Mitsu and Subaru are still part of the WRC but not as factory teams. P-WRC is virtually split between the two.
The Ralliart has been shut down last year IIRC or the year before and this was a sign of the end of Mitsu performance cars.
Many local rally championships still have EVOs competing (including in North America) so Mitsu/EVO is still associated with Rally.
In Canada, Evo starts at $42K versus STI at $38K so it's $4K difference not $10K. In US, both start at $34K.
Is the STI next?
Sorry, I should have specified. I always go top of the line with cars like these to get all the toys. I was comparing the $41500 STI Sport tech vs the $54 000 EVO MR. The Hatch STI closes the gap a bit at $42 500.
I see your point but factor in that the $52K Evo has Recaro leather seats, DCT, allegedly superior AWD, upgraded sound, the MMCS is better integrated and more advanced than the after thought Navi in the Subie, etc.
However, I agree with you that the $52K is too much for the car, with no chance to pick your options. The biggest mistake Mitsu makes in Canada with all their cars not only Evo is that they even offer a stripper or a fully loaded version; not much in between.
In the US, they have better packaging. In the US you can get an MR and then add Premium, Touring, Navi or whatever package if you wish. Here they pile up all the options and the price goes to the sky.
My choice would be a base US MR for about $38K US (I don’t need Navi, 700W sound system, sunroof, leather, etc…). At that price is comparable to the US STI and you get all the good bits this car has to offer.
If there is someone to blame for the crazy price in Canada, it’s Mitsu Canada.