A mean green machine; NU REG 57.

THIS year has proved a busy one for Japanese car maker Mitsubishi with two major new model launches in the shape of sports utility vehicle the Outlander and, more recently, the i-minicar.

The latter - a rear-mid-engined, four-seat with one highly-specified model - is priced at pounds 8,999 and has already achieved cult status in Japan with its futuristic styling, agile handling and clever use of interior space.

The Outlander line-up is simple, giving customers the choice of entry level Equippe at pounds 19,449 - which should return 42.8mpg due to having slightly smaller wheels - Warrior for pounds 21,999 or flagship Elegance at pounds 24,749. Intelligent packaging means it can carry seven passengers yet actually casts a smaller footprint - in other words takes up less space on the road - than most five-seat family cars.

And the claim may sound a bit spurious but when CO2 is measured on a 'per passenger' basis, Outlander becomes one of the greenest cars on the road.

There's plenty to like about the new Outlander, from its chunky off-road styling with that signature 'Mount Fuji' grille and fresh interior styling.

Another Mitsubishi range to really earn its stripes is the supermini-size Colt thanks to the arrival of two special edition Black Hawk models.

Both are based on three-door versions of Mitsubishi's funky hatchback, the distinctive Black Hawk styling giving the car's already fun and sporty looks an additional dose of street-cred.

As its name suggests, customers can choose any colour they like - so long as it's black.

But with two silver stripes running from front-to-back, over the centre of the bonnet, roof and tailgate, plus privacy-glass fitted to the side and rear windows, the Black Hawk will certainly stand out from the flock.

The Colt Black Hawk features Mitsubishi's nippy 1124 cc, 12-valve engine, which delivers pocket-friendly motoring by achieving an impressive 5ompg and delivering an insurance group rating of just 3E.

This smaller-engined version of the two comes complete with a set of purposeful 16-inch alloy wheels, plus the option of air-conditioning.

The Colt Black Hawk CZT is based on the high-performance member of the Colt family - the turbocharged 1468CC CZT which is capable of reaching 62mph in 7.2 seconds and a top-speed of 132mph.

CAPTION(S):

The Outlander is said to be one of the greenest cars on the road