Mitsubishi Mirage launch Update
Confirmed by a senior company official, the Mitsubishi Mirage small car will be launched in both hatch and sedan body styles just like the Nissan Micra or Maruti Swift. Mitsubishi Motors Japan, Executive Officer and CGM, Mr. Masahiko Ueki informed that the Japanese firm is having an eye on the growing small car market in India in view of the launch of their global small car. Prior to the launch, the auto grand wishes to expand its dealer and service centres in the country, he added.
Mitsubishi Mirage Review by Expert
Mitsubishi, the Japanese car maker in India has been struggling to establish itself in the range of large segment cars. Though, its fleet is headed by mean machines like Mitsubishi Pajero and Mitsubishi Montero, but it has not been able to make its iconic presence in the Indian Utility Market. Sedans from the car maker like Mitsubishi Lancer, Mitsubishi Cedia and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have also not been able to taste success. Earlier this year, the company launched revamped Mitsubishi Pajero and the face-lifted Mitsubishi Cedia. However, these two cars have not been able to leave their impression on the potential buyers.
Mitsubishi Motors has learnt that if they have to rise they will have to capture the most potential car segment in India, i.e. the hatchback segment. Soon, the company is planning to launch its first hatchback Mitsubishi Mirage on the Indian shores. Last year at the Geneva Motor Show, the company showcased a mule of Mirage that took attention of many enthusiasts. This small car will compete with other prevailing popular hatchbacks like Maruti Swift, Nissan Micra, Skoda Fabia, Volkswagen Polo, Ford Figo, Toyota Etios, Honda Brio and Fiat Grande Punto.
Exteriors of Mitsubishi Mirage will have somewhat similar resemblance with cars Nissan Micra and Maruti Swift. The front looks and the character lines of Mitsubishi Mirage are inspired from its three-box siblings, the Cedia and the Lancer. However, the headlamp design and mouth of the car would remind you of Ford Figo and Renault Fluence. The rear appearance is quite simple and sober and is likely to be appreciated by the domestic enthusiasts. Also, the company has installed the extended rear spoiler that adds glamour to the car.
Interiors of Mirage have enough cabin space for 4 passengers and the black & white trims inside the cabin makes the interiors look more adorable. Besides this, the interiors have flat dashboard along with sporty steering wheel. Both front and the second row offer enough of leg-room, head-room and shoulder space to the occupants. Added to this, the car offers many cubbies and trays inside the cabins. The company has ensure that they cater maximum safety to the buyers therefore, they have installed the Mirage with some fabulous safety features like Airbags, Anti-lock Braking System with EBD, Stability Control, Hill-start Assist, etc. The Mirage is a 5-star NCAP safety rating animal and it can certainly be expect that like its elder siblings, it too will avail high class safety to the passengers.
Mitsubishi Mirage Mileage & Fuel Economy
Mitsubishi Mirage will come installed with a 1.2 liter petrol engine with CVT Transmission and expectations are that this car would be much efficient in terms of mileage. It is acclaimed that this Global compact car would deliver fuel efficiency of 22 kmpl. For this incredible mileage, you will have to accredit the company for using light materials in this car which have reduced the rolling resistance of this car, thereby enabling it to deliver better fuel efficiency.
Mitsubishi Mirage Engine, Power and Performance
On the Thailand shores the Mirage has been launched with the efficient 1.0 litre powertrain that has got commendable fuel economy 30 kmpl, but for the Indian market the 1.2 litre engine is expected to make its way. This 1.2 litre 3-cylinder, MIVEC petrol engine which delivers peak power of 78.1 PS (77 bhp / 57.4 KW)at 6000 rpm with maximum torque of 110 Nm at 4000 rpm. Moreover, the engine would be mated by a 5 speed CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) gearbox. This efficient engine has been especially designed to meet the requirements of emerging markets like India.
However, if the 1.0 liter engine Mirage is introduced on the domestic shores, then this car can be the most fuel efficient petrol car in the Indian auto-market. Mitsubishi has been an epitome for building powerful cars since its inception; therefore, it would be pretty interesting to see what power the 1.0 litre variant will have, if it is launched in India.
Mitsubishi Mirage Pick Up and Acceleration
The robust 1.2 liter, 3 cylinder MIVEC petrol engine of Mitsubishi Mirage tosses maximum power of 77 bhp at 6000 rpm with its peak torque being 110 Nm at 4000 rpm. The engine mated by a 5 speed transmission throws enough power that enables this hatchback to generate efficient pick up and acceleration. You can certainly expect that this two-box will have something better than the rivals in terms of its pick up and acceleration.
