Mitsubishi Mirage News

The new family of engines will give 15 Toyota and Daihatsu models an efficiency gain of up to 30%, including Toyota's new Yaris due in 2015.The Yaris will be battling for top spot in light car sales with the upcoming Mazda 2 and Ford Fiesta, which will have similar efficiency gains from its skyactiv and EcoBoost technology respectively. The new engines could also help the rumoured upcoming Toyota Rush become the one of the most efficient SUVs in Australia.The 1.3-litre and 1.0-litre power plants have been co-developed with Toyota's small car brand, Daihatsu. Both units take advantage of an Atkinson cycle, which increases the compression ratio and reduces waste heat to operate more efficiently. However, the Atkinson cycle produces less power than ordinary engines, which has limited its use mainly to Hybrid cars until now.But Toyota has packed both engines with technology to help retain maximum power while optimising economy. A range of new developments will help the engines breathe better, achieving optimal efficiency. For example, the 1.3-litre will have a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, a redesigned intake port and electronically controlled variable valve timing (VVT-iE).Both engines are designed to be compatible with stop-start technology, which cuts out the engine in traffic to save fuel. This system is currently limited in small cars to premium offerings, such as the Mini Cooper or the Volvo C30. However, Toyota and Daihatsu could be utilising this feature in the most basic entry level cars.Both engines will commence production in coming weeks, but we may only get the larger 1.3-litre engine in Australia initially. However the efficiency gains in the 1.0-litre engine could increase the incentive for Toyota to offer a cheap entry level car sourced from Daihatsu, to rival the Suzuki Alto, Nissan Micra and Mitsubishi Mirage. 

New-car prices will hit new lows between now and the end of the month as Japanese brands push to reach their sales targets before the end of the Japanese financial year, which is March 31.March is typically the second-biggest month of the year for new-car sales behind June, the end of the Australian financial year. The good news for car buyers is that the heavy discounting from the Japanese companies also brings down prices across the industry as rivals try to compete.The profit margins on some cars are so slim that dealers claim they only make money on window tinting -- and finance if arranged through the dealership. Last year, the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Pulsar had their prices wound back by 20 years to $19,990, and others followed.The Japanese Government has for the past 12 months artificially devalued the Yen to boost exports and keep their car factories running at full capacity. Car companies and dealers refused to comment on-the-record about the "D-word" -- discount -- but a search across the industry found some sharp deals on popular cars.The cheapest models from Japanese brands are the Suzuki Alto ($11,990 drive-away) and the Mitsubishi Mirage ($12,990 drive-away), both about $3000 off their full recommended retail prices. Despite their bargain prices both five-door hatchbacks come with the latest safety features, including six airbags and stability control.Meanwhile Suzuki has the cheapest small car below $20,000 with a built-in navigation system: the special edition Swift Navigator is $16,990 drive-away, about $3500 off.Nissan's website says its Pulsar small car is $22,315 drive-away but we found several dealers prepared to sell one for $18,990 drive-away, more than $3000 off. "We'll sell you a car but there's nothing in it for us," said one Nissan dealer who did not want to be named. "That's a white car with manual transmission and standard-issue number plates." Automatic transmission typically adds $2000, metallic paint adds up to $550 on some brands and, in NSW, premium number plates cost about $60 more than standard-issue plates.The only people not celebrating the sharp new-car prices are the dealers. "It's not uncommon to not make a dollar on the car," said a Mitsubishi dealer. "We hope to make it back on accessories, finance or when the customer comes back to get the car serviced."Car dealers typically get a commission of about $1200 on the finance on a $20,000 car -- if the finance is arranged through the dealership. "That's more than the profit on the car," said another dealer. Buyers might also get lucky if the dealer is a few cars short of their monthly sales target."Sometimes you'll rip up a car (sell it below cost) in the last one or two days of the month, just to get over the line," said one multi-franchise dealer principal with more than 20 years' experience in the trade. "That sale could mean the difference between getting a big bonus from the factory, or nothing."The biggest discounts are on the dearest cars. The Nissan 370Z sports-car is now $59,990 drive-away, it was $72,000 plus on-road costs the same time last year, a saving of about $15,000. The Nissan Leaf electric car is now $39,990 drive-away, compared to $51,500 plus on-road costs when it was launched two years ago, a saving of about $14,000 off the full RRP. The Mitsubishi Pajero GLX-R 4WD wagon is now $54,990 drive-away -- it is normally $60,000 drive-away -- but dealers we spoke to said there was at least a further "$1000 to $2000 wriggle room" left in this deal.For those looking for a family sedan the locally-made Toyota Camry can be bought at a discounted price of $29,990 drive-away with Toyota's 1 per cent finance, about $3000 off the full RRP -- and more than $3000 off the repayments at market interest rates. This deal is unique because, customarily, low interest rate offers apply only to the full RRP of the car, which is how the car companies fund the deal.In most cases it is cheaper to arrange your own finance and haggle hard on the price of the car. But Toyota has bucked this trend by offering a low interest rate as well as a drive-away price on the Camry to keep the struggling Toyota factory at Altona running.Meanwhile the Mazda CX-9 Luxury SUV normally sells for $52,980 plus on-roads, but it is now $51,990 drive-away, a saving of about $5000 off the full RRP. But as with the Mitsubishi Pajero deal, Mazda dealers say there is still a further $1000 to $2000 to negotiate off the luxury version of the Mazda CX-9 if buyers sign on the dotted line by the end of the month.This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling 

