MITSUBISHI celebrated the London launch of its new direct injection petrol engine with a £1.2 million order for Carisma GDIs. Office equipment company Sharples Group confirmed an order for 87 Carismas powered by the 1.8 Gasoline Direct Injection engine after receiving an early evaluation car.

Chairman Bill Sharples was all set to buy diesel-engined cars until he tested the GDI and was impressed by its performance, refinement and economy. The new Carisma fleet will replace Toyota Corolla diesels, which form the bulk of the group's 111-vehicle fleet. The first of the cars will be delivered later this year and will be used by service technicians covering up to 35,000 miles a year.