Mitsubishi Evo 7 GTA Review - The deceptively fast automatic Evo! - BEARDS n CARS

The Mitsubishi Evo 7 is an often undervalued generation of the rally bred Lancer Evolution lineage to begin with, and here in its automatic GT-A form it reduces its fanbase even further. But the real question is - with a 5 speed auto transmission, can the GT-A even come close to the performance, ability and feel of its manual GSR counterpart, and potentially even win over some auto haters? Let's take a deeper look at my personal Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 7 GT-A and find out...
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[@na1677]

The Gentleman's express... An evo is an evo. The gta is one of those forgotten gems! Nice to see one again!

[@ESISTTIGER]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate how modern they were inside for the year they came out with the trim pieces, and gear selector nowadays there are aftermarket DCT's for the EVO's and proper Ralliarts but who knows how much that conversion costs

[@R6_Leo]

Was so exited to see this video, there aren't many videos covering the GTA, well done on the video, very in depth, keen to see more videos

[@HSGAutomotive]

Yeah far too few, and cheers, glad you enjoyed! Possibly doing a 0-60 run vid, and maybe when I finalize my plans on fitting it with a louder dump valve setup...

[@Zerofightervi]

Mitsubishi actually helped Porsche develop their TipTronic gearboxes so they know a thing or two about getting the best out of them.

[@estebanrodz11]

And volkswagen.

[@R6_Leo]

The gearbox’s are ok, brilliant ingenuity but unreliable, my old one was on only 110000km and was showing signs of failure, multiple sources have come forward and stated even at factory power still has issues, common problems are the wave springs failing

[@timkimaiyo2962]

Seeing a stock Evo is such a breath of fresh air

[@TheLaffoutLOUD]

Nice video man! Probably the best GTA content on KZbin, some of these other videos are unfortunately filled with misinformation and the content on here is so limited for these cars. So thank you! I personally have a GTA myself, and by far the best thing you can do for these cars is to build the transmission. From factory they aren't the most reliable thing, but simply upgrading the trans wave spring, clutches and welding the planets will increase the life of it for sure. I've also tuned my trans after the upgrades to be much more notchy and aggressive, and its incredible. The aggressive shifts now rival a VW DSG, it'll blow a manual GSR out of the water! Happy motoring my friend!

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice one 🤙 cheers dude

[@henriquezlisandro3347]

Hi, I'm interested in rebuild my stock tranny and i want more info about it. Can i contact you on a social platform?

[@TheLaffoutLOUD]

@@henriquezlisandro3347 Hey man, tons of info on the Evo 7 GT-A Facebook group :)

[@clivepereira5168]

Every time you revved, the captions said [Music]. 💯% accurate.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Haha 😂😂 hadn’t noticed that, love it

[@kakincheng5636]

Thanks for the info. White Mitsubishi Evo GT-A looks fantastic 💯👍

[@Matt09pearce]

ive seen a GTA with hand controls fitted! im sure for that enthusiast the car was a godsend from Mitsubishi

[@HSGAutomotive]

Yeah the tiptronic buttons by my thumbs can be used to shift, as well as the shifter itself, sequential style

[@Matt09pearce]

@@HSGAutomotive by hand controls i mean, the accelerator and brake were modified for someone who cant use their legs. so for them, they managed to own and drive a rally legend when usually it would of been impossible, because its automatic of course

[@HSGAutomotive]

Ah nice nice

[@r10101]

This was really always my fav Evo out of the whole lot, considerably more practical for it's generation with only one or two-ish minor downsides compared the full-on models. (I thought this car did come with a CVT, to be honest) Also pretty fun to use in GT4 with the stock transmission.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Yeah its kinda good that they are undervalued since it makes them huge performers for the used prices which they sit at

[@theaussiecardude]

I saw one of these today at my local auction house. By far my favourite car on the lot, and one of my top favourite Evos.

[@Camfindustrie]

For me one of the best cars ever built.

