• Detail changes for V-plate registration
• More GDI technology
• Wider price range
• New Sport models to ride on back of WRC image

The 2000 model year Mitsubishi Galant range of saloons and estate cars is being launched in the UK during the 'V' plate peak sales month of September. The range will start at �16,400 - which is �1,000 lower than the previous entry model. The latest generation Galant was introduced in 1997 but for the 2000 model year has undergone subtle changes to keep public interest. The introduction of Mitsubishi's GDI 'eco' engine to meet emission issues, and a 'Sport' trim specification version will be announced later this year.

The Galant's range has the following on the road prices:

Galant Saloon:
• 2.0 GLX (Manual/automatic): �16,400/-
• 2.0 GLS (Manual/automatic): �18,000/�19,150
• 2.4 GDI (Manual/automatic): �19,600/�20,750
• 2.5 V6 (Manual/automatic): �23,200/�24,350
• SPORT (Manual/automatic): �TBC/�TBC
  
  Galant Estate:
• 2.0 GLX (Manual/automatic): �17,300/-
• 2.0 GLS (Manual/automatic): �18,900/�20,050
• 2.4 GDI (Manual/automatic): �20,500/�21,650
• 2.5 V6 (Manual/automatic): �24,100/�25,250
• SPORT (Manual/automatic): �TBC/�TBC

GDI TECHNOLOGY
Foremost of the new features is Mitsubishi's award-winning GDI engine, introduced for the first time in the Galant in the 2.4-litre capacity. GDI technology was first used in the Carisma in Europe in 1997. Potentially, it can provide 20 per cent better fuel consumption, a 20 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 10 per cent power increase, when compared to a conventional petrol engine of equivalent capacity. Note that it can not do all of the above at the same time. The engine is far from perfect just yet, although it is a good start.

Sophisticated Transmission
Another example of Mitsubishi's advanced engineering is the INVECS II Sports Mode 4-speed automatic transmission (there's a mouthful). Available in the Galant for the first time in Europe, the Sports Mode function, with INVECS II learning capabilities, allows the hands-on control of a manual transmission with the clutch-free convenience of an automatic. This is quite a fad for manufacturers at the moment.

Enhanced styling
The Galant's distinctive styling, introduced in 1997, broke the traditional Japanese image of the Galant and replaced it with a more European look - sharp and purposeful. For the new model year a new chrome front grille and front bumper, sculptured for better aerodynamics and featuring round clear fog lights on all models except the new entry GLX version. At the rear end of the saloon model, the matching oval profile rear fog lights are inset into new rear light clusters.

Interior
Inside, the Galant's highly luxurious five-seat layout is retained but with the inclusion of new seat fabrics. All five seats now benefit from the fitment of three-point ELR/ALR seat belts. New materials are also utilised in interior trim, such as the chromium gear selector panel on automatic versions, and the wood and leather steering wheel, extensive wood trim on the top 2.5 V6 models, which also include new black leather trim in combination with selected exterior colours.

Safety features include driver and passenger airbags, ABS braking, an anti-theft alarm system, plus side passenger airbags on top 2.5 V6 models. Additionally, the Galant is the first medium saloon car in it's class to achieve a 5-star rating in side impact tests carried out by the American Highway Traffic Safety administration (NHTSA). According to the NHTSA test results, the Galant's side impact protection was awarded 5-star rating for the driver and 4-star rating for rear passenger safety. This was better than the results achieved by the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, or any other vehicle tested in the medium-priced saloon sector.

Revised model line-up
A new entry level 2.0-litre GLX model which joins the range in November is powered by the 134bhp, 1,997cc four cylinder engine and will be available with 5-speed manual transmission only. This is followed by the popular 2.0-litre GLS, which includes the availabilty of 4-speed Sports-mode automatic transmission. Next in the range, from November, is the newly developed 2.4-litre GLS incorporating the GDI engine. This unit develops 147bhp from the 2,351cc four-cylinder engine. Again manual and automatic options are available.

Mitsubishi's super smooth 2.5 V6 engine powers the flagship models un the 2.5 V6 model. This 161bhp unit boasts ECI-MULTI fuel injection and a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed Sports mode INVECS-II automatic transmissions. The 2.5-litre V6 engine also powers the new Sport specification variant, to be launched in November, which also features performance-orientated body styling with matching interior trim. Mitsubishi are finally going to profit from their rally car image!

The new 2.0 GLX, 2.4 GDI GLS and 2.5 V6 Sport variants will be introduced later this year, probably at the London motor show in October. We'll be there.

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