This is the new Mitsubishi Lancer saloon, due for launch in Ireland in September of next year. It will be followed by a hatchback version in December 2007.
These first official images of the new car were released this week, revealing a much improved design for a model that's vital to the future success of the Japanese brand.
Mitsubishi has gone through several years of financial hardship that culminated in former partners DaimlerChrysler (DC) refusing to invest any more money in the brand.
The two firms parted ways but the Lancer is based on designs and engineering created during that partnership.
It shares its platform with the new Outlander and also features the same 2-litre diesel engine. A 1.5-litre petrol engine will also be offered.
While no internal shots are available yet, Mitsubishi has confirmed the new car will feature much the same interior look as the new Outlander, including the deepset driver-orientated instrument panel.
A high-performance version, the EVO X, will be introduced in February 2008.
Pricing and specification are not yet confirmed but the saloon version is expected to start at just under €20,000, with other prices rising by between €1,000 and €1,500 more than the current versions.
- Michael McAleer