Can a mouse become a man? Can an ordinary Mitsubishi be more macho? Apparently so.

The Lancer sedan is shedding its entry-level reputation by metamorphosing from a low-priced everyman's car to a bigger and more expensive model. The new car is called the Lancer EX, the ninth generation in a model line that stretches all the way back to 1973 and the original Colt Lancer.

It replaces the eighth-generation Lancer GLX (which will still be offered here for at least the next three years because of its competitive pricing) but one would be hard put to find any similarities between the two.

The old car was a timorous creature (except in turbocharged Evolution form); the new car has bulked up and looks more confident and masculine.

First seen as a concept almost two years ago, the new wedge-shaped Lancer has distinctive looks because of its 'shark's nose' and slim headlamps. The menacing mien is intentional, says its chief designer, because Mitsubishi wanted a radical departure from the 'weary and cliched' sedan.

It works. The Lancer EX has handsome, beefy looks. The high shoulders also convey an impression of strength, something the styling of the narrow old car never came close to.

But the most interesting aspect of the redesign is the car's enhanced size. The wheelbase is 35 mm longer and overall, the car is a lot wider and taller because Mitsubishi wants to appeal to a wider segment of buyers in more markets around the world.

Inside, the Lancer EX feels more spacious, with better elbow room. The old car's 1.6-litre engine has been replaced with two options - a 1.5 and a 2.0. There are two trim levels for the 1.5 - Elegance and Sports - starting from $62,988. Both are only available with a four-speed automatic transmission.

The 2.0 is more interesting. There are also the Elegance and Sports versions - but with a continuously variable transmission or CVT - as well as a higher-end GT, with sportier suspension (lowered by 30mm and stiffer) and slightly heavier steering.

The GT can be had with a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-step CVT with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Riding on 18-inch alloy wheels (compared with the 16- and 17-inch rims of the other variants), it offers a fairly comfortable and very reassuringly stable ride at high speed.

The hum of the CVT in the GT can be highly intrusive, but it abates somewhat when the transmission is changed manually.

But the biggest impression you will get of the new Lancer EX is probably how refined it has become. The sound insulation has improved, the body is 50 per cent more rigid, and the standard equipment key - less ignition and multifunction steering wheel, for example - is much higher. New style has certainly come with new substance.

Engine: 1,998cc
Gearbox: 5-speed manual or 6-step CVT
Max power: 155 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque: 199 Nm @ 4,250 rpm
0-100 kmh: 9.6 secs (M), 10.5 secs (CVT)
Top speed: 200 kmh
Price: From $76,988 (with COE)
Distributor: Cycle & Carriage. Tel: 6473-9722