Mitsubishi: New Mirage starts rolling

Mitsubishi Mirage. Photo / Supplied

The Mirage is an all-new compact car focused on premium fuel efficiency and low CO2 emission - just right for the times.Osamu Masuko, MMC president

Mitsubishi is to start selling its all-new Mirage in Thailand from next Wednesday before going global.

The Mirage was developed under a revolutionary concept that fulfils the needs of fast-growing emerging markets as an entry-level car as well as the eco-conscious advanced markets with its environmental performance.

The Mirage will be made at a new third factory at Mitsubishi Motors Thailand's Laem Chabang plant - the largest MMC plant outside of Japan.

The Mirage will first be sold in Thailand, followed by Asean countries, Japan and Europe, then expand to other markets successively, although there's no news on when it will be on sale in New Zealand. It last last on sale in the mid-90s (top right).

The Thai-market Mirage, with enough interior room for five adults, will be equipped with a 1.2-litre engine with monthly sales expected of 2300 units.

In its push for fuel economy, the Mirage uses Mitsubishi's reinforced impact safety evolution (Rise) body, which absorbs and distributes impact force for more occupant safety.

It also delivers low CO2 emissions thanks to the all-new Mitsubishi innovative valve timing electronic control system (Mivec) engine.

At the launch, MMC's president, Osamu Masuko, said: "The Mirage is an all-new compact car focused on premium fuel efficiency and low CO2 emission, just right for the times where demand for superior fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness are increasing all over the world."