Offered in outputs of 305, 326 of 345 and 366bhp. The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine dates back to 1987 and now features variable valve timing and changes to the turbocharger. This all adds up to a minor improvement in economy, slightly quicker engine response and more consistent delivery of power throughout the rev range. What this means is that you’ll have undiminishing thrust no matter what the revs – remarkably the Evo will pull strongly in sixth-gear from below thirty miles-per-hour.

Mention that next time someone starts telling you how good modern diesels are, but make yourself scarce before they ask you how many miles it does to the gallon (it’s low 20s). The gearbox is a six-speed manual with a very slick shifting gearchange.

The Bilstein suspension is carried over from the Evo VIII MR with slightly lower rear springs. This minor alteration has a noticeable effect upon the handling and allows the Mitsubishi’s special Active Yaw Control (which allows it to channel power to which ever wheel has the grip) to do its thing even more effectively. In short it becomes even more driveable in extremes of cornering.

The driver has a choice of settings for tarmac, snow or gravel.