2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7 review from UK and Ireland

No faults whatsoever.

The most capable real road car money can buy? Perhaps. Certainly for the money, nothing will touch one of these.

280 bhp turbo engine is a peach with very little lag and a fantastic growl. This car goes like absolute stink - 60 in around 4.5 seconds and is capable of an indicated 150 with a small amount in reserve.

Handling is silly. Turn the wheel, it goes round. Everyone's seen Tiff Needell drive these on telly and seen the ridiculous powerslides the car can do, but the speeds you need to be doing are nigh on impossible on public roads. In the real world, your brain is the limiting factor, and the car will string a good B-road twisty sequence together as quickly as you can point the nose in the required direction.

I bought one of the original Escort Cosworths in 1992 and planned on replacing it with an Impreza WRX, but was very disappointed with the Scooby in relation to the Escort. In fact, apart from the engine, it was inferior in every way. Not so the Evo - a real step forward as you might expect from 10 years extra development. Far sweeter engine, more "chuckable", meaty steering, top brakes. The higher limits mean you can't slide it around so easily, but what the hell?! It's an awesome bit of kit. Looks cheesy, but then so did the Cossie.

Like the Cossie, I will keep this car until I find something better for similar money. I wouldn't mind betting it will be another 10 years.