Think your 4WD can already go anywhere? It could easily get a whole lot tougher with these 'lock'n'loaded' tank tracks that will take your ute or suv to a higher level.Designed by US-based engineering firm AD Boivin, the Track N Go system is a quick-fit system that has you simply drive up onto the treads, lock them in place, remove the loading ramps -- and off you go to conquer new rugged territory.The treads are powered by your vehicle's tyres, making the whole operation simple. And while it's not the first tank tread kit we've seen, it's the first on the market to not require a complicated mechanical conversion to get going. However, they're not cheap, priced at more than $25,000 and heavy enough to set you back quite a bit on freight as well.And although we think they'd look the biz on the little Mitsubishi Mirage city hatch currently in the Carsguide test garage, sadly the Track N Go can only be used on V8 and V6 vehicles with a full 4WD two-stage (low and high) transfer case, leaf spring suspension and diff lock on the rear axle. So that means the test Holden Barina is out of the running as well.Watch the turn your car into a tank video on our desktop site.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

The Mitsubishi Mirage has claimed the 2013 crown for the lowest running costs of any new car on the Australian market

The Mitsubishi Attrage – the name is a blend of attractive and Mirage – will be built in Thailand as a global light sedan, and could arrive here late this year or early next year.Mitsubishi Australia has not confirmed its arrival, but says it would slot in here with the Mirage. “It’s a compact sedan and will have its own little space in the market; it will sit just above the Mirage or within the mirage range,” Mitsubishi Australia spokeswoman Caitlin Beale says.  “It will be offered on a global scale, so will be sent to any countries that decide to pick it up.”“Whether it will keep the Attrage name in Australia is yet to be been confirmed. However, it’s likely since it’s part of a global line.”The Attrage adds a light sedan to the Mitsubishi range in Australia, which currently offers only the Lancer with a boot. The Attrage gets the Mirage’s 1.2-litre 3-cylinder MIVEC engine mated to a five-speed manual or CVT gearbox and a fuel efficiency of 4.6L/100km.Beale says there’s no indication of price yet, but that the sedan would compete against the booted versions of the Toyota Yaris and Holden Barina. With those main rivals starting well under $20,000 – the Yaris from $18,190 and Barina from $16,490 – Mitsubishi will need to be strategic on the pricing, so it’s likely to be not too far north of the Mirage hatch’s $12,990 entry price.Beale says there are no confirmed local arrival dates as yet. However, don’t be surprised to see it roll into Australian dealerships either late this year or early next year.The Attrage follows the fashion of adding a small sedan into ranges near a hatch: Nissan did it with its Micra hatch and Almera sedan and Honda with its Jazz hatch and City sedan. 

Mitsubishi has issued a recall of the 2013 Mirage hatch , just four months after the model’s arrival in Australia.The recall affects all models sold between January and the end of March – 3377 vehicles in all -- and relates to a potentially faulty wheel speed sensor, a key element of the anti-lock braking system.The potential fault can be evident when exposed to moisture, and Mitsubishi has identified a lack of weatherproofing to a related foglamp casing as the root cause of the issue. This could result in false dashboard warnings, brake shudder, reduced braking performance, or compromised steering control – all of which could pose a crash hazard.The recall is being executed globally as directed by Mitsubishi in Japan, and Mitsubishi Australia sold 2385 Mirages during that time. The remaining vehicles in the recall may not yet have been sold.Speaking with Carsguide today, Mitsubishi Australia’s Caitlin Beale confirmed that “just one or two Australian owners have reported brake shudder as a result of the issue,” and no accidents have been reported.Beale understands that dealers have completed most, if not all repairs already, with the replacement part being fitted in 30 minutes.She says Mitsubishi has already alerted all Mirage owners by mail.  Any owners yet to be alerted are advised to contact their authorised Mitsubishi dealership for inspection and rectification. 

The new Mirage is claimed to offer outstanding fuel efficiency, a spacious interior for five people and easy-to-drive manoeuvrability, with nimble performance wrapped up in a stylish and affordable package. Powered by a 57kW 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol engine the all-new Smart MIVEC engine delivers best in class fuel efficiency returning 4.6 litres/100km. Sounds like something from 25 years ago. But the safety system is a different story, with six airbags, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with Brakeforce Distribution. The entry level ES model comes standard with CD player, two speakers, USB and AUX input and Bluetooth 2.0 with audio streaming. The three-spoke leather steering wheel features phone and audio controls, making it easy to listen to music and safer to take phone calls on the road. A CVT style automatic brings the price to $15,240, plus on road costs. Climbing the ladder the Sport is $14,190 and the LS is $15,490.  

Starting mid-January, the base model Mirage ES will battle it out with the cheaper Chery J1 (from $10,990), Suzuki Alto (from $11,790) and Holden Barina Spark (from $12,490). The other notable players in the sub $14K light car market are the Nissan Micra (from $13,490), and the Proton S16 and Volkswagen Up (from $13,990). The ES comes with a two speaker audio system with AUX and USB inputs, Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming, and a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and phone controls. The ES also features 14-inch steel wheels and manual air conditioning. The next model up is the Mirage Sport and it comes with 14-inch alloys, two extra speakers and a rear spoiler. The LS is the top of the range gets larger 15 inch alloys, foglights, climate control, keyless entry with push button start, auto headlights and rain sensing wipers. There is only one engine on offer: a 1.2 litre three-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 57kW and 100Nm. The best fuel consumption is achieved in the ES model (4.6L/100km). The rest of the rage still manages to return impressive fuel consumption figures below 5L/100km. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission. The diminutive Mirage measures 3710mm in length, 1665mm width and 1500mm in height. Mitsubishi claims to have the best turning circle in class with a turning radius of just 4.4 metres for the ES and a respectable 4.6 metres for the LS. This means it would be even easier to park and manoeuvre around the city than the tiny size might suggest. Mitsubishi expects the maximum five-star result in safety crash testing thanks to standard six airbags and electronic stability control across the range. Warranty is five-year/130,000km and it comes with four year/60,000 capped-price servicing program. The 2013 Mitsubishi Mirage manufacturer list prices are as follows:        

Despite tasty hero cars led by the F-Type Jaguar and Aston Martin One-77, it's the real world cars that are of most interest.The return of the Nissan Pulsar, the unveiling of the Toyota Corolla and the first Sydney appearance of the Mazda6 and Mitsubishi Mirage are all proof that ordinary customers now rule the roost. As car sales track strongly towards an all-time record, it's real people spending their own money who are the real target for carmakers."If you get the product right, everything else follows," the top Aussie at Toyota Australia, Dave Buttner, tells Carsguide. "All the growth in sales this year is with private buyers, as government departments have been winding back and fleet sales are also down. Private buyers are confident and they are spending on the second-biggest purchase after their house."Nissan confirmed its commitment to the new-age PUlsar with a $19,990 starting price and a SSS under lights. "Pulsar is back and we have big plans," Bill Peffer, managing director of Nissan Australia, tells Carsguide.For Mazda, the new 6 is its first all-new arrival since the GFC and a pointer to the replacement for the top selling Mazda3. "You can see now where we're going," Doug Dickson, MD of Mazda Australia, says. And the baby Mirage? "It's something new for us, and it's going to bring a lot of people to the brand. I reckon we'll sell heaps," Mitsubishi marketing chief Paul Unerkov laughs. 

The "global compact car" will first be sold in Thailand, followed by ASEAN countries, Japan, Europe, then expand to other markets successively. The Mirage was developed under a concept that fulfils the needs of both fast-growing emerging markets as an entry-level car and the eco-conscious advanced markets with its environmental performance. The Mirage will be made at a brand-new third factory at Mitsubishi Motors Thailand's (MMTh) Laem Chabang Plant; the largest MMC plant outside of Japan. The Mirage is focused on premium fuel efficiency and low CO2 emission. The new tiddler delivers fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions that are among the best in its class thanks to the all-new MIVEC1 engine and reduced aerodynamic resistance and rolling resistance. It provides nimble handling inherent to a compact car while utilising high-efficiency packaging to maintain interior space for five adults. Optimisation of the body structure and more extensive use of high-tensile strength panel make the vehicle seven per cent lighter than is normal for its class, contributing to better fuel economy.  The Mirage uses Mitsubishi's impact-resistant RISE 3 body, which absorbs and distributes impact force to deliver high levels of occupant safety. A high level of quality achieved through MMDS (Mitsubishi Motors Development System), a comprehensive quality management system that sets and assesses/evaluates the achievement of specific performance benchmarks within each stage of operations from vehicle planning, sales and after-sales services. In addition, before production, Mitsubishi stationed experienced inspectors from its Japanese factories in Thailand to inspect manufactured units at the new third factory in order to make sure that the same quality standards from its Japanese factories are reached. The Thai-market Mirage will be equipped with a 1.2L MIVEC engine and achieve around  5.0 litres/100KM  with a EURO 4 rating