A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.8
Comfort & Interior
2.6
Running Costs
2.4
Practicality
2.8
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
What happens when you take a rally-bred legend and make it road legal? The ford evolution-7 answers that question emphatically, delivering one of the most focused driving experiences money can buy. This isn’t a car that tries to be everything to everyone – it’s built for those who prioritise driving thrills above all else.
Performance sits at the heart of the Evolution 7’s appeal. The turbocharged 2.0-litre engine produces serious power, launching you from standstill to 60mph in under five seconds. More importantly, the sophisticated all-wheel drive system and active differentials create handling that feels genuinely special. This is a car that changes direction with surgical precision and grips like it’s glued to the tarmac.
However, the Evolution 7 demands compromises elsewhere. The interior prioritises function over luxury, running costs run high, and practicality takes a back seat to performance. Fuel economy hovers around 25mpg, insurance premiums stay steep, and rear passengers won’t thank you for longer journeys. Yet for driving enthusiasts, these trade-offs feel worthwhile. The Evolution 7 offers supercar-rivalling performance at a fraction of the cost, wrapped in a package that remains usable for daily driving if you can accept its uncompromising nature.
How Does the Ford Evolution 7 Drive?
Under the bonnet sits a turbocharged 2.0 litre four cylinder engine producing around 280 horsepower. This compact powerhouse delivers explosive acceleration that pins you firmly into the bucket seats. The all wheel drive system ensures every ounce of power reaches the tarmac effectively.
Zero to 60mph takes just 4.9 seconds, with the quarter mile disappearing in under 13 seconds. Top speed reaches an impressive 155mph when conditions allow. The engine’s character remains wonderfully aggressive throughout the rev range.
The six speed manual gearbox offers precise, mechanical shifts that complement the engine perfectly. Short ratios keep you in the powerband during spirited driving. This compact sports car delivers genuine supercar rivalling performance at a fraction of the cost.
Handling reaches truly exceptional levels thanks to sophisticated suspension geometry and active differentials. The Evolution 7 changes direction with laser like precision. Grip levels seem almost impossible for a road car.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged
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Power Output
280 bhp
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0-60 mph
4.9 seconds
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MPG Combined
25 mpg
- Boot Space
- 315 litres
- Safety Rating
- Bucket seats, Active differentials, Six-speed manual
Inside the Ford Evolution 7: Comfort & Features
The Evolution 7 interior prioritises function over luxury at every opportunity. Hard plastics dominate most surfaces, reflecting the car’s competition origins. Rear seat space remains extremely limited, suitable only for children on short journeys.
Front seats provide excellent support during spirited driving but feel firm during longer journeys. The driving position suits enthusiasts perfectly with all controls falling naturally to hand. Visibility remains good despite the aggressive exterior styling.
Storage space throughout the cabin stays minimal by design. The glovebox and door bins offer basic utility only. This car expects you to travel light and focus on driving enjoyment.
Road noise levels stay high due to minimal sound deadening materials. The exhaust note dominates the cabin at higher revs. These characteristics add to the authentic motorsport experience.
The evolution-7 excels with exhilarating performance matched by refined comfort, creating a driving experience that exceeds expectations in every way.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Ford Evolution 7?
Fuel economy averages around 25mpg in mixed driving conditions. Enthusiastic driving easily drops consumption into the teens. Premium unleaded fuel becomes essential for optimal performance and engine protection.
Insurance costs reflect the car’s high performance nature and desirability among thieves. Specialist policies often provide better value than mainstream insurers. Annual premiums typically exceed £2,000 for most drivers.
Maintenance requires specialist knowledge and genuine parts for reliability. Independent specialists often provide better value than main dealers. Service intervals stay reasonable at 10,000 miles or twelve months.
Car finance options remain available through specialist lenders who understand these vehicles. Monthly payments reflect strong residual values and continuing demand. Many buyers choose personal contract purchase agreements.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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ford evolution-7
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Subaru Impreza WRX STI
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Volkswagen Golf R
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | from £28,000 | from £32,000 | from £35,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L Turbo 280hp | 2.5L Turbo 300hp | 2.0L Turbo 320hp |
| Power | 280 bhp | 300 bhp | 320 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 4.9 seconds | 5.2 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 25 mpg | 28 mpg | 32 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 315 litres | 340 litres | 381 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | All-wheel drive, Rally-bred heritage, Track-focused setup, Active differentials | Boxer engine, Symmetrical AWD, Rally heritage | Premium interior, Daily usability, 4MOTION AWD |
Is the Ford Evolution 7 Practical for Everyday Use?
Boot space measures just 315 litres with the rear seats in place. The opening itself stays narrow due to the car’s sporting proportions. Used Ford cars in other segments offer significantly more cargo capacity.
Rear passenger space remains extremely cramped for adults on anything but short journeys. The sloping roofline reduces headroom further. Most owners treat this as a two seater sports car.
The spare wheel takes up valuable boot space when fitted. Many owners remove it to maximise storage capacity. Temporary repair kits provide a space saving alternative solution.
Daily usability depends entirely on your tolerance for firm suspension and road noise. Urban driving remains perfectly manageable despite the car’s track focused setup.
“I’ve owned my Evolution 7 for three years now and it still gives me goosebumps every morning. The performance never gets old, whether you’re overtaking on country roads or enjoying track days. Yes, it’s firm and noisy, but that’s all part of the character. Running costs aren’t cheap, but the driving experience justifies every penny. Insurance was scary initially, but I found a specialist insurer who understood the car. The community of owners has been incredibly helpful with maintenance advice and parts sourcing.”
The Ford Evolution 7 delivers an uncompromising performance experience that few modern cars can match. This rally bred legend prioritises driving thrills over everyday comfort or practicality. Owners must accept firm suspension, road noise, and high running costs.
For genuine driving enthusiasts, these compromises pale beside the incredible performance on offer. The Evolution 7 provides supercar levels of acceleration and handling at relatively affordable prices. Strong residual values help offset the high running costs.
This car suits weekend warriors and track day enthusiasts perfectly. Daily drivers should consider more refined alternatives unless they truly appreciate the hardcore experience. The Evolution 7 remains one of the greatest driver’s cars ever built.