We all love big fast cars and beastly SUVs but with the steep rise in petrol prices, sometimes such dreams have to remain dreams. The OEMs all around the world sensing this, are also shifting their focus from making gas guzzlers to lean and fuel efficient everyday cars. People like in the US and Europe who love big cars are also shifting to smaller siblings as a part of this shifting trend. Here comes the product from the Mitsubishi stable, the Mirage which is a result of this shifting trend. The Mirage showcased here is the production version of the Global Small Concept that was showcased by Mitsubishi in Geneva earlier this year. This production version is going to be unveiled at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.
The Mirage measures 3710 mm long, 1665 mm wide and 1490 mm high making it fall into a category of the compact SUVs which has been specifically designed keeping the interests of the consumers in developing countries. Though the current production model bears very small or almost no resemblance to the original concept model, yet it makes sense as they want to keep the production costs very low. The Mirage is powered by a 1.0 litre or a 1.2 litre petrol engine which will be mated to a new CVT gearbox. It is also going to have many modern technologies like Start-Stop system (to maximise fuel efficiency), Regenerative Braking (to charge batteries without putting load on the engine), low friction engine parts and light weight materials (increase efficiency). An electric version of the car is also on the cards. The car is due to go on sale in Thailand in March 2012.
Back home, Mitsubishi has been a very silent player with a small product line-up. A car like the Mirage could do wonders for Mitsubishi in the Indian market if they want to make their presence felt in the market. Also HM, a once so respected company is a dying brand now. Since Mitsubishi has a tie-up with HM, this product can become a win-win situation for both the companies and the Indian consumers as well. What do you people think?
Loading ...
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I feel that this is a very important product for Mitsubishi in India if its launched with a sub 4-5 lakhs price tag to compete in the B-B+ segment. And Mitsubishi should really bring this as early as possible to India before other companies eat up the market with their soon to be launched models. Coz to be frank, if you want to be a Global Company, you will need to have a presence in the Indian automobile market with Global products. And wot better product to launch in India, than a A or B segment vehicle.
With respect to the Mirage, I do find it a tad similar to the Hyundai i20, however I like the rear of this Mirage much more than the i20.
“The Mirage measures 3710 mm long, 1665 mm wide and 1490 mm high making it fall into a category of the compact SUVs which has been specifically designed keeping the interests of the consumers in developing countries”
Compact SUV??!!! This is just another B segment hatchback guys!
Fas, is it based on Micra platform, as it resembles to the same from many angles.
However, the Micra’s roofline arch is not present here. The window line and glass house looks different.
Ninu, no its not based on the Micra platform.
Actually Faisal, Wikipedia says there is some relation between the two!
The Colt will be renamed back to Mirage in 2012. The sixth generation was previewed as a concept car at the 2011 [Geneva Auto Show]] and will be unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Following the Nissan Micra, the Mirage will have simpler design and mechanic. The car will be built in Thailand.”
Why do they even mention the Micra?