Mirage staging a comeback

MASUKO

It has been quite a while since the Mitsubishi Mirage enjoyed its glory days. Thirty years to be exact.

As a three-door, front-wheel drive compact hatchback, the Mirage (also called the Colt), with its iconic Super Shift transmission (an “eight-speed” shifter thanks to the four forward gears that could be set to either “Power” or “Economy” mode), was an instant hit for a market. It came at a time when there was a demand for a sporty yet inexpensive ride in view of prevailing high crude oil prices because of the Arab-Israeli conflict in 1973 and the Iranian revolution in 1978.

Mitsubishi, however, decided to discontinue the Mirage in the Philippines that by the mid-’80s the market has seen the last of the compact hatch brand’s new units on the roads.

At the recent 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi sprang a surprise by putting the incarnation of the Mirage on display. The event bigger surprise is the announcement that this 2012 Mirage is scheduled to go on sale in Thailand this coming March.

Few more months

This means the Philippines will only have to wait for a few more months before finally reuniting with this remarkable brand from Mitsubishi.

THE PHILIPPINES will soon be reunited with Mitsubishi’s remarkable compact hatch.

This is great news for Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., considering it has been a while since the company had a model that competes in the sub-compact and compact hatch (MMPC’s “smallest” and most affordable model is the 1.6-liter Lancer).

Based on the one displayed at the motor show, the 2012 Mirage is 3.71 meters long, 1.665 meters wide, and 1.49 meters tall and could comfortably seat five passengers.

Emerging markets

Mitsubishi president Osamu Masuko explained during the unveiling that designers of the 2012 Mirage focused on compactness, affordability, and high fuel efficiency in order to fit the needs of emerging markets (like the Philippines) that needs an affordable entry-level model as well as needs of advanced markets that require fuel efficiency and low-CO2 emission.

The 2012 Mirage is fitted with a 1.0 liter, 3-cylinder Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (Mivec) engine. What is more interesting is that this engine is already equipped with the company’s new Auto Stop and Go (AS&G) idle-stop technology, regenerative braking system, and a continuously variable transmission.

THE 2012 Mirage’s silhouette makes it more aerodynamic and fuel-efficient.

The AS&G is an idle-stop mechanism that reduces fuel consumption by automatically shutting off the engine when the car is stopped at traffic lights, etc.

The regenerative braking system is a technology that could recapture much of the kinetic energy as the vehicle brakes, converting it into electricity that can be used to power the vehicle’s other functions.

30 kpl

With these two important features along with the significant weight reduction Mitsubishi did in almost all parts of the car, improvements in the engine, transmission, brakes and in 14-inch tires so the rolling resistance is much reduced, and the reshaping of the body to make it more aerodynamic and much more maneuverable, the 2012 Mirage has been rated to achieve a phenomenal 30 km per liter of gasoline fuel efficiency!

THE INTERIOR is both modern and space-saving. Photos by Charles E. Buban

This also means the 2012 Mirage also enjoys a very low CO2 emissions.

But while Mitsubishi did not reveal the 2012 Mirage’s CO2 emission and passive safety standards compliance, it could be assumed that its CO2 emissions is no more than 120 g/km as well as meets the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulations 94 and 95) safety standards.

Masuko said that the 2012 Mirage is expected to do well in such countries as China, Russia, Brazil and those in Southeast Asia. “We will aim to boost sales with globally competitive vehicles such as this compact models that meet the needs of the middle class in emerging markets,” Masuko said.