MITSUBISHI plans to launch a new model on to the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) market.

It will be a 2.0-litre version of the Grandis seven-seat people carrier, offering four specifications and priced from £19,699.

The Grandis may be an MPV, but performance is very much a priority. Turbo-charged with 1,968cc the 16-valve diesel develops 134bhp at 4,000rpm and 310Nm at 1,750rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the Volkswagen-sourced engines gives the Grandis diesel a 0-62mph dash time of 10.8 seconds and, importantly, an economical combined fuel consumption of 43mpg.

The new Grandis rides on a fine-tuned lower suspension, and is described by Mitsubishi as "lower, sportier and sharper" than its competitors.

It remains one of the only full-size MPVs to have a rear row of seats that can be individually folded away into the floor in a simple operation that takes seconds. This feature, appropriately called "hide and seat" creates extra luggage room without having to struggle to remove and store seats elsewhere.

The four equipment specifications in the 2.0-litre diesel range are Classic, Equippe, Elegance and the range-topping Warrior.

Starting at £19,699, the entry-level Classic comes with equipment such as 17-inch alloy wheels, single MP3 compatible CD player, keyless entry and alarm, automatic air conditioning, front fog lamps, rear spoiler, electric door mirrors, leather steering wheel and height adjustable driver's seat with armrest.

Next on the list is the Equippe, which for £21,599 gains stability and traction control, dual sunroof, cruise control plus a 10-disc CD auto-changer. Add leather and in comes the £23,099 Elegance.

The flagship Warrior at £23,699 gets in addition a DVD entertainment system, specially-designed leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminium front grille plus chrome details such as wing mirrors, door handles, rear tailgate grip and exhaust trim.

Safety features include anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, driver and passenger front and side airbags plus curtain airbags for the first and second row of seats.

Launched a year ago with a 2.4-litre petrol engine, the Grandis has proved to be a hit in the United Kingdom with the car taking more than 16 per cent of the petrol MPV market. Now with a new diesel joining the line-up, Mitsubishi expects to sell an extra 4,700 models next year.

Updated: 11:08 Friday, July 29, 2005