Less than RM 3k to convert from a Proton Inspira, here’s how to tell a fake Evo X

• Less than RM 3,000 to visually convert an Inspira into an Evo X
• Looks almost the same, but there are subtle differences

Ever since Proton’s inception in the ‘80s, they started off by rebadging and reengineering various Mitsubishi models as their own. Thus, it comes as no surprise that some Proton owners went as far as converting their Proton models to look like a Mitsubishi. Wiralution much?

So when Proton launched the Inspira back in 2010, it gave aspiring boy racers the opportunity to yet again, convert a Proton into a Mitsubishi. In this case, many Inspira owners converted their cars into the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, Mitsubishi’s final hurrah for their rally-bred sport sedan.

Also Read: Used Proton Inspira for RM 20k! This or the Mitsubishi Lancer?

Prices to convert an Inspira (or regular Lancer) into the full-blood Evo X range from RM 2,000 onwards, inclusive of front and rear bumpers, as well as the signature Evo X rear spoiler.

Even after the conversion, it’s possible to visually tell a converted Evo X from the real deal. Here’s how.

One of the easiest ways to distinguish a converted Evo X from the real Evo X is the fuel lid. The real Evo has a square fuel lid, while the regular Inspira (and Lancer) has a circular-shaped one.

Another aspect to look out for are the headlights. The real Evo X offers HID projector headlights, whereas the converted models often times still rely on the original halogen reflector units.

We are aware of some converted Inspiras and Lancers which have swapped out their headlights and modified their fuel lid to look like a real Evo X, but often times, they miss out on the aero fins on the roof. A legit Evo X has two strips running alongside the roof molding, presumably for high-speed stability.

The legit Evo X also has flared arches, which are more pronounced towards the rear. Look at a legit Evo X and you’ll spot that the flared bits even include the bumper and parts of the rear door. It is also why a converted Evo X will never look right when viewed from the rear, as it lacks the flared arches for that planted, ready-to-pounce looks.

Depending on model year, the real Evo X’s boot can be opened via a button located on the lower right corner of the boot – a feature that’s missing on the Inspira.

There are also a bunch of differences, such as the turbocharged 2.0-litre 4B11T engine, 5-speed manual transmission or 6-speed dual-clutch automatic (Twin Clutch SST), prop shaft and rear drive shafts, Brembo brakes, infotainment system, steering wheel, meter cluster, and bucket seats that separate the real Evo X from a converted one.

That said, these are trivial stuff that can easily be overcome by any Inspira owner that’s determined enough to pull off a near-perfect conversion, down to swapping out the Inspira’s powertrain for the Evo X’s turbocharged, all-wheel drive combo.

For the casual folks however, keeping an eye out for these bits should be enough to tell between a fake Evo X from the real deal.

Don't laugh at people who convert their Inspira to an Evo X, because when you give up the price scale, the fakery continues with Alphard / Vellfire converted into the Lexus LM.

Also Read: Only RM26k to convert, here's how to tell a cheap fake from a genuine Lexus LM