Mitsubishi takes the wraps off the all-new Mirage

MANILA, Philippines - Many of us born in the 70’s or earlier have his or her own “Mirage” memories. In my case, I was a pimply 16-year-old crushing on my Povedan neighbor who had a blue Mirage. During those years there was a Tropical Hut supermarket at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Ave near Greenhills. It was raffling off a blue Mirage for the shoppers.

I remember just gazing at the snazzy little car parked above the ice cream section every time I accompanied my parents to shop for groceries. I wanted to win the car, not just so I’ll have the same car as my crush, but because I just thought it looked so cool. 

And now Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is rekindling all sorts of fond memories as it introduces the all-new Mirage. Much like its forebear, the new Mirage was developed on the precepts of high fuel efficiency, affordability and compactness. Manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors Thailand, this global car promises excellent fuel economy, high environment-friendliness with very low carbon emissions, optimized equipment for exceptional value and most of all, is fun and easy to drive.

The new Mirage is powered by a new and highly efficient 3-cylinder 1.2-liter 78–hp (at 6,000 rpm and 100 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm) engine with the exclusive Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC) technology that adjusts the timing of the intake camshaft for optimal performance across the rev range. The engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual or an automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Mirage is capable of achieving a fuel efficiency rating of up to 21 km/l. It is currently the most fuel-efficient “eco-car” in Thailand, exceeding the requirements for Thai government “eco-car” classification.

Impressive value and safety are what you can expect from the new Mirage as it features standard dual-SRS airbags, Electronic Time and Alarm Control System and Multi-Information display for all variants. Meantime the high-end GLS variants are supplemented with Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) system with Electronic Brake Distribution, which prevents the wheels from locking in emergency stops, giving greater control even on slippery driving conditions.  

In addition, the Start/Stop push button and Keyless Operation System which allows the driver to lock and unlock the doors by simply pressing a button on the side of the door handle, a touch-screen Multimedia Entertainment system, fully automatic climate control, and 15-inch alloy wheels on the GLS are just some of the features which add to Mirage’s fun factor.

The all-new Mirage also features high-efficiency packaging which keeps the engine compartment as compact as possible to optimize occupant space. It provides interior space enough to seat five adults comfortably. The Mirage has class-leading legroom of 1,651 mm. Luggage space is 235 liters with the rear seats up and double that when the 60:40-split rear seats are folded flat. The Mirage has a turning radius of 4.4 meters for the GLX and 4.6 meter for the GLS—among the smallest in its class.

With its compact body, the new Mirage provides a fun and attractive exterior styling that appeals to both genders across all ages. Mitsubishi adopted a front visual identity which provides a clean, sporty, and youthful impression while the sides are expressively designed to complement the gentle yet sporty styling of the headlamp and the sculpted hood.

Eight cool body colors are available for the GLS variants: the three signature colors of Lemonade Yellow Metallic, Pop Green Mica, and Medium Blue Mica, plus Majestic Red, Savanna White, Cool Silver Metallic, Gemstone Grey and Pyrenese Black. For the GLX, Majestic Red, Savanna White, Cool Silver Metallic, Gemstone Grey and Pyrenese Black are available.

The sporty yet clean lines of the exterior are complemented by the Mirage’s black-themed interior.  The dashboard provides a well-laid-out styling for excellent forward visibility. All the controls, dials and buttons have been simplified and located, offering an uncluttered personal space. 

Exclusive to the GLS variant is a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver accent for a premium and classy feel. The steering wheel can be tilt-adjusted according to driver’s preferences for better comfort and control. Meanwhile, the GLX variants get a three-spoke urethane steering wheel for a more sporty appeal. 

Suggested introductory retail price of the all-new Mirage starts at P498,000 for the GLX MT, P548,000 for the GLX CVT, while the GLS MT and CVT are available for P588,000 and P638,000 respectively.

Mitsubishi is confident that every Mirage that you will see on the road has the highest levels of quality and workmanship. Owners of the all-new Mirage are given the peace of mind and the assurance of a worry-free ownership with the extended warranty period of 5-years or 100,000 kms., whichever comes first.