The performance estate is a curious niche market; controlled by exclusive machines from BMW, Audi and, no doubt the bane of any speeding motorist, the police liveried Volvo T5. However, performance and looks are often sacrificed on mid-sized estates in favour of carrying capacity and price. Mitsubishi has seemingly filled the void for a small performance estate with the introduction of its Evo Wagon, based on the best-selling Lancer Evolution saloon - a class leader since its introduction in 2000. What's more, the Evo Wagon is to be marketed with a price tag equivalent to just over £17,000.

However, before you rush to the nearest Mitsubishi dealer cheque-book in hand, sadly there are no plans to make the machine available to the UK market, with a limited production run of 2,500 models consigned to remain in Japan. Full performance details are to be released at the Tokyo Motor Show in a couple of weeks, from where we will be providing a comprehensive report.

The Evo Wagon is the latest in a succession of exciting new models and concept cars from the Japanese marque since its partial acquisition by the DaimlerChrysler Group. The American company now has a 37% controlling stake in Mitsubishi and is fighting to turn around the marque's outdated and staid image, the result of which saw losses in excess of $600 million in 2004.

Using the same underpinnings as the latest generation Evo saloon, and the rear panels from the Lancer Estate, the Evo Wagon combines performance and practicality to the extreme. With permanent four-wheel drive and a 2-litre turbocharged engine, the Evo Wagon has a choice of a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic gearboxes. Performance data has not yet been released, but don't be surprised to see figures close to the Evo IX. However, despite these sporting underpinnings, it has the versatility of the Lancer Estate including split/fold rear seats, an underbox storage compartment and security hooks.

The Evo Wagon is in a class of its own, yet those searching for an affordable sporting drive with excellent practicality could find Mitsubishi's latest offering right up their street. It's just a shame you will have to go over to Japan to get your hands on one!