[@jackwilletts3793]

Was just looking at one of these on auto trader, never looked into auto Evo’s so thought I would KZbin them, first video I find is the exact evo that’s currently on auto trader 🤯

[@HSGAutomotive]

Hah yeah that's my old boy

[@ProTuneHD]

My flatmate for a few months had a Skyline R33 GTS with an auto which we use to go back and forth to classes with a few times, was pretty rapid and the shifts were fairly crisp, but I don't know whether it had any mods or tunes on it. Reminded me of a 2 series M sport of the time except a lot more floaty.

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

Yeah I had a S14a auto, the shifts were actually not bad for an old style automatic Was certainly fast enough to keep up with most 👍

[@evoivowner7732]

5 secs is very impressive indeed and you can more or less repeat that consistently as compared to a manual. On my manual I never want to rag it let alone go hell for leather with the changes, so in the real world you win every time 👍

[@HSGAutomotive]

I do love that autos mostly negate driver error and are more consistent, included that as one of my reasons in my 'why I prefer autos' vid from a while back. That being said I definitely won't be launching mine much, if ever beyond doing that one forthcoming video for it

[@fabianhcarsnvlogs]

Nice Choice Mike, I actually like the GT-A, they go well when they have a DSG tune on them

[@TheLaffoutLOUD]

best thing you can do to these cars 😎

[@HSGAutomotive]

Cheers dude, and yeah I'll have to look into getting it done...

[@nateh8796]

If I could buy one of these in the States, I would. Surprisingly affordable between $7,000 to $14,000

[@HSGAutomotive]

Could always try importing one. This ones’ up for £10k currently on UK AutoTrader now that I’ve moved on from it

[@badusername4]

Loving the content on this ! Look forward to more . Wonder if there’s a paddle kit

[@HSGAutomotive]

I have seen one or two with aftermarket wheels + paddle shifters

[@babylon6g]

running a GT-A as well. mines had work done on it to help the gearbox hold around 490, so they can be tuned and the the transmission made to hold more power.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Nice nice

[@levicharles4499]

Where and how did you have the work on it done

[@danielpinkham4526]

as someone who owns a golf mk5 gti and evo 4 with evo 7 engine out of airterk 03 turbo. i agree with all your points on this. it looks like a pretty fun daily car and also the vw is just a steroid go kart with a tune :D

[@aaryeshg.6526]

Lol Airtrek bring me back memories of ripping it around dirt tracks in GTPSP. Literally an Evo Cross if Mitsu could called it that. Too bad the '04 Outlander my family had back then was a non turbo engine (4G64). Very reliable but slightly underpowered for the car. Our region never got that turbo version.

[@danielpinkham4526]

@@aaryeshg.6526 lol nice if you just chuck evo parts onto the airterk 4g63t you have soccermom evo :D

[@vidalprime]

I have a gta as well. Owning an evo was always a dream and even tho i was able to acquire an auto its still fun to drive...with an upgraded turbo, exhaust and a tune it runs better than a STOCK gsr 😎

[@trcs3079]

If you wanted to keep the turbo stock but upgrade the durability of the engine, which parts would you upgrade first? I'm considering thus auto model

[@ItzCruizStation]

I'm in high school rn and I'm considering an evo 7 gta or a firebird trans am se (more likely to be the trans am where i live) to be my second car in a few years my first one is going to be a regular cheap thing lol. And idk why they didn't make the 8, 9 and 10 have a gta variant they would have made more money with them.

[@Keeasha777]

Was that smile for me 😂 btw you have swayed me I hate it a little less 🙂

[@HSGAutomotive]

Haha, course it was bubs ;P

[@pauldaniel9199]

Great video. Excellent narration!

[@HSGAutomotive]

Cheers! Glad you enjoyed

[@selectorspinnaz6254]

Loving the Radio, same as my '06 Ralliart. Try to do a review on the Evo 9 wagon GT-A

[@HSGAutomotive]

I’d love to get my hands on one for a vid 👌

[@juny1982]

They never talk about the automatic Evo GTA cause is very rare One.

