MITSUBISHI has improved the Carisma's specification and increased prices by an average 2.1% for the new model year. Some models go up by more than £1,000 after Carisma sales soared by 86% over the same period last year thanks to buoyant fleet and retail demand and a very healthy August.

Early examples of the 1998-specification cars have already been sent out to key fleet and leasing customers and will be more generally available later this month - several weeks ahead of the planned introduction at the London Motor Show.

All 1998 Carismas get a passenger airbag, double angle driver's door mirror, and improved seat upholstery. They also benefit from technical improvements which include 12bhp more power from the 1.6 petrol engine, less noise from the diesel engine, wider tyres and better handling.

The mid-range GLX line-up now gets the choice of electric sunroof or air conditioning, tilt-adjustable front headrests and a luggage net and hooks, while the GLS benefits from automatic air conditioning, side SRS airbags and an outside temperature display.