Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today that it will launch the all-new Mirage global compact car at dealerships throughout Japan on August 31, 2012 at an MSRP ranging from ¥998,000 to ¥1,288,000.
A Fuel-efficient and Affordable Compact for Everyone
The new Mirage is a global compact car developed on the concepts of high fuel efficiency, affordable and compact (easy to drive), the ideal characteristics sought in a compact, and which meets the needs both emerging countries as an entry-level car as well as advanced markets as an “eco-car.” Following its debut in Thailand where the model is being produced, and rollouts in ASEAN countries and Japan, the Mirage will then be successively rolled out in Europe, Australia and other regions. The Mirage is the most fuel-efficient “eco-car” in Thailand; exceeding the requirements for the Thai government’s “eco-car” classification which allows tax subsidies. This achievement has been well received by the Thai people; over 33,000 orders have already been received for the Mirage in Thailand as of the end of July.
Best Fuel Efficiency
In Japan, the new Mirage will be offered in three trim levels with all models coming with a powertrain mating a new 1.0-liter 3-cylinder MIVEC*1 engine to a new version of the INVECS-III*2 CVT transmission. M and G trim levels employ Eco Drive Assist which promotes smarter and more fuel-efficient driving. AS&G*3 idle-stop and other technologies applied, the M and G trim levels achieve fuel economy of 27.2 km/liter*4 and make the Mirage the most fuel efficient registered gasoline car*5 in Japan. This figure is well over 20% better than Japan’s 2015 Fuel Efficiency Standards, which mean these trim levels qualify for the Japanese government’s “eco-car” classification thus are exempt from acquisition tax and motor vehicle tax at the time of purchase. While not equipped with AS&G, the E trim level still benefits from its extensive weight reductions, reductions in running and air resistance and other refinements in basic vehicular engineering technologies to return fuel economy of 23.2 km/liter*4. This is 10% better than the 2015 standard which means this trim level also qualifies for 75% reductions in acquisition tax and motor vehicle weight tax at the time of purchase as an eco-car. MMC has been taking orders for the new Mirage since June 26 and it has already proved very popular with orders for over 5,000 units as of the end of July.
*1: Mitsubishi Innovate Valve timing Electronic Control system.
*2: Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System. INVECS-III is a management system solely for CVTs.
*3: Auto Stop & Go
*4: Per the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s JC08 fuel-economy test cycle.
*5: Hybrid vehicles not included. As researched by Mitsubishi Motors at August 1, 2012.
1. MAIN FEATURES
1) High fuel efficiency
The Mirage achieves superior fuel economy due to its lightweight and high-tensile strength body powered by a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder MIVEC engine mated to the INVECS-III CVT transmission with sub-geartrain, extensive and painstaking reductions in weight, air resistance, and rolling resistance. The AS&G-equipped M and G trim levels return 27.2 km/liter, the best for any registered gasoline car in Japan, while the non-AS&G E trim level returns 23.2 km/liter.
To encourage the driver to operate their vehicle economically, M and G trim levels are fitted with a 3-bar Eco Drive Assist display that indicates current fuel efficiency, along with an AS&G monitor which displays how long the engine has been stopped.
2) Affordable
The Mirage offers three trim levels at easily affordable prices; the E comes with a basic entry-level specification, the M comes with driving enhancements such as AS&G, Hill Start Assist, and regenerative braking, and the G comes with fuller amenities. In addition, the Mirage qualifies for the “eco-car” tax reduction at all trim levels, making it all the more affordable.
3) Compactness (easy drivability)
The Mirage has a turning radius of 4.4 meters, among the smallest in the compact class. With a front-end design that provides excellent visibility and makes it easier for the driver to determine the positioning of the vehicle; the Mirage provides excellent maneuverability and drivability.
The Mirage uses high-efficiency packaging to provide plenty of interior space for five adults and sufficient luggage space for everyday use while offering easy maneuverability from its compactness.
4) Multi-color lineup
The Mirage comes with a palette of eight body colors including three new colors: Lemonade Yellow Metallic, Pop Green Metallic, and Cassis Purple Metallic. This not only makes choosing one more fun but also brings greater enjoyment to the everyday motoring experience.
2. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1) Exterior design
The gentle but edgy headlamp styling and the sculpted hood help create a frontal face with a dignified yet friendly expression. The sides are styled using a taut and expressive surface language. The belt line as well as the character line start down low from behind the front wheel and rise gently as they run towards the rear, providing excellent forward and side visibility as well as imparting a sense of dynamism. While providing ample headroom for rear seat passengers, the roof line curves gently down toward the rear, the cabin tapers gently toward the rear and the corners of the broad and substantial rear bumper are given an edgy treatment, all this creating a squat and reassuringly stable look to the rear end.
Through fluid analysis and wind tunnel testing, the design team has crafted the optimal styling to reduce air resistance over the entire body, providing a drag coefficient of just 0.27 (measured in-house; E trim level excluded). This puts the Mirage among the best in its class contributing to its fuel economy.
The Mirage is offered in a choice of eight richly-hued body colors. Three brand new colors – Lemonade Yellow Metallic, Pop Green Metallic and Cassis Purple Metallic – join Cerulean Blue Mica, Red Metallic, White Pearl, Cool Silver Metallic and Stylish Black Mica
2) Interior design
The use of a flat dashboard with an accent line which traces an arc stretching across its whole length imparts a roomy sense of width to the cockpit. The clean styling of the dashboard top gives a greater feeling of openness and airiness while also providing excellent forward visibility. A center panel with glossy piano-black finish adds a quality accent to the dashboard.
A 3-bar Eco Drive Assist display (not available with the E trim level) in the instrument cluster gives a driver a visual indication of how economically the vehicle is being driven based on current fuel consumption and vehicle speed. The Multi-information Display also supports eco-driving (smarter and more fuel-efficient driving) displaying how long the AS&G system has stopped the engine, (not available with the E), average fuel consumption and remaining cruising range to encourage the driver to operate the vehicle as fuel efficiently as possible.
Two set of interior colors coordinated to different body colors are offered; Black & Ivory brings a lightness to the interior while Black imparts a stylish yet subtle look.
For enhancing convenience in everyday use, the interior comes with well-equipped small-item storage spaces including a front passenger glove box, above that a pull-out dash tray, center console tray, front door pockets, front and rear seat drink/cup holders and front passenger seat back pocket. The 60/40 split rear seatback can be folded forward, allowing the seating pattern to be tailored for different luggage loads.
3) Packaging
The Mirage uses high-efficiency packaging which keeps the engine compartment as compact as possible to optimize occupant space. While slightly smaller than conventional compact cars, the body dimensions make it highly maneuverable while providing generous interior space for five adults and sufficient luggage space for everyday use.
The front end design allows the driver to see both edges of the engine hood, making it easier to determine the positioning of the vehicle. Locating the A-pillars closer to the front occupants and starting the belt line low down at the front contributes to offer an excellent field of vision, both forward and to the side. Together with a turning radius of 4.4 meters, among the smallest in its class, this packaging allows the driver to maneuver their vehicle with confidence when turning at intersections, driving along narrow roads or when parallel parking.
4) Body
Structural optimization and more extensive use of high-tensile steel paneling together deliver a significant reduction in body weight over the current model, making a major contribution to better fuel economy. At the same time, the Mirage’s RISE*7 body design combines an impact energy-absorbing front end with a high-rigidity cabin structure. In-house impact testing showed the Mirage has the highest collision safety among its class.
*7: Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution
5) Engine & Transmission
The Mirage is powered by a lightweight and compact 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine which uses Mitsubishi Motors’ MIVEC variable valve timing system. Fuel economy has been improved through thorough weight reduction and painstaking reduction of engine friction and engine load. M and G trim levels employ the latest eco-drive technologies promoting smart and fuel-efficient vehicle operation, including AS&G, a regenerative braking system, high-efficiency alternator and an intelligent battery sensor to offer the best fuel economy for a registered gasoline vehicle in Japan at 27.2 km/liter. Without AS&G, the E trim level returns 23.2 km/liter.
