UK Mitsubishi dealers will get a new ASX plug-in hybrid, Mirage global small car and a new Outlander by the start of 2013.

The company is looking to tone down its image for big four-wheel drive models and sports cars like the Evo.

Lance Bradley, managing director of Mitsubishi UK, said: "These are great cars to have but we also have to note that our customers, and potential customers, are more environmentally aware.

“We are working with our dealers to get the message across, even telling customers that at our factory in Holland, the lights are turned off - the cars are built by robots and they don't need light to work in.

“The small car could be very important for us, we have already been negotiating the pricing with the factory and so this is a good opportunity.”

Bradley said Mitsubishi plans to have an electric or hybrid version of each of its models in the future and he believes the company could reach this goal before any other manufacturer in the UK.