Amid questions about Mitsubishi commitment to the US market, the Japanese automaker has unveiled an all-new car touted as the “most fuel efficient non-hybrid gasoline vehicle available in America.”
Even amid the lackluster appeal of the Mitsubishi brand in recent years, that’ll likely pique the interest of more than a few people in the market for a compact looking to save some cash at the pump.
The 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage, unveiled at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, is said to have a combined fuel economy of 37 mpg city and 44 mpg highway for a combined 40 mpg.
Targeted at urban dwellers, the 5-door subcompact is powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder DOHC engine that produces 74 horsepower and 74 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is offered with either a 5-speed manual or an advanced continuously-variable transmission (CVT) with Idle Neutral Logic.
Standard electric power steering helps the Mirage achieve its high fuel efficiency numbers.
In addition, the car features an ECO indicator that illuminates to let the driver know when they are driving in a manner that allows for the best fuel efficiency.
The upmarket Mirage ES model features front fog lamps; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; F.A.S.T. (Free-hand Advanced Security Transmitter)-Key passive entry; One-Touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; cruise control and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system.
Additional tech features include LED Interior Illumination, rear parking assist and a navigation system. Pricing was not specified.
Are small-displacement 3-cylinder engines part of a fuel-efficient future? Would you buy this car? Why or why not? Leave a comment below!
