Little versus large in pursuit of ERC Greatest Car progression

Renault’s Clio Super 1600 and Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution IX were frontrunners during the early years of the FIA European Rally Championship’s modern era, which began in 2004 when the ERC was streamlined into the format recognisable today.  

Having powered Simon Jean-Joseph and Renato Travaglia to the 2004 and 2005 ERC titles respectively, the Clio S1600 secured its quarter-final berth by defeating the Citroën C2 Super 1600 in the first round.

Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution IX triumphed in a battle of the Group N greats to reach the quarter-final, taking on and beat the Subaru Impreza STI N12. Although the Lancer Evolution IX didn’t power an ERC champion, it was behind eight event wins.

Here’s a reminder of the key numbers and don’t forget to follow the ERC’s social media channels to vote.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX
Active years: 2006-2017
ERC rally wins: 8
ERC podiums: 26
ERC titles: 0  

Renault Clio Super 1600
Active years: 2002-2015
ERC rally wins: 11
ERC podiums: 25
ERC titles: 2  

ERC Greatest Car of the modern era explained
It’s not just the drivers who have starred since the FIA European Rally Championship calendar was streamlined into the format recognisable today.  

Following that landmark moment in 2004, some of the greatest rally cars ever built have battled for glory in the various categories that continue to ensure the ERC remains as popular as it is relevant.  

Fans have been backing their favourites from a shortlist of 16 great ERC cars prepared by our team of experts. Employing bracketology, voting is available through the ERC’s social media channels with a 24-hour window to vote for each pairing. The winner will be announced on 4 December.  

Up next (21 November): Quarter-Final 4: Peugeot 208 Rally4 v Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo