The new Outlander range includes an overhauled exterior, complete with a jet-fighter grille, a new skid plate and chrome bezels for the front fog lamps.

A twin-clutch SST transmission makes the car more environmentally friendly, while the electric time and alarm control system has been upgraded and the braking efficiency is greatly improved.

The first available derivative of the new range will be the Juro Special Edition, set to go on sale from July 1st.

Offering a 2.2 diesel engine and a choice of manual or SST auto transmissions, the Juro also comes with leather seats as standard and newly-designed 18 inch alloys for a price of £25,999.

In March this year, the Japanese car manufacturer announced the pricing and specifications of its firs electric model, the i-MiEV, which, it said, would be extremely inexpensive to run. They will cost £33,699.

Scheduled to hit the road on December 12th, 25 of the electric cars recently arrived from Japan at Royal Portbury Docks in Bristol.

The i-MiEV is said to generate absolutely no emissions, seat four people and run for 100 miles before the need for charging its battery arises.

It can reach a top speed of 81 mph and will cost owners only 96p to fully charge, the manufacturer claims.

Once the models are ready to experience UK roads, they will be used as part of a government trial in the West Midlands.

Mitsubishi, which already sells the i-MiEV in Japan, hopes to begin European production in October of next year. It says the car has "flown out the door" with customers in Asia, while another 900 orders have already been placed for 2010.

Last month, it was announced that the lithium-ion-powered vehicle won an award at the Tokyo International Motor Show 2009.

It took the prize for most advanced technology.

Judges at the 2009 GreenFleet Awards praised the motor for its straightforward, conventional controls and practical cabin layout.

The model was named Electric Vehicle of the Year, with attention also being drawn to its impressive range and charge time, as well as its four-seat functionality.

Able to cover 100 miles, the auto can travel the same distance again after being plugged in for six hours.

Mitsubishi’s sales and marketing director Toby Marshall said the car is just the beginning of the company’s green plans.

"The i MiEV is only the start of an exciting future for Mitsubishi Motors," he stated.

He added the group plans to demonstrate a range of eco-friendly technology at the upcoming auto show in Tokyo.

In related news, a number of British police forces are currently trialling the Mitsubishi i MiEV.

According to the group, models featuring its ClearTec systems now account for more than five per cent of its sales.

Managing director Lance Bradley revealed the eco-friendly technology already fitted to the Colt will soon start appearing in many of its other vehicles.

He stated: "We have a great environmental message to tell at Mitsubishi and we are looking forward to the CO2 emission levels of our cars dropping considerably over the coming months."

This comes as the company reported last month’s sales were up 57 per cent, compared with July 2008.

It pointed out this meant it achieved a spot in the top ten most improved registration figures.

Meanwhile, motorists keen to improve their green credentials may find replacing worn car parts can help.

Drivers should be able to find spares from a range of manufacturers online.

Buyers can now opt for 2.0 DI-D SE and GSE versions of the model.

The first of these options comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, side and curtain airbags, Bluetooth, a third row for additional passengers and privacy glass.

Meanwhile, the second variation comes with even more extra features, including a ceiling-mounted DVD player and leather seats.

The SE edition of the car is priced at £19,999, while the GSE will set buyers back an additional £1,500.

Commenting on the range, the manufacturer said: "Mitsubishi Motors’ Outlander has distinctive styling and combines estate car versatility, safety orientated all-wheel drive stability and athletic off road dynamics with class leading green credentials."

Meanwhile, motorists who already own one of the group’s vehicles may find they can keep it running smoothly for years to come with Mitsubishi car spares bought online.

According to the company, its NedCar plant in Holland – which has just produced its millionth auto – is run in a way that ensures the firm helps to preserve the planet for generations to come.

With the international ISO 14001 standard for environmental care, the facility has reduced the CO2 emissions released in the production of each car by 27 per cent.

There has also been a 44 per cent cut in drinking water waste at the factory.

On top of this, the plant has lowered its solvent emissions per auto by 61 per cent.

The manufacturer claimed the latter statistic is one of the most impressive results in the whole of the European automotive industry.

Meanwhile, motorists who own one of the group’s models and want to do their bit for the planet may find they can cut their CO2 emissions by replacing worn vehicle parts with Mitsubishi car spares purchased online.