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Back to October 2012 Motorsports News Archive
| 23-10-2012 at 02:00: Wishing it was Just a Mirage | |
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Powered by a smaller engine than its predecessor of nine years ago, the 1.2-litre is Mitsubishi’s all-new Smart MIVEC engine which offers high fuel efficiency. The ES returns 4.6 litres per 100km, the LS gets 4.8 and 4.9 litres per 100km for manual and CVT respectively. This three cylinder engine utilises the MIVEC variable valve timing system that matches intake valve timing to engine speed and load. The engine produces a maximum output of 57kW at 6000rpm and generates maximum torque of 100Nm at 4000rpm. The Mirage’s Smart MIVEC engine is mated to a five-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission. The Mirage looks small on the outside and unfortunately means that this new car is small on the inside. Mitsubishi say that the new Mirage provides generous space for five adults, but they must not have been talking about the average Australian adult. The room in the back is limited and would be a very uncomfortable ride for five. The front on the other hand is not too bad. There is room for a decent driving position and the front seat passenger has good leg room even with the seat almost fully forward. The dashboard is flat and looks cheap and averagely made. The feel of closing the doors lacks a quality feel but the interior is boosted in the LS model through the addition of silver accents on the shifter panel, gear knob and air-conditioning vents along with the inclusion of chrome door handles. Two interior fabric trims will be available in the Mirage. The ES model features a plain knit black seat fabric embossed with a polka-dot pattern to express a sense of movement. The LS model uses a soft, waffle-weave seat fabric in black and purple to impart a sense of fun and sophistication. Black and ivory two-tone dash and door trims in both models, bring lightness and a sense of space to the Mirage interior.
The Mirage offers plenty of small item storage areas, including a front passenger glove box, dashboard tray above the glove box, centre console tray, front door pockets with bottle holder, front and rear seat drink holders and front passenger seat back pocket. Luggage space can be increased by folding down the 60/40 split rear seat. Mirage ES 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. In the Mirage LS, convenience is improved with the addition of dusk-sensing headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and Keyless Operating System with one-touch start. Driver and passenger comfort is boosted with climate-control air-conditioning while the audio system receives two additional speakers. The Mirage’s overall appearance is not really that good. It does have edgy headlamps and sculpted engine hood creating a friendly frontal face. Mitsubishi conducted extensive fluid analysis and wind tunnel testing which resulted in the Mirage being designed to reduce air resistance, although it seems they forgot to make it decent looking. Airflow around the front end has been optimised by minimising the grille opening and crafting the front bumper undersurface to act as an air dam at its corners. The Mirage provides good forward and side visibility due to the low-set belt line and location of A-pillars closer to front occupants. The gently curving roof line provides ample headroom for rear seat passengers while air resistance is reduced through the use of a roof spoiler on the LS model. Airflow separation from front to rear has been improved through using a gently tapered cabin roof line which shapes into a trailing edge and the use of prominent edges at the corners of the broad and substantial rear bumper. Adding front fog lamps, roof spoiler, door sash blackout and 15-inch alloy wheels gives the Mirage LS a sporty edge, boosting its street presence, if it has any to begin with. The Mirage Sport is based on the Mirage ES with additional features to enhance the Mirage’s clean lines. The Mirage Sport receives 14-inch alloy wheels, roof spoiler, four speakers and door sash blackout. Mirage is equipped with a range of safety systems as standard including six SRS airbags; driver and front passenger, side and curtain. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Active Stability Control and for child seat installation there are three tether anchors and two Iso-Fix rear seat child restraints fitted. The Mirage uses Mitsubishi’s RISE safety body design to provide an impact-absorbing front end with high-rigidity cabin structure. The extensive use of high-tensile steel panelling reduces the body weight of the Mirage helping contribute to better fuel economy and performance. MMAL’s CEO Mutsuhiro Oshikiri said MMAL is looking forward to introducing the Mirage to the Australian market. “The Mirage is great value for money, offering lively performance and a brand new stylish design which we are confident will appeal to customers,” Oshikiri said. “The Mirage is impressive because it balances high performance and functionality with fuel efficiency in a compact, yet spacious, package that is fun to drive.” Photos by Rudi Khoury
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The nameplate Mirage is returning to Australia but in a very different form. From the start of 2013 the all-new Mirage will hit the streets with Mitsubishi hoping it will bring big sales.
Although Mitsubishi have done well with the fabrics, the seats lack support and they seem a little soft. A good point about the rear seat being so flat is it helps maximise the space to fit more than one child seat. ^ Back to top ^
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