Does anyone else think that Subarus and Mitsubishis are now both very overpriced in relation to what they really are? In the past, Impezas and Evos were known for being as fast across country as a BMW M3 for example, yet any decent man would fork out another 15k for the Beemer. The quickest Evos and Imprezas are now faster from 0-60 than an M3 or Audi RS4 however the actual levels of equipment and broad desirability of the Japanese cars are much lower. They are also far less refined, less good all rounders and feel cheap and nasty. However the reality is that they aren't so cheap anymore! A mitsubishi Evo X costs anything from 32 - 50k now and the new Subaru Cosworth is also 50k. The only area where the Japanese rally replicas are still strong is in ultimate pace. In just about every other area, an M3 or RS4 is far better in terms of image, style, comfort and speed.

I just can't help feeling that the era of Imprezas and Evos is over and has been for some time. The traditional role that these cars played 10-15 years ago has now been filled by the modern 'mega hatchbacks' like the Ford Focus RS, Renault Megane Sport 250, VW Golf R, Seat Leon Cupra R and so on. The Hatchbacks seem to offer everything that the Sports saloons of the 90s did except with lower running costs and more appeal. Not to mention the fact that all of the above can be picked up for under 30k (just). Furthermore many of the above easily beat Impreza and Evo on practicality, equipment, fuel consumption, refinement and general running costs. The truth is that many of the Hatches, in particular the Golf, are NICE cars to have and own whereas Imprezas and Evos could never be called NICE, could they? Evos in particular have always had an image problem with those huge wings etc. not to mention the fact that you are far more likely to receive 'unwanted attention' from the boys in blue.

I think the best way to sum up the argument is that the void where Japanese saloons used to rule (the sub luxury coupe class) has now passed. The traditional values have been taken by modern Hot Hatches but at the same time, they still are not a patch on 'real' cars like Audis, Mercs and BMWs. The time when WRC sold cars in dealerships is long gone. Subaru and Mitsubishi need to learn that times have moved on from Colin McRae and Tommi Makkinen.

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