MITSUBISHI Motors has launched a brand new model in South Africa in a market position it has not traded in before – and it is set to shake up the market. The Mitsubishi Mirage is a player in the super-mini segment which is breaking new ground for the company, and at a time when finances are tight and sales hard to come by.
The car has been making waves in the international market.
Awards include the 2014 Automotive Science Group's Best All-round Performance Award in North America, the 2012-2013 Car of the Year award by the Car Awards Group in the Philippines and an 18 out of 20 rating by Top Gear magazine in the Philippines, which described the Mirage as "the sweetest deal in town" for single people or young couples on a budget".
Perhaps most significantly, the Mirage was named one of Forbes Magazine's "12 Greenest Cars of 2014" – one of only two non-hybrid vehicles to make the coveted list.
Three new Mirage derivatives offer different levels of specification.
The funky, fashionable and youthful exterior styling sees a distinct design language, giving the car a unique character.
The new range is fronted by the new 1.2 MIVEC GL, which includes standard equipment such as keyless entry, a radio/CD audio system, colour-coded bumpers, a third rear brake light, electric power steering with a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, a multi-information display, front electric windows and manual air conditioning with a pollen filter. Fourteen-inch steel wheels are available as well as a full-size spare.
The 1.2 MIVEC GLX represents the mid-range model, adding a number of features to GL specification. These include a fuel efficiency indicator in the instrument panel, 15-inch alloy wheels with a full-size alloy spare, colour-coded mirrors and door handles, electric side mirrors, a cheeky rear spoiler with integrated third brake light, a leather-bound multi-function steering wheel, an accessory socket and a USB port added to the audio system.
Topping the new range is the 1.2 MIVEC GLS, which features keyless starting to complement the keyless entry, rear electric windows, auto up/down for the driver's window with an anti-pinch function, fully automatic climate control and front fog lights.
The upbeat and cheerful paint highlights the fun-to-drive element of the vehicle. From lemonade yellow metallic to medium blue mica and red metallic, all hues liven up the super-mini's already bubbly personality.
The five-door has either 14 or 15-inch wheels, and the pert rear end features a sassy design theme and characterful tail light clusters.
Inside, the car boasts an unexpectedly roomy cabin, finished in attractive and durable cloth trim. All models also feature five cup or bottle holders, folding rear seats and height adjustment for the driver's seat.
Standard features across the range include dual airbags, air conditioning, electric windows, a radio/CD audio system and steering wheel audio controls.
But the biggest plus factor is the lively engine.
Each of the three derivatives is powered by Mitsubishi's surprisingly sprightly 1.2-litre, three- cylinder DOHC petrol engine.
The impressive power – 57kW at 6000rpm – is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The 100Nm of torque peaks at 4000rpm.
Featuring MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control), fuel efficiency was an important engineering attribute during development. The results speak for themselves – the Mirage is touted as the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid petrol-engined vehicle in the US.
Average fuel economy on the combined cycle in the South African context is just 4.9 litres per 100km, with CO2 emissions of 115g/km. The car is fitted with a 35-litre fuel tank which equates to a potential range of more than 700km – very good for cars of this engine size.
Lightweight construction also aids in reducing fuel consumption, and the Mirage is claimed to be the lightest five-door, five-passenger vehicle on sale in the US – its kerb weight is just 825kg.
All new models are backed by Mitsubishi's comprehensive three-year/100000km warranty. Service intervals are every 15000km, and a two-year 30000km service plan is included in the price.
Prices, which include 12 months comprehensive insurance, are:
1.2 MIVEC GL 5M/T R124900
1.2 MIVEC GL 5M/T R134900
1.2 MIVEC GLS 5M/T R144900
- Bobby Cheetham