MITSUBISHI'S aim to install GDI engines across its whole European petrol engine range by 2005 has been strengthened with the unveiling of a 1.5-litre GDI engine in Japan. The new in-line GDI direct injection petrol engine has just been developed in Japan, but a European launch date has not yet been finalised.

Substantial overhauls will be needed to run European specification fuel, which differs from Japanese petrol. Three European models are on sale with GDI engines - the 2.4-litre Space Wagon, the 1.8-litre Carisma and the 1.8-litre Colt Space Star. It is widely speculated that a 2.4-litre GDI engine will appear in the European Galant range in the near future.