Thirty-two minutes between Ashford and London – that is the impressive time clocked up by one of the new “bullet” trains.

In a test on the high-speed line between Ashford International and St Pancras, the train covered the 57 miles in half the time it takes conventional electric trains to cover the same distance.

Hitachi Europe says it was part of the intensive testing programme taking place in readiness for the trains coming into service from December, 2009.

The new Class 395, which have been dubbed Javelins, are destined to be the flagships of Southeastern rail services.

Hitachi general manager Alistair Dormer said: “We are confident that we will meet deadlines and get the trains up and running commercially on the London to Ashford route in 2009.”

Southeastern operations director Mike Hodson confirmed around 100 drivers are being trained to drive the new trains.

He said: “The first to drive them have already spoken enthusiastically about the comfortable, efficient cabs and the smooth, quiet ride.”