Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Mitsubishi

The News Limited Carsguide team review the forthcoming Mitsubishi Mirage and give it a pat on the back. The driving force for this car isn't it's good looks or interior space, even though it has it in spades, it's all about fuel efficiency.

The vehicle will feature Mitsubishi's 1.2 litre Mivec Engine and a stated fuel economy of 5.0 litres per 100 kilometers which makes it one of the most frugal vehicles in the small car class. With release around the same time as the Volkswagen Up there'll be  a battle royal in the last 3 months of the year.

Mirage is expected to be priced under $13000 whilst the Up is expected to be almost $2000 more. What price a badge?

To see the full range of Mitsubishi passenger, commercial and SUV vehicles drop into Northstar Mitsubishi at 218 Anzac Avenue Redcliffe, or shop online at www.northstarmitsubishi.com.au or www.lovemycar.com.au

The Mirage is focused on premium fuel efficiency and low CO2 emission.

Mitsubishi will start selling its new Mirage overseas from this week.

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.