Mitsubishi Mirage launched in Malaysia
Following a lengthy pre-launch campaign that started since October, the all-new Mitsubishi Mirage is now officially launched in Malaysia. Priced attractively from RM56,980 with insurance, the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Mirage will give popular hatchbacks such as the Perodua Myvi and Suzuki Swift a serious run for their money.
A total of two trim levels are on offer, with the entry-level GL version available with the option of 5-speed manual or INVECS-III CVT transmissions, the latter coming with a RM5,000 price premium over the former. The top-spec GS model, which accounts for 90% of the 500 pre-launch bookings, is available exclusively with the CVT and is priced at RM64,980.
Past iterations of the Mirage were vehicles with pseudo-sporting intentions. Malaysians would be particularly familiar with the fourth-generation model that was reworked by Proton to become the highly popular first-generation Satria and Putra. The Mirage of today, however, