Set to go on sale at the end of this month in Thailand, the Mitsubishi Mirage is a 5-door budget hatchback that has been developed mostly for emerging markets. The Japanese carmaker says that this is a “global compact car” and it will be launched later on in several other south-east Asian countries, prior to going on sale in Japan, Europe and a bunch of other regions.
The car will also be introduced in the United Kingdom next year where it will replace the Colt which we consider a bad move as the Colt looks way more attractive than this Mirage and probably is also a better car, but it will probably (or better said should be) cheaper than the Colt. We’ll have to wait and see.
Anyway, this Mirage is a crucial model in the company’s plan to focus on rolling out global models for emerging markets and they also want to start making more EVs. Back to the Mirage, it measures 3710mm in length, 1490mm high and it is 1665mm wide. If you remember, the car debuted in 2011 at the Tokyo Motor Show and it is 115mm longer, 10mm lower and 70mm wider than the Kia Picanto.
With this new model Mitsubishi focuses on an aerodynamic design and a low curb weight so most likely the car will weigh less than 1,000kg. Under its hood is a tiny 1.2-liter engine which should allow the car to return 62 mpg UK.
Mitsubishi wants to sell 2,500 units each month in Thailand where prices start from 380,000 Thai Bhat which is about 7,700 pounds.
The Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi has published the first official photo of the upcoming 2013 Outlander which will be launched in March at the Geneva Motor Show. The one that will be sold in Europe is going to be available with two engines and both 2WD and 4WD configurations. These engines are a 2.0-liter gasoline MIVEC unit and a 2.2-liter MIVEC Clean Diesel. Both of them will be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and will benefit from the Auto Stop & Go technology.
At first, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander will be available in Russia and shortly after that it will be launched in the rest of Europe by the end of this summer. Later on, the new model will be reaching North America, Japan, China and Oceania.
Those who live in Europe will also be able to get the new Outlander with an EV-based plug-in hybrid powertrain which will be available starting with next year and will offer a range of up to 800 km, while CO2 emissions should be somewhere around 50 g/km.
We have some bad news coming from Mitsubishi as the Japanese automaker announced this week that they will be closing their only European assembly plant. This decision has been taken after a very slow last year in terms of sales in Europe where the company managed to sell only 218,000 units which is considerably less then what they did in 2007 when they sold 340,000 cars.
This decision means that the NedCar factory located in Netherlands will be closing down its facilities. The assembly plant was constructed back in 1991 as a joint venture between Mitsubishi, Volvo and the local government. This was the place where cars like the Mitsubishi Carisma, the Volvo S40/V40 and the Mitsubishi Space Star were built.
In March 2001, Mitsubishi became the sole owner of the plant and nowadays it is the place where they make the Outlander SUV and the Colt supermini. In the last month of 2010 Mitsubishi decided that the Colt production will stop at the end of 2012.
Last year at the NedCar factory where 1,500 people work, Mitsubishi rolled out only 50,000 units which is only 1/4 of the factory’s annual capacity of 200,000 cars.
Mitsubishi revealed the other day a special edition of its Shogun model. Based on the top-spec long wheelbase SG4 model, the Black comes with a new styling kit and a satin black trim pack that features 20-inch alloys, wing mirrors, spoiler, headlamp bezels and side steps, along with a black grille. Although it’s named the Black edition, this special Shogun will be available in other metallic colors as well, like the Frost White version you see in this photo.
Three months ago, Mitsubishi launched the 2012 model year that came with a Euro V-compliant engine and a bunch of upgrades inside the cabin. It comes as standard with the company’s Communication System that includes a satellite navigation system and a rear view camera, among other goodies.
The car is already available at dealers and it can be yours if you are willing to spend 41,999 pounds, which is 1,000 pounds more than the aforementioned SG4. If you want the metallic paint, you’ll have to pay an extra 540 pounds.
This week during the Tokyo Motor Show, the Japanese automaker Mitsubishi unveiled the 2012 Mirage which has been developed in order to “satisfy the needs of people all over the world.” It comes with aerodynamic wheel covers, a slender grille and a roof-mounted spoiler.
2012 Mitsubishi Mirage
Inside the cabin, the company’s designers have implemented a “simple & clean” philosophy which gives the cabin a roomy feeling. It has a bunch of metallic accents, a glossy black trim and a sporty instrument cluster.
2012 Mitsubishi Mirage
The tiny car is motivated by a new 3-cylinder, 1.0-liter engine that benefits from the variable valve timing system and has the stop/start system. No word about the performance specifications of this power unit but Mitsubishi has stated that it is mated to a CVT gearbox and should return 70.6 mpg (30 km/liter, 84.7 mpg UK or 3.3 liters / 100 km).
2012 Mitsubishi Mirage
The 2012 Mitsubishi Mirage will be launched in Thailand next March, before going on sale in the rest of the world.
Generally speaking, electric cars are more efficient than the conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles out there. The king in terms of efficiency would have to be the 2012 Mitsubishi i who occupies the number one spot in EPA’s Annual Fuel Economy Guide. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the tiny car is able to return 126 miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) in the city and 99 MPGe on the highway.
This means that the 2012 Mitsubishi i is better than last year’s Nissan Leaf and it is also the cheapest EV that money can buy at the moment. However, keep in mind that the i is considerably smaller than the Leaf as it is categorized as being a subcompact.
There’s also a larger version of the car which has been on sale in Japan and Europe for more than one year. The U.S.-spec model adopts a seating for four people and is able to reach a top speed of 80 miles, while the EPA-approved range is of 62 miles.
Mitsubishi has launched last week a special edition of the ASX model which is simply called Black. Inside the cabin, the crossover offers a black leather interior and a bunch of carbon inserts. On the outside we notice the black-painted 17-inch alloy wheels, along with black mirrors, spoiler, roof, fog lamp bezels and the front grille. As for the rest of the car, it is available in the following colors: red, grey, black, silver and blue.
The Mitsubishi ASX Black is powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline engine that develops 115 hp at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 114 lb.-ft at 4,000 rpm, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. If you prefer diesels, the crossover is also available with a 1.8-liter DiD turbodiesel that generates 147 hp at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 221 lb.-ft, reached between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. This power unit is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The Black version of the ASX is 1,000 pounds more expensive than the ASX4 model on which this special edition is based on. The car is already available on sale in the United Kingdom.
At this year’s edition of the Tokyo Auto Show, the Japanese automaker Mitsubishi will bring the Concept PX MiEV II which is a plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV that the carmaker says that it will be capable of offering a long cruising distance.
The car is powered by a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter MIVEC gasoline engine and two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors. Each of these motors powers one axle and they are good for 60 kW, while the traditional engine generates 70 kW. On electricity alone, the SUV can be driven for a distance of up to 50 km while in hybrid mode it can travel for 800 km. The car’s combined fuel consumption is rated at 1.6 liters / 100 km (60 km/liter).
Mitsubishi Concept PX MiEV II
The Mitsubishi Concept PX MiEV II uses the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) traction control system that become popular after it was introduced in the Evolution X. This S-AWC system is mated to a twin-motor 4WD system and Mitsu says that it offers the car excellent handling capabilities.
Mitsubishi Concept PX MiEV II
This SUV measures 4660 mm in length, 1830 mm in width and 1680 mm in height. At the moment, this is only a concept but it shouldn’t come as a surprise if the Japanese carmaker will put it into production in the years to come.
The first generation of the Mitsubishi Mirage was introduced back in 1978 and the production of this model ended in 2002. Now, the car it’s back and it was unveiled this week by the Japanese automaker, before the vehicle’s official debut at the upcoming 2011 Tokyo Auto Show.
2013 Mitsubishi Mirage
The tiny car is motivated by a 3-cylinder 1.0-liter MIVEC engine that comes with the Auto Stop & Go system which reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. According to Mitsu, the new Mirage will have a fuel consumption of 30 km/liter. The power unit is mated to a CVT transmission that sends the power to the front wheels.
2013 Mitsubishi Mirage
This five-door hatchback measures 3710 mm in length, 1665 mm in width and 1490 mm in height, and the carmaker says that it offers enough room for four occupants.
2013 Mitsubishi Mirage
Mitsubishi spent a lot of time increasing the efficiency of the new Mirage and they reduced friction and rolling resistance of the power unit, transmission, tires and brakes. In addition, the new generation of the Mirage benefits from a highly aerodynamic body.
The automaker didn’t publish the price list for the 2013 Mirage but the car is expected to hit the dealerships in March next year.
British customers will be able to order the 2012 Mitsubishi Shogun starting with next week at a base price of 29,499 pounds for the entry-level SG2 model up to 40,999 pounds for the high-end SG4 model. Known in other areas as the Pajero or the Montero, the updated Shogun comes with a new design for the front grille that has slotted bars plus thick chrome dividers on both sides. Aside from this, the off-roader rides on a new set of 18-inch multi-spoke alloys, black front skid plate and roof rails, along with a color-keyed front bumper.
As far as the interior cabin is concerned, the 2012 Shogun benefits from materials of higher quality for the leather and cloth upholsteries, a brushed silver finish for the power window control panels and a new illumination for the instruments.
All of the variants of the Shogun feature a brake override system which applies only the brakes when the driver hits the accelerator and brake pedals simultaneously. For the SG3 and SG4 versions, the Shogun comes as standard with privacy glass and automatic wipers, while the SG4 also comes with a color-coded spare wheel cover.
Several days ago, the Japanese automaker Mitsubishi stated that its 2012 version of the “i” model will be more expensive because of “unforeseen changes in market conditions”. As a consequence, the car will have a base price of $29,985, including the $860 destination charge. This makes the car $1,135 more expensive than before, but still less than what the company estimated it would cost, which is between $35,000 and $40,000.
The 2012 Mitsubishi is considerably more affordable than two of its most important rivals, the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf. The Volt has a starting price of $39,995 while the Leaf will set you back at least $36,050. Both prices include the $850 destination charge. The car is scheduled to go on sale at first in California, Oregon, Hawaii and Washington in November this year. The company also mentioned that its petite EV is going to quality for a federal tax credit of $7,500.
The Japanese automaker Mitsubishi announced this week that the North American operations will be helmed by Yoichi Yokozawa. Up until now he was the vice president of the company and as of April 1st, he will replace Shinichi Kurihara as the company’s CEO. The latter said that he will return to the Mitsubishi mothership, although it is uncertain what position he will occupy once he returns to Japan.
Yokozawa joined Mitsubishi 13 years ago when he came on board the automaker’s European HQ in order to help oversee the company’s financial planning on the old continent. Starting with 2006, the executive has been responsible for guiding the company through NAFTA interests as the corporate general in the Mitsubishi overseas business management office. Sources at the company said that Yokozawa has worked with Mitsubishi on many levels, from financial, alliance to merger and other business projects.
Welcome back to the third and final part of our extensive article about the most important cars that will delight us at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. Let’s start with Land Rover and their Range Rover Evoque.
2012 Land Rover Evoque
The car will be available in 2-door and 4-door variants, both of them featuring the same engine, which will be a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged that outputs 240 hp, linked to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The Evoque will come with an all-wheel drive system as well as the company’s new Terrain Response System.
2011 Lexus CT 200h
One of my personal favorites, Lexus, will bring the CT 200h which is a 4-door / 5-passenger hybrid hatchback, featuring a conventional 4-cylinder 1.8-liter gasoline engine and a battery-powered electric motor, both of them offering a combined power of 134 hp. The new C200h will use a CVT – Continuously Variable Transmission and can run on one or both of the power sources (without having to charge it).
2012 Mercedes SLK
Mercedes will be heading out to Chicago where they will have three new production models: the beautiful 2012 SLK, the 2012 CLS and the 2012 C-Class. We’ve talked about the SLK on rpmGO.com before; it will be available in two variants: the SLK250 and the SLK350. The entry-level model will be fitted with a 4-cylinder 1.8-liter that outputs 201 hp, linked to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic gearbox. The SLK350 is going to have a more powerful V6 3.5-liter engine, good for 302 hp. This model will be available with a 7-speed automatic transmission.
The CLS will be available in two models: CLS550 and the AMG CLS63. The first one has a V8 4.7-liter turbocharged engine that outputs 402 hp while the other comes with a V8 5.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 518 hp. The CLS550 has a 7-speed automatic gearbox while the CLS630 AMG will get a 7-speed automated manual gearbox.
The 2012 C250 will be offered in two trim levels: Luxury and Sport, both of them featuring a 4-cylinder 1.8-liter unit that churns 201 hp. The C300 will have the same trim levels, but it will be equipped with a V6 3.0-liter engine, good for 228 hp. The C350 will have the same engine, but this time it will output 302 hp. The high-end model will be the AMG version C63 which will most likely come with a V8 6.2-liter that outputs 451 hp.
2011 Mini Countryman
Mini will be bringing their 2011 Countryman, which will be the first four full-sized doors Mini model sold in the United States. The car will be available in two trim levels: Base and S. The entry-level will get a 4-cylinder 1.6-engine that churns 120 hp while the high-end variant will feature a 4-cylinder 1.6-liter that produces 180 hp. Both of the models will get front-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Mitsubishi will show us their Outlander Sport model which will be available in two trim levels: ES and SE. Both of the versions will pack a front-wheel drive system and a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter that outputs 148 hp. The ES will come with a 5-speed manual gearbox while the SE will get a CVT transmission and steering-wheel paddles for manual changing.
2011 Nissan Juke
Another Japanese automaker that will be heading out to Chicago this year will be Nissan with three models: the award-winning Leaf, the funky Juke and the sporty 2012 GT-R. We talked about the Leaf thousands of times, but here is a small presentation. The car will be available with two trims levels – SV and SL. Both of them will have the same lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor that outputs 107 hp. It can be charged at either a 110-volt or a 220-volt outlet. For the first type it will need 20 hours while for the second type it will need only 8 hours.
Porsche Cayman R
The guys over at Porsche will be bringing their 2012 Cayman R. This two-seater sports coupe will come with the third and newest trim, dubbed “R”. Unlike the entry-level trim or the S mode, the R has a 6-cylinder 3.4-liter power unit that outputs 330 hp, linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. It is also available with an optional 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox.
2011 Scion iQ
If you can’t afford the Aston Martin Cygnet, the next best thing is the Scion iQ. Featuring a 4-cylinder 1.3-liter engine that outputs 90 hp, this certainly won’t be the most powerful car at the Chicago Auto Show.
Scion will also be bringing the 2011 tC 2-door hatchback coupe which will be fitted with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder power unit that cranks up 180 hp, mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Toyota Prius v
Scion will not be going to Chicago without its parent company Toyota. Despite the fact that the Japanese automaker is the largest manufacturer in the world, they will be bringing only one model here (one that they already took to Detroit) – 2012 Prius v. The heart of the car will be a conventional 1.8-liter gasoline engine which will be paired with a battery-powered electric motor. The combined power will be 134 hp.
2012 Volkswagen Passat
The German automaker Volkswagen will be heading out to Chicago with the recently-launched 2012 Passat and the 2012 Eos. Presented first at Detroit, the Passat will be available in three different trim levels: S, SE and SEL. Engine options include the 4-cylinder 2.0-liter unit with 140 hp, 5-cylinder 2.5-liter with 170 hp and the high-end V6 3.6-liter with 280 ponies. The diesels will be available with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automated-manual gearbox. The 5-cylinder 2.5-liter will get either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The V6 engine will be fitted with a 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox.
The EOS will come with a power-retractable hardtop with an integrated sunroof. Under the hood it will feature a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter that produces 200 hp, mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission.
2011 Volvo S60
Sweden will be represented at Chicago by Volvo with their sexy 2011 S60 model. This premium-midsize car will benefit from a 6-cylinder 3.0-liter turbocharged engine that will produce 300 hp and will be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. At first, the car will be available in one single trim level, the T6. Later on this year, the Swedish automaker will be introducing the T6 R-Design which should be a real looker.
These are the most important cars that will be presented at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. Some of them you might have already seen while others are a premiere (not many unfortunately). From February 9th to February 20th, the automotive capital of the world will be Chicago. Next month we will have another important auto show to review at Geneva. Stay tuned for a comprehensive coverage.
PS: Part 1 and 2 of the article are here and here. Enjoy the reading.
A few days ago, the Japanese automaker Mitsubishi revealed new details regarding their Global Small Concept along with the first rendering of this new model. The idea behind this concept is to create a car that is affordable, compact and offers a high level of fuel economy. The car will be officially unveiled at the 81st edition of the Geneva International Motor Show which will be organized for two weeks at the Geneva Palexpo starting with March 1st. This concept will be the foundation of a new model that will be produced starting with next year at Mitsubishi’s third plant located in Thailand.
The Mitsubishi Global Small Concept will be fitted with either a 1.0-liter power unit or with a 1.2-liter engine with start / stop technology and a regenerative braking system. The engineers will emphasize on keeping the curb weight to a minimum level and reducing the running resistance. All of these concepts have been employed in the development of the all-new CVT transmission, the engine as well as the tires and the brake system. Design-wise, the body of the concept has been created in order to reduce the aerodynamic resistance, making the car even more fuel efficient.
Mitsubishi Global Small Concept
In addition, the car promises to offer great maneuverability and easy operation, inheriting the features of today’s compact cars while at the same time offering enough space for five adults. Aside from the fuel efficiency, the car will have CO2 emissions of only mid-90g/km.
Usually, some well placed straps are all it takes for a successful dyno test. But not when you’re in Puerto Rico. The video below shows a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII which was being tested by a few students from the Mech-Tech College in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Apparently, someone forgot to take all safety measures, because at second 16 we can see the car violently breaking free of dyno and suffering some damage. Not too much, but we feel sorry that this could’ve been so easily avoided.
"#cars Alfa Romeo Giulietta gets new entry-level version http://t.co/Z7eFoRSA"
4 hours ago
"#cars UK-only limited edition Skoda Yeti Urban goes on sale next month http://t.co/sh6wXyVF"
4 hours ago
"#cars 2013 Ford Explorer Sport Edition unveiled http://t.co/QgxlLq7I"
4 hours ago
"#cars 2013 Chevrolet Traverse goes official http://t.co/2GdXLZI9"
4 hours ago
"#cars Shelby to bring two Mustangs at NY Auto Show http://t.co/FBR8amAF"
yesterday
"#cars 2012 Audi A8 Hybrid priced from 77,700 Euro http://t.co/mymcvY2W"
yesterday
follow @rpmgo on twitter
Our Friends
Find new car reviews on luxury cars such as a BMW, read about road test on Audi and Lexus, view a car buyer's guide and compare a Mercedes Benz side-by-side with many others.
