NAME: VAREEK BHAI AGE: 24 LOCATION: WELLINGTON OCCUPATION: BANKER

NZ Performance Car : Hey, Vareek. Tell us how you got into cars and what led you to owning this Evo.

Vareek: Hi, NZPC. Like a lot of people, it was movies and games growing up — The Fast and the Furious, Need for Speed: Underground 1 and 2; you know how it is. Before I owned the X, I had a VII — it was a solid platform for power and a tough street presence, but I wanted a newer model for the fresher tech and a modern look. The aggressive aesthetic look of the Evo X, and with the integration of the newer 4B11T engine, as well as the welldesigned cockpit, made it a super desirable car for me.

We can see why. Being a newer car with a decent price tag attached, were you scared to modify it?

I imported it bone stock straight from Japan and only planned to modify it with a set of coilovers paired with complimenting wheels, due to fear of ruining an Evo X. That first iteration was it slammed over a set of bronze Work D9Rs with some minor bolt-on modifications making a solid 230kW. The itch to keep modifying continued as I became complacent with the power level, and, with an increase in that region, I wanted a more unique look to go with it.

That old trap. Where do you take inspiration from with the mods?

My main inspiration comes from the stance movement, with influences from across Japan and the US. Seeing Evos with solid fitment and bodies laying frame on the ground always makes me want to go lower.

And how did the black and gold theme come about?

I find the Evo X has a more refined and elegant look than its predecessor, [so] with this in mind I wanted to maintain that elegance while selecting a tasteful theme that kept it classy. Although the gold elements on the car are subtle, the combination with the bronze lip and pearl black paint complement each other to create the perfect theme for me.

Good call. What’s it like to drive?

Functionality and practicality have always been considered with all modifications to ensure [that] the car is still enjoyable for all [types of] driving … With the current ride height, travel routes have to be planned to avoid damaging the lip and underbody, but that is all part of the fun living the static life.

Gotta watch out for those Speedbumps! Thanks for chatting, Vareek.

THANKS: My parents, Jagdish and Varsha Bhai; my partner, Jessica Master; my brother, Maveek Bhai; Azhar Bhamji; Nimesh Patel; Hiral Bhai; Steve Kerr at Stealth Ride; Reuben Bemrose at R’s Garage; Khrunal Mahendra at Sumo Kit; Chris Wall at Prestige...