability

Cabin materials are slightly utilitarian but should last the distance, while the drivetrain is strong. Engines are reliable too, despite the high state of tune, but make sure you get them serviced on schedule.

Safety & security

Safety kit is reasonable across the range, with front airbags and anti-lock brakes on all. In itself, the high-tech four-wheel-drive system is a safety feature, too, such is the traction it finds, both when accelerating and decelerating. All have an alarm and remote central locking, but no deadlocks, which compromises security.

Behind the wheel

Everything is simple and easy to use, but it's all rather bland. Heavily bolstered seats give good support. The driving position is excellent, and the steering wheel is a pleasure to hold, but there's nothing that especially catches the eye.

Space & practicality

The Evo IX has reasonable space for four adults and their luggage, and access to the rear seats is fine, thanks to the four-door body. The sports front seats to tend to pinch if you're slightly wide of beam, but there's plenty of head- and legroom available to compensate.

Equipment

Generous kit list includes air-con, which is essential because the transmission generates considerable heat, and a CD player. The FQ-340 adds sat-nav and leather seats. All cars get alloy wheels and remote central locking.

Running Costs

Town mpg

16.8

Out of Town mpg

23.5

Average mpg

20.5

Tank Capacity (gallons)

12.1

CO2 Rating (g/km)

334

Insurance Group

20

Typical Insurance Quote

£963

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

51

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£0

Pence Per Mile

0

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£0

Servicing Intervals

4500

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/UL + 6yr Perforation + 3yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

Saloon

Number of Doors

4

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

1997/4

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

305/6950

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Four

Length (mm)

4490

Width (mm)

1770

Height (mm)

1450

Boot Space (min ltr)

430

Boot Space (max ltr)

530

Turning Circle (m)

11.8

Towing Weight(kg)

N/A

Kerb Weight (kg)

1400

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