[@Up2Onks]

For me Evolutions across all models must have the manual transmission. But I respect Mitsubishi and the RND that would’ve gone into using these transmissions. Interesting fact, I did not know they used the automatic Legnum/Galant VR4 transmission but it now makes complete sense as they use the Evolution 5 speed manual transmission. Different ratios obviously.

[@HSGAutomotive]

I definitely found the auto to be sluggish in this one, did a couple of GPS launches to see the difference in lag, and it did a 6.5 second 0-60 from idle, vs launching from about 3k got me there in 5.0 seconds dead, so the turbo plus auto box has some major sluggishness as you'd expect unless you really wind it up. Great for launching, bad for rolls. Makes far more sense to put this box (and engine) into the Airtrek Turbo R, which of course they did. I keep going back and forth on buying one of those because they're dirt cheap...

[@BryceWomeldurf]

I used to like these in Gran Turismo, because they had the smaller wing, so they kind of looked like my old non-Evo Lancer.

[@sunnysandhu6448]

I love this car and i want it so bad

[@tomcole020]

It's funny how different cars you own/drive can influence how other cars feel. My dad says his insignia VXR is stiff over bumps but compared to my MG ZR it feels like a Rolls Royce 😂 but when you press the VXR button it does really stiffen up tbf

[@HSGAutomotive]

Yeah for sure, lol

[@mexibrasi07]

That’s a nice car I’d take a GTA anytime

[@masterdinosawr]

The GTAs aren't bad cars at all. They're great daily drivers. I only dislike the elements of a manual Evo they changed. The hood/bonnet, wing, steering wheel and seats changed is a no from me. You can put those parts on (like you did with hood and wing) but that's just more money to be spent. I have an Evo 8 GSR and I love it to bits. Love all evos. The manual gearbox in them is really good too.

[@leonpinter9352]

I bought an GTA but completely built as a 8. You have the comfort of a GTA but the looks everybody like

[@ItzCruizStation]

I'm in high school rn and I'm considering an evo 7 gta or a firebird trans am se (more likely to be the trans am where i live) to be my second car in a few years my first one is going to be a regular cheap thing lol. And idk why they didn't make the 8, 9 and 10 have a gta variant they would have made more money with them.

[@HSGAutomotive]

They did do a 9 GTA technically, but its only in the wagon. Which are about 3 times the prices of these 7's. The Evo X also has an auto of sorts, the SST transmission. I sold this Evo after two months and bought a 1968 Continental instead and its infinitely better to own and drive. I'd 100% go Firebird.

[@ItzCruizStation]

@@HSGAutomotive lol I forgot about the wagon.

[@ItzCruizStation]

@@HSGAutomotive why did you sell it so fast? And by the way I'm from New zealand 🇳🇿

[@HSGAutomotive]

@@ItzCruizStation Just wasn’t vibing with it. It’s a pure performance tool, and I’m more of a cruiser. I like the sound, looks, character and feel of a car more than performance, and the Evo is purely about performance. Excellent at it, but not what suits me. Same reason why I wouldn’t own a GTR. Outstanding car, but not my speed

[@ItzCruizStation]

@@HSGAutomotive ok

[@RangaH_]

kind of cool it kept the same raw feeling, although i still cant wrap my ahead around why you ever want to own an automatic evo x)

[@HSGAutomotive]

Here's why: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWqql2mOnLl1qKs

[@kidpagronprimsank05]

I saw one close to where I live, and it have auto

[@Nic-c3j]

I love the gta

[@kirk9363]

This looks to tick a few boxes for me.. love the Evo looks, it's practical, and even better it's an automatic because I'm sick of changing gear in slow moving traffic.. also an automatic box changes better than a human ever will and be programmed to protect the engine. Win win in my opinion. 💁

[@GoldCoastComposites]

An evo 7 in my country (Australia) is 45-60k. I bought my evo 7 gta for 20k with only 92000ks on the clock

[@alecmckenzie9458]

I'm from Brisbane, looking to possibly get one of these, how has yours been since you bought it ? No troubles with the transmission?