The engine produces maximum output of 51 kW (69 PS) at 6000 rpm and generates maximum torque of 86 N-m (8.8 kgf-m) at 5000 rpm. Combine this with a vehicle weight that is on a par with a minicar, this gives the Mirage effortless acceleration from rest and when overtaking. Whether driving around the town or on the expressway, the engine gives the Mirage pleasant and comfortable driving performance.
The Mirage’s engine is mated to the newest version of the INVECS-III CVT wide-ratio transmission which now uses a sub-geartrain to deliver a better acceleration and fuel economy. Extending the engine speed range over which the lockup clutch engages and optimization of transmission control has contributed to a further reduction in fuel consumption without affecting acceleration performance.
6) Chassis
Suspension tuning optimization provides easy and stable handling, as well as a very comfortable ride. Streamlining the suspension configuration has reduced its weight, contributing to better fuel economy.
The Mirage uses column-type electric power steering which contributes to better fuel economy. The power steering is tuned to facilitate garage parking and other tight space maneuvering with just a light touch on the steering wheel while giving a positive and reassuring response and feedback when changing lanes on expressways.
The Mirage is equipped with both ABS braking, which prevents the wheels from locking up under emergency braking on slippery surfaces and allows the driver to steer away from trouble, as well as with EBD*8 which boosts rear wheel braking force to improve stopping performance when the vehicle is heavily loaded. Other systems enhancing active safety include: Emergency Stop Signal, Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist (Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist are available as factory options on the E trim level).
*8: Electronic Brake-force Distribution
ASC*9 is available as an option. ASC is comprised of a stability control system which stabilizes the vehicle when it detects skidding; and a traction control system which controls wheels from spinning when detecting loss of traction when the vehicle is moving on a slippery surface.
*9: Active Stability Control
The Mirage rides on 165/65R14 low rolling resistance tires which contribute to better fuel economy.
7) Additional Features
The G trim level comes standard with a keyless operation system. With the system, the driver can lock and unlock the doors by simply pressing a button on the side of the door handle, as well as can start or stop the engine by pressing the engine button while keeping the key in a pocket or a handbag without having to take it out.
The Mirage uses Mitsubishi’s ETACS*10 system to integrally manage all the vehicle’s electrical components including the headlamps, wipers, power windows and door mirrors.
*10: Electronic Time & Alarm Control System
The 2DIN-size in-car entertainment system with a 7-inch display and memory card navigation acoustically tuned for the new Mirage, and an audio system with AM/FM tuner and CD player in a unique panel design coordinated with the dashboard are available as dealer options.
The Mirage uses tinted glass, which reduces the amount of UV and IR radiation entering the car, in the windshield and front door windows (windshield only on the E trim level) as well as UV-reducing privacy glass in the rear door windows and tailgate.
The Mirage is fitted with a fully-automatic climate control system (manual control on the E). For greater occupant comfort, an air filter helps to keep flower pollen and dust from entering the car.
8) Quality
Mitsubishi Motors already has in place its own systems to ensure that very high levels of development and production quality are realized on a common basis at its production units around the world.
In the area of product development, the company employs the Mitsubishi Motors Development System (MMDS), in which quality gates with stringent standards are used to evaluate, verify and manage the progress of any new vehicle development project, covering all stages from product planning through development (design, prototypes, testing), production, volume production quality confirmation, sales and after-sales services. MMDS ensures the highest levels of quality by requiring each stage of a project to be evaluated and affirmed as having achieved predetermined standards before it moves to the next stage.
In the area of production, the Mitsubishi Motors Production Way (MMPW) system is employed to achieve rigorous quality assurance at each of its production facilities through a “station completion” process where only defect-free units are allowed to pass to the next work station on the assembly line. With the new Mirage, Mitsubishi Motors is making even greater efforts to improve production quality. Since the Mirage is an all-new model being produced at a brand-new factory in Thailand, in addition to the normal line-off inspection all cars undergo a pre-shipment inspection conducted by seasoned Japanese inspectors. The Japanese inspectors also provide training and guidance to local personnel.
3. NEW MIRAGE SALES INFORMATION
1) Available at: All Mitsubishi Motors affiliated dealerships nationwide in Japan
2) Sales target for the 2012 fiscal year: 30,000 units
3) Manufacturer’s recommended retail price
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