THE Evolution has certainly evolved. Where once the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution epitomised the boy racer and his flashy ways, the latest version of this high-performance model has - amazingly - acquired refined manners and more sophisticated behaviour.

The newfound personality of the Evolution X - the 10th-generation Lancer Evolution - seems to have skewed the buyer profile too. New owners of the car are now said to be older and married with a family; they are not buying the car for racing but rather, to enjoy its prodigious performance.

If you can recover long enough to pick your jaw up from the floor, it is worth noting that the Evo line of cars has undergone a fundamental change. This souped-up, rally-based version of the Lancer sedan began life in 1992 and could only be described as hardcore.

The first tangible signs of change were seen in 2005 with the Evo IX. Compared with its predecessor, the Evo VIII, the ninth iteration of the Evo had better sound insulation and less lag, thanks to a new titanium-magnesium turbocharger.

More importantly, you could drive around comfortably with a full bladder because the new dampers mitigated the harsh ride and any danger of an accidental leakage.

But now, the Evo X has taken things to a level of luxury no Evo fan has experienced. The low speed ride is still hard but it isn't crashy. The stiffly sprung suspension is sophisticated enough to provide for a (thin) bottom layer of cushioning.

The steering also feels beefier and is lighter than before. The body rigidity is also much improved and the insulation from road noise and other vibration and harshness even better.

Most significantly, the rear bench is now comfortable enough for humans. Anyone who has been in the back of an old Evo will tell you it wasn't quite a seat as much as a layer of foam covered with some stretchy fabric. And despite the large Recaro front seats, there is now ample rear legroom.

For all the refinement, the rallying heritage and PlayStation-like handling abilities are still alive in this all-wheel-drive rocket. The acceleration from zero to 100 kmh may not feel as explosive as before but it is more linear and feels more controlled.

The only quibble is that for something as fast as the Evo X, it only has a five-speed manual transmission. And the base version - which costs a substantial $137,000 - doesn't come with the premium variant's Bilstein dampers, BBS alloy wheels and leather Recaro seats. The latter costs $8,000 extra.

Even pricier is the version with the twin clutch SST, which works on the same principle as Volkswagen's brilliant DSG or Direct Shift Gearbox. That Evo X will be listed at $155,000 when it is available next month.

This high-speed icon has moved up the premium and price scales.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
Engine: 1,998cc turbocharged
Gearbox: 5-speed manual transmission
Max power: 280 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Max torque: 422 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
0-100 kmh: 5.0 secs
Top speed: 250 kmh
Price: from $136,988 (with COE)
Distributor: Cycle & Carriage, tel 6473-9722