[@bentimmins8179]

I got a manual for 28k in nsw lucky

[@ardenmarchan1509]

❤

[@katieadams5860]

For a while I've wanted a BMW 640i because it has the fast shifting 8 speed ZF auto. But reliability has been a major concern of mine when buying a BMW. The evo is very reliable, but driving a manual sucks in traffic. I hope an auto EVO can also give a good experience

[@HSGAutomotive]

Depends what you need it for, as a daily driver the Evo isn’t great

[@katieadams5860]

@@HSGAutomotive why would you say the evo isn't a great daily driver? I had a friend that used to use it as a daily with great luck in stock form

[@HSGAutomotive]

At least in this GT-A form I had, fuel use is unjustifiable at 17 mpg even driving very conservatively, tiny tank means you're in the petrol station every 5 minutes, harsh ride, doesn't sound great imo, performance is only impressive when you really wind it up after the initial lag. And to really enjoy it you have to rag it, like a Type R. I prefer cars which are fun at all speeds, not just in the top 10% of their ability

[@katieadams5860]

@@HSGAutomotive ah I see, I would be getting the Evo x. I'll probably test drive both to see which is better for daily driving. I did test drive a friend's Evo x and it was a blast in manual form

[@HSGAutomotive]

@@katieadams5860 I could definitely see it being improved between 2002 and then 👍

[@blue_lancer_es]

Iirc this is one of the rarest evos ever made. I really like how they look with the grill less hood and lower wing. They look so unassuming. Also. Isn't this the same drivetrain available in the airtrek?

[@HSGAutomotive]

Yeah, and obviously those tend to be even cheaper, at least the 1 or 2 a year you see for sale in the UK. Considered one myself

[@blue_lancer_es]

@@HSGAutomotive our market didn't get the airtrek sadly.

[@Andreasy2]

I liked the GT-A. Had one for half a year before getting rid of it again. Personallly auto in a sports car & fuel economy of the GT-A just wasn't for me.

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

What sort of L/100km did you get?

[@Andreasy2]

@@ArtVandelayOfficial About 8 liters if I drive moderate speeds on the highway with no fun at all. Mixed with city driving I averaged about 12l. It takes premium gas being a jdm import which makes it a bit pricier compared to regular too.

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

@@Andreasy2 Ok,not bad really to be honest for 2.0 turbo

[@Andreasy2]

@@ArtVandelayOfficial Yeah, fuel consumption for its age and power is adequate I guess. Sadly the whole package of the GT-A wasnt enjoyable for me personally.

[@Keeasha777]

Great video baba

[@HSGAutomotive]

Thanks lil baba ;) x

[@confinez555]

i was very in doubt between 7 Gta and the X Sst. I need automatic evo necuse my arm was broken since birth and i like to drive. Now owning an x but still considering 7 gta

[@Official_MikeyT]

I wonder if anyone has entertained the idea of ZF 8HP swapping the GTA, or Evo X TC-SST swapping it.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Wouldn't be surprised if someone has

[@blk5398]

I think I’ve just bought this exact car

[@HSGAutomotive]

Yeah? 😂 DL?

[@darrenjones4035]

I think this car is now for sale.

[@HSGAutomotive]

Yeah it is, the car didn’t end up suiting me, I’m more of a lazy cruiser than a Tesco’s trackday kinda driver, so I traded it for my Lincoln

[@darrenjones4035]

I have been thinking about possibly buying it as it's at a great price. Would you recommend it over a Evo x

[@HSGAutomotive]

I haven't driven an X so I can't say for certain, but I would expect the X to be better as a daily. I'm not sure what has or hasn't been addressed since I owned this one, but it possibly needed a new front left driveshaft, the rear passenger door lock needed a look, and the fuel cap door cable is seemingly snapped as it had to be opened by hand

