iT is known as Evil Evo. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution accelerates like a bullet from a gun and has sexy, rally-car looks.

Turn the ignition key and this malevolent monster growls at you like a deranged, rabid tiger with the hairiest of hangovers. And, with a simply astonishing 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds, the Evo is evil all right.

As for the evolution of the Evolution, I reckon its ancestry can be traced all the way back to... the XR3i.

The Ford Escort XR3i was the ultimate boy racer's car in the 1980s. It had spoilers, alloys and a noisy exhaust, and it turned heads. The Evo also has spoilers and a huge rear wing, blinging wheels and a massive exhaust - and you get looks aplenty.

In fact, a gang of hoodies at my local shop almost dropped their beer cans when I came roaring into the car park. When I left minutes later, I received nods of approval from the Boys in the Hoods. Respect!

I test-drove the ninth-generation Evo, which first went on sale in June, and it boasts impressive improvements to engine power and economy.

Another subtle alteration is the lowering of the rear suspension springs which further enhances already excellent cornering ability - although it does make for a slightly bumpier ride.

A restyled front bumper now frames the Mitsubishi diamond emblem, head and tail lamps have been restyled and the car also includes a flashy-looking mesh grille that improves engine cooling.

Mitsubishi engineers have saved 7.5kg in car weight with the introduction of an aluminium roof and side impact bars, to complement the aluminium bonnet that featured on the standard VIII. And the famous carbon-fibre rear wing has now been hollowed out to save a few more ounces.

Losing the pounds means the car boasts the kind of acceleration that most other motor companies can only dream about.

Flooring the pedal in the Evo is probably the closest that I will ever come to feeling real G-force. You are literally forced back into the superb sporty bucket seats - and you stay there until your speed begins to stabilise.

This astonishing acceleration, coupled with a superb four-wheel drive system, means city driving is a real thrill. Long-distance travel is also a treat - the car offers a comfortable drive and the well-laid out interior was spacious enough for me, my wife, two young nieces and a nephew.

The Evo IX continues to use Mitsubishi's 1,997cc four-cylinder turbo engine to provide huge power, including more torque at low speeds. Other class touches include the sports-style steering wheel and Snow driving options.