Mitsubishi Mirage Interiors and Features
To beat the rivals in terms of comforts and class, the company has tried to build the interiors of Mitsubishi Mirage sober and clean. Both front and the rear cabins offer ample of leg-room, head-room and shoulder space to the occupants. The combination of black and white trims along with the metallic accents makes the interior of more enticing. The black & off white dashboard of the car has been well dosed with neat crafting. Moreover, the air-conditioning vents on the sides have been given the oval shape; however the vents on the centre console are rectangular in shape. The quality of plastics used in the interiors is best in its class and in the top two variants you will find chrome garnishing on the centre air outlets, gear shift knob, door handles and meter rings.
In addition, the rear seat of this cute hatchback has also got head restraints along with the 60:40 splitting rear seat feature. The company has blessed the interiors of Mirage with many store pockets and trays. Added to this, there is a small glove-box compartment in front and cup-holders have also been given on both front and the rear cabins. The boot-space of the car is somewhat similar to the rivals, however the official measurements of the boot have not been revealed by the company. The boot has got removable parcel shelf in all its variants, except the GL.
Mitsubishi Mirage Exteriors and Features
Exteriors of Mitsubishi Mirage can be its USP in the domestic auto-market. The company has designed this car intelligently and made it more expressive than its currently running sedan models. The amiably-designed outfit has been carved out perfectly and has some resemblance with the other Mitsubishi products like the Lancer and the Cedia. The slim A-pillars of this hatchback along with the low belt line ameliorate the outward visibility. The roof of this car increases upward that gives more headroom to the passengers sitting on the rear seat. Furthermore, the decreased grille openings and trailing edge curves reduce the aerodynamic drag of the car.
Designed compact and affordable, the Mirage looks symmetrically proportioned with its broader clear lens headlamps that have got a fluidic touch. Every angle has been designed so neatly that one would hardly take off his eyes from this machine. There are fine creases on the bonnet and the doors which increase the charm along with small grille and black
air dam on the front bumper. The slight bulge on the rear wheels and sober rear tail lights make the appearance more fascinating. Also, there is an extended spoiler on the rear top that address the cars’ sportiness.
To manufacture the Mirage, the company has used lightweight materials that reduce the rolling resistance of this car, thereby increasing the fuel economy. Moreover, the marvellous exteriors are highlighted by body coloured bumpers, body coloured ORVMs, body coloured door handles, alloy wheels/wheel cover, front fog lamps and roof integrated antenna. The admirable binding of rival killing exterior is undoubtedly commendable and meets the buyers’ choice. The sober cum sporty outfit of Mitsubishi Mirage can be a threat for other good looking machines of the same segment. Doped with the touch of grace and symmetric lines, Mirage signifies its bold and vibrant appearance in its class.
Safety features in Mitsubishi Mirage
Rated with 5 stars in the NCAP safety ratings, the Mirage is going to be one of the dependable cars in its segment. The company has installed this car with features like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist, Airbags, stability control, Front & rear seat belts, Child Safety Locks, Front & rear seat headrests etc. The car has front and rear crump zones that makes the body structure more rigid. The use of impact absorbing metal along with high-tensile steels makes the outfit more reliable.
Driving and Handling of Mitsubishi Mirage
You can certainly expect the Mirage to come as the perfect road runner in terms of handling and drive. The lavish interiors offer high level comforts to the occupants that makes this car perfect for long drives. Besides this, the silent and fuel efficient 1.2 litre MIVEC engine suits well for the Indian conditions and the 5 speed CVT gear-box is something that offers smooth gear shifting while driving. Mitsubishi can be well known for its efficient braking in all its models, so you can expect the same from the Mirage too. Also, the braking of the Mirage is going to be efficient as the company has installed the front Ventilated front disc brakes and drum brakes at the rear.
Mitsubishi Mirage Accessories
The top end variant of Mitsubishi Mirage will be installed with a 7 inches touch screen monitor with Bluetooth connectivity. Moreover, for your maximum entertainment it will have DVD/CD player with MP3 compatibility along with 3.5 mm auxiliary input and USB connectivity. The disc type music system along with crystal clear speakers will surely make you groove on your trip. The car might also have the GPS feature available in its top end variant for the Indian buyers. With this great package available in the Mirage, the entertainment seems to be endless in this car.
Mitsubishi Mirage Conclusion
Inspired from booming hatchback market, Mitsubishi is all set to bring something fresh on shores after introducing the SUV, Pajero Sport and the sedan, new Cedia. Already, there are many hatchbacks competing in the domestic region, therefore you can expect that the Mitsubishi Mirage will also be introduced at the competitive price tag. Speculations are that the price of Mirage would be somewhat similar to segment’s top seller, Maruti Swift.
The classy Mirage has got many excitements to cater the buyers like its sporty appearance, trendy features and upscale comforts, therefore the company must be expecting to sell it in a good number across the country.
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