[@trcs3079]

I'm really considering buying this version or even the subaru sti auto, due to practicality. But man, at the same time trying to save up for a deposit

[@HSGAutomotive]

I didn't even know there was an STi auto, lol. But I'm more of an Evo guy anyway. That being said I've already moved on from it. Doesn't suit my vibe as more of a low 'n slow cruiser kind of driver. Its a weapon when pushed hard though, even with an auto box

[@trcs3079]

@@HSGAutomotive it blew my mind as well lol. In Australia, we have the wrx sti G3 which also comes in auto. Though I'd probably get a laughing stock with my friends if I bought the auto version 😅

[@Punisher9419]

What is the little display you have below the dials?

[@HSGAutomotive]

The variable boost gauge

[@Punisher9419]

@@HSGAutomotive Thanks.

[@novasigma5964]

would the reg start with DL51?? by chance

[@HSGAutomotive]

Sure did, lol. It was up for sale on Autotrader a while back, not sure about now

[@novasigma5964]

@@HSGAutomotive - they saying it's got a EML on the dash , could be MAF sensor hence the cheap price , since the maf is an easy fix I'm not convinced that's the issue and for 10k it seems to good to be true

[@HSGAutomotive]

The guy I bought it from mentioned the engine light being caused by the screamer bypass pipe on it straight out the bottom of the engine bay, which is why its on or off depending on how hard you drive it. It did need a new front driveshaft so check if that's been done, and one of the rear passenger doors didn't lock correctly. The price is about right tbh, I only paid £9,995 for it myself. If you're looking for a cheap Evo experience then you can swap them to a 5 speed GSR box and pedals I believe.

[@novasigma5964]

@@HSGAutomotive - kl kl il ask the guy for the OBD2 codes b4 I consider the purchase - if it's just a lamda or maf issue it's an easy work around

[@novasigma5964]

So would you consider it a safe buy or not

[@jony6toes307]

So you like it that much you're selling it?

[@HSGAutomotive]

As I said in both videos, I’m either way on it for my driving style. It deserves to be driven hard all the time, and that’s not my thing

[@glizzywtw]

Where do you buy this car ?

[@HSGAutomotive]

In the UK, pretty much wherever you can find one lol. Import them from Japan, mine already was imported and I bought it privately

[@tonyyang9813]

looks funner then driving a boring American car?

[@NGPLUS0001]

I own a GTA, the auto is from a Mitsubishi magna. Best option is to convert to manual.

[@NGPLUS0001]

Btw the auto is dog-water. Prove me wrong

[@trcs3079]

@@NGPLUS0001 is it because auto tramission is weak or breaks easier?

[@NGPLUS0001]

@@trcs3079 short answer, yes auto is weak not designed for dealing with tourque output a 4g63 turbo produces. Long answer? Search Invecs II wave spring failure

[@dreamseller01]

@@NGPLUS0001 the wave spring issue is easily fixed. A few basic mods (very affordable) and they'll hold 500hp. Those mods, increased line pressure and gearbox mapping make a world of difference. If you want to hold more power it's entirely doable but more $$$.

[@NGPLUS0001]

@@dreamseller01 affordable where?? The auto is not worth the money to modify. Even if it was free i wouldn't rely on it.

[@pg9266]

is this the closest thing to a cedia gt?( baby evo)

[@HSGAutomotive]

No not really, much closer to a GSR. The Cedia GT is only listed at 135 PS, these GT-A's have 272 PS, and the GSR has 280 PS

[@cyrusshellard3905]

8MR is the 1

[@thetezz0001]

Hey bro

[@diethersantos6404]

You forgot to lock the doors

[@HSGAutomotive]

Huh

[@palpanapa]

An Evo Auto is an oxymoron

[@HSGAutomotive]

No moreso than a CVT auto transmission in a Formula 1 car. Which Williams did in the FW15C in testing and made it faster than the equivalent manual version.

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

McLaren and Pagani are auto...🧐