A street legal arcade game
On the track, Evo's talents are put in your hands from the get-go. The giggle-eliciting steering encourages exploration of lateral limits, and the power delivery gadgets ensure plenty of forgiveness if you push too hard. It feels like it's dancing.

With a few practice laps and half a clue what you're doing, Evo could be piloted around like a champ all day long. With some track time under your belt, you'll find yourself at the wheel of a very serious surface-to-surface missile. It's like a racing game in 'arcade' mode: quite simply, the electronics do all the work for you.

The Evo's natural enemy, Subaru's WRX STI, is like said racing game on 'simulation' mode. It's more the driver's car--slightly grippier and faster overall, though more demanding and less forgiving of novice track stars in the process.

Torque? Earplugs?
The Evo's light weight demands respect during driving on snow and slush, and winter tires are a must. If you're the guy or gal that thinks all-wheel drive can defy physics, you'd best put the towing company's number on your speed-dial now.

With 291 horsepower split four ways, generous acceleration is enabled in most any situation.

The two-litre engine is loud and largely dull to listen to. You'll rarely hear the turbine from inside, and the somewhat noisy sound effects can get old quickly.

Gosh, it's a torquey little beast, though. With 291 horsepower split four ways, generous acceleration is enabled in most any situation.

Having your cake?
A rough ride, buzzy engine and low-rent interior trim will become daily facts of life.

The rear seats don't fold down, and inconveniently, washer fluid is added to a reservoir in the trunk--which itself is notably smaller than that of the standard car. The spoiler impedes rearward vision too--a big deal in a machine that screams "Hey officer! Check out this powerslide!"

In all, you're unlikely to feel like you're rolling in over 47 grand worth of vehicle unless you're on a closed circuit.

Of course, if you're (somehow) able to occasionally rid yourself of the constant temptations at work here, you can slip the shifter into 'drive' and do the weekly grocery store run or trip to the in-laws with relative modesty.
Ultimately, there's a heap of fun to be had--but please, join a weekend lapping club. Otherwise, you'd sort of be missing the point--not to mention one of the most entertaining driving experiences on the market.

Ultimately, whether the unbeatable entertainment value outweighs the compromises is your call.


Photo Credit : Justin Pritchard