2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Prices: $32,990-$38,290

Forget the outlaw street racer image of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. It's become a far more refined mature sports sedan, although it's still exceptionally fast and has race-track handling.

The 2009 compact Evolution is little changed from the redesigned 2008 model, which returned after a year's absence and was larger and more civilized than the starker 2002-06 models. However, the stronger, more rigidly built new-generation "Evo" still has features of Mitsubishi's world-class race-rally cars.

Some may feel that the Evolution is pricey, but it's hard to put a price on fun, and this car can stay with Porsches on tracks. The base GSR version costs $32,990 and comes with an improved five-speed manual gearbox. The higher-line MR lists at $38,290 and has added features and a new twin-clutch six-speed automatic transmission, which promises to expand the Evolution's market.

The new transmission might be referred to as an "automatic/manual." It provides ultra-quick shifts if left in automatic mode and lighting-fast manual shifts if the steering wheel paddles or console shifter lever are used.

The sophisticated transmission is called the Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST to its fans). It can be set to Normal, Sport or S-sport modes to let drivers choose their desired shift behavior. The sixth gear allows easier cruising than with the five-speed manual gearbox.

Car fans who no longer can own two-seaters because of a growing family can have their cake and eat it, too, with the "Evo" because it will outrun many sports car and easily seats four tall adults.

The usefully shaped trunk has a lid that raises smoothly on hydraulic struts and is decently sized. However, it lacks height for taller objects and rear seatbacks don't fold forward for extra cargo space.

A sophisticated new, turbocharged 2-liter, 291-horsepower four-cylinder engine generates an impressive 300 pound-feet of torque for quick response. It's only somewhat noisy during hard acceleration, when turbocharger "whistle" can be heard. Figure on 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

This is no economy car, despite its compact size. Estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg in the city and 22 on highways with the five-speed manual and 17 and 22 with the new automatic. Premium-grade fuel is required.

The Evolution has features such as standard automatic climate control, a decent sound system and power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry.

The MR adds the automatic transmission, leather/suede upholstery, keyless access and starting and xenon headlights.

Safety features for both versions include front-side and side-curtain air bags and a driver-side knee air bag. There also are traction control and an anti-skid system..

The Evolution has a scary looking front end that resembles the front of an attacking shark. It also has a hood scoop and flared fenders to accommodate wide, high-performance tires on large forged light alloy 18-inch wheels. There also are numerous air intakes and dual exhausts. A tall rear spoiler helps keep it stable at its 155-mph top speed but partly hinders driver visibility.

The Evolution also has an aluminum roof panel, front fenders and hood to reduce performance-stifling weight. Mitsubishi didn't miss a trick in giving the Evolution a high-performance design. For example, the trunk contains the battery and washer fluid to improve weight distribution for optimum handling.

This car is a blast even at lower speeds because it's blessed with quick, firm, telepathic steering response and exceptional handling, with extra grip from an advanced all-wheel-drive system and limited-slip differentials.

Powerful competition-style Brembo ventilated disc brakes allow short stopping distances from high speeds. They're controlled by a pedal that is easily modulated for consistently smooth stops.

While the new-generation Evolution's ride quality is smoother and high-speed stability is improved, average drivers likely will find the ride to be too firm, and sharp bumps are felt.

Shorter drivers sit low and high window sills may make even tall ones feel a little closed-in. There's no height-adjustable driver's seat, but a tilt (but not telescoping) steering wheel can help accommodate those of various heights. Rear door openings are a bit narrow.

The interior is upgraded, but materials generally aren't special, considering the car's prices. It's designed for serious drivers, with such items as race-style Recaro bucket seats. Backlit gauges can be quickly read once you get used to the fact that the "0" mark on the speedometer and tachometer are put lower (race-style) than normal and that there are no numbers for the "30," "50" and "70," (etc.) mph speedometer readings.

Dashboard audio controls are small, but climate controls are large. Front console cupholders are located to prevent spills, and cabin storage is adequate, with front door pockets, console storage bin and a fairly large glove compartment. Rear power windows lower all the way.

A thick, competition-style, leather-wrapped steering wheel allows a nice grip has audio and cruise controls.

Optional for the MR is an inviting $2,550 Technology Package that contains a navigation system, higher-line Rockford Fosgate sound system, digital music hard drive and satellite radio.

The heavy hood is held open by just a hood prop, but the neatly designed engine compartment has fluid-filler areas that can be reached without getting clothes dirty.

Despite its newfound civility, the Lancer Evolution is still a wild child.