When I tested a IX FQ360 MR, my expectations were mixed. I expected a suicidal death rocket with evil turbo lag, crazy handling and a pretty chavvy image.

Then I saw it - I never liked the early one but post VI, they "grew up" and got a lot more likeable in my eyes. This looked great in dark metallic grey with a few subtle carbon bits and sensible sized but very nice alloys.

I fired it up with more than a little apprehension - 366bhp in a small saloon weighing a modest amount simply sounded bonkers. It started fine, settled into a fairly smooth idle, went into gear fine and had a perfectly useable clutch.

Driving it soon showed the true colours of the car - everything happens MUCH faster than almost anything with no penalty in drivability. There's a bit of lag but it's not an issue and it simply goes like the clappers. I tested it on fast A roads, tight Bs and even a near farm track and was astonished by the grip - it feels like the rear wheels steer too (that'll be the AYC) and "help" you deploy all the power out of almost any bend. I've not experienced anything like it since - the next fastest car (with a higher top speed - an F355) made a lot of fuss but was slower in 95% of situations. The Evo just went where you wanted, struck a great balance of involvement yet approachability and is a true weapon.

The arrival of two kids and a dog meant a saloon is a no no but I am still planning on getting one at some stage. If that's "Playstation driving" then I'm in.

Pretty good summary, my friend had an evo 9 fq360, they really are ballistic, he never got over selling it and the e46 m3 he bought afterwards did nothing to fill the void.

260bhp engine only and grey import. Which scares me.

You realise they're all imports? All the official imports had were a few tweaks, a stinking great hole cut in the bumper for the foglight and ralliart badge added?