Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is to introduce an upgraded version of the European-bred CARISMA 4-door sedan produced at Netherlands Car B.V.*1 (NedCar) in Holland, a joint venture between Mitsubishi Motors, Volvo Car Corporation of Sweden and the Dutch government. The new model is powered by a 1.8-liter version of Mitsubishi's ultra-efficiency GDI eco-engine, uses the RISE*2 safety body with upgraded safety specification, and features detail changes to interior and exterior trim. The new GDI CARISMA goes on sale at Car Plaza dealerships throughout Japan on Wednesday, October 29.

CARISMA already enjoys growing popularity in Europe for its reliable chassis design, roomy interior, and quiet and sophisticated ride. The series became even more competitive in August when it became the first Mitsubishi model to be offered with the revolutionary GDI engine outside Japan.

GDI CARISMA LS

Major Product Features

(1) Powered by 1.8-liter GDI ultra-efficiency eco-engine

• The new GDI CARISMA is powered by Mitsubishi's GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine that achieves substantial reductions in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions over conventional gasoline power units. Compared with its 1.8-liter SOHC 16-valve port-injection cousin, this revolutionary power unit realizes a 30 percent reduction in fuel consumption, a 10 percent increase in power output for more relaxed performance at normal operating speeds, and a 30 percent reduction in global-warming carbon dioxide emissions.

(2) Upgraded safety specification

• Side airbags join SRS airbags for driver and front passenger as standard equipment, enhancing impact energy mitigation in a side crash.
• Mitsubishi's RISE safety body provides enhanced all-round occupant protection. Side crash protection is further enhanced by the use of stronger center pillars and side sills, and side airbags.
• Anti-lock braking, which enables the driver to retain directional control of his vehicle by stopping the wheels from locking under emergency braking and braking on slippery surfaces, is standard on all trim levels, LX included.
• Active safety is enhanced with Mitsubishi's INVECS-II smart automatic transmission that adapts shift scheduling to the driver's intent, driving pattern and to road conditions.
• Other safety features include anti-trapping power windows that stop and reverse direction when an obstacle is detected, and a high-intensity rear fog lamp that helps prevent rear-end collisions in heavy rain, fog and other poor visibility conditions by alerting following drivers to the presence of the vehicle.

(3) New-look interior and exterior trim adds to European flavor

• A new horizontal bar grille adds a sportier touch to the front view.
• Inside, a new design of black seat upholstery mirrors the sportier exterior.

(4) Appointments

• A liquid crystal display under the speedometer provides average and spot fuel consumption read outs, enabling the driver to visually appreciate the GDI engine's thrifty performance.
• Comfort and convenience features include the retention of the large front seats with step-less adjustment of backrest angle and of squab front and rear height (driver's seat), and the central locking system that permits door locks to be operated from the trunk lid lock, together with a new keyless entry system (LS).
• One-touch operation controls and fully-automatic climate control with pictograph display are retained (LS).
• In-car entertainment is provided by a compact 1-DIN size full logic AM/FM stereo cassette with 6 speakers (supports CD auto-changer).