Overview
THERE are few cars for $60,000 or less that make people stop and stare these days.
A Mini Cooper S with a Union Jack painted on the roof might do it.
An STi might have just after the launch.
But the one car that is guaranteed to make people to freeze and stare (especially if they are P-platers) is a Lancer Evo.
This rally legend is now into its tenth iteration with a potent 217kW turbocharged four-cylinder and a super high-tech all-wheel-drive system that is so smart it would beat you at Trivial Pursuit.
It's still fast, even in the hands of a feeble driver, but the new Evo comes with features that make life easier, including an automated manual transmission, satellite-navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity and keyless starting, while a full-suite of airbags and electronic stability control gives the Evo a new level of safety.
Model release date: July 2008
Previous model
The Lancer Evo IX was introduced in Australia in August 2005 and was the final iteration of the second-generation model.
It used a 2.0-litre 4G63 turbocharged and intercooled inline four, producing 206kW and 355Nm, driving through a new six-speed manual.
There was no automatic option.
At 1410kg, the Evo IX was 60kg lighter than before thanks to aluminium components including the roof and structural beams, as well as lighter wheels.
It was able to sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds.
The interior was relatively basic, with no side airbags, stability control or even cruise control.
It was priced unexpectedly low at $56,789.