THE ninth generation of Mitsubishi's award-winning Lancer Evolution supercar will go on sale in the UK from next month.

A development of the special edition Evolution VIII MR, the Lancer Evolution IX combines a series of detail improvements with an unchanged price tag.

There will be UK-specific models: the FQ-300, costing £27,999, the FQ-320 for £29,999 and the flagship FQ-340 at £32,999.

Although the dramatic, rally-bred lines of the Lancer Evolution are instantly familiar, "Evo" spotters will notice a number of subtle revisions.

A redesigned front bumper echoes the style of Mitsubishi's latest World Rally Car and incorporates additional cooling ducts. At the rear, the new bumper features a diffuser for improved aerodynamics, while the new-design five-spoke Enkei alloy wheels are designed to reduce the unsprung mass of the car and improve the handling.

Inside, the simple, driver-focussed fascia is retained and so are the Recaro sports seats and Momo steering wheel. The "Evo" has always been a practical supercar and the IX provides room for five adults and their luggage. Air-conditioning, electric windows, four airbags and alarm are standard on every model, while the FQ-340 adds SmartNav satellite navigation and leather Alcantara seats.

Arguably the most significant dynamic change is the introduction of special variable valve timing technology, which improves the engine's efficiency throughout the rev range. Increased performance at high engine speeds and a smoother torque curve provide a three per cent improvement in fuel economy and exhaust emissions.

The FQ-300 produces 305bhp at 6950rpm, while revisions to the engine's air supply increase the output of the FQ-320 to 326bhp at 6700rpm. The flagship FQ-340 develops 345bhp at 6800rpm, enough to propel it from 0-62mph in 4.3seconds.

The Bilstein suspension system introduced on the Lancer Evolution VIII MR is retained for the IX, with the exception of the rear springs, which are shorter than before. This lowers the car slightly, improving rear-end stability and enabling the Lancer's electronically-controlled, all-wheel drive system to function more effectively.

The Evolution IX is the final instalment in a Lancer series that dates back to the Evolution I of 1992. Since then, Lancer rally cars have won the driver's World Rally Championship on four occasions.

An all-new and radically different Lancer Evolution will be launched by Mitsubishi in 2007.

Dealer: York Mitsubishi, Gret North Way, York Business Park, Nether Poppleton, York (01904 600600).

Updated: 09:23 Friday, May 27, 2005