MITSUBISHI is rolling out new models as if there is no tomorrow. A new Colt and Shogun are here, and later this month there will be a new Lancer line-up.

Now in its ninth generation, the Lancer signifies Mitsubishi's return to the larger family saloon market.

There will be a four-door saloon and five-door estate with prices ranging from £9,999 to £11,999.

Powered by a 1.6-litre 96bhp 16-valve engine, the Lancer offers two trim levels, the Equippe saloon at £9,999 and estate at £10,499 plus the leather-clad Elegance saloon with a price ticket of £10,749 and estate at £11,249. Mitsubishi's four-speed automatic transmission with sports mode costs an extra £500.

The entry level saloon can get quickly off the mark for the 0-62mph sprint, in 11.8-seconds says Mitsubishi, and also returns healthy economy figures with 41.5mpg at the combined rate, while the estate takes 12.6-seconds for the sprint, and returns 40.4mpg combined.

Topping the range is the stand-alone £11,999 2.0-litre 16-valve Sport estate. It is some load carrier: It comes in estate form only, with a manual gearbox, and capable of covering the 0-62mph dash in ten-seconds, and returns 32.5mpg at the combined rate.

The specification package for all but the Sport estate lists as standard 15-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint, air conditioning, CD player, keyless entry, colour-keyed door mirrors with defoggers, front fog lights, power door mirrors, height adjustable driver's set, 60/50 rear seat split and rear seat adjustable head restraints.

Also both models get a colour-keyed rear spoiler.

The Sport has 16-inch alloy wheels, Momo three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel, sporty front seats, a CVD auto-changer, sports-type front grille and a lowered suspension.

Mitsubishi expects to sell 3,000 Lancers this year, with more than two thirds being the estate.

Dealer: York Mitsubishi, Great North Way, York Business Park, Nether Poppleton (01904 600600).

Updated: 11:44 Friday, February 11, 2005