THE 2000 model year Mitsubishi Galant range of saloons and estate cars was launched in the UK during the 'V' plate peak sales month of September, with the range starting at £16,400 - £1,000 cheaper than the previous entry model.

The Galant has a noble and respected history for the Mitsubishi marque. It was the name of the first two Mitsubishi models first introduced to the UK in 1974. The Galant was the first production car in the world to combine four-wheel-drive with four-wheel steering. It was the first Japanese car to win the British round of the world rally championship, the 1989 RAC Rally, it was the first production car in the world to use the revolutionary direct injection petrol engine technology, GDI.

Foremost of the new features is the GDI engine in the 2.4-litre capacity. Because of its exceptional fuel delivery characteristics, it can provide 20 per cent better fuel consumption, a 20 per cent reduction in gas emissions and a 10 per cent power increase.

Inside, the Galant's luxurious five-seat layout is retained but with the inclusion of new seat fabrics, plus air conditioning, electric windows, electric heated door mirrors, and keyless remote central locking. Safety features include driver and passenger airbags, ABS, anti theft alarm system and side passenger airbags on top 2.5 V6 models.

Mitsubishi's super smooth 2.5-litre V6 engine powers the flagship models in the 2.5 V6 model. This 161bhp unit is renowned for its silky smooth performance and astonishing refinement. It too boasts ECI-MULTI fuel injection and a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed Sports mode INVECS-II automatic transmissions. The 2.5-litre V6 engine also powers the new sport specification variant, launched in November. The new 2.0 GLX, 2.4 GDI GLS and 2.5 V6 Sport variants will be introduced later this year, probably at London Motor Show, Earls Court, in October.

For Mitsubishi in Wirral contact Mitchell Mitsubishi, New Chester Road, Eastham, on 328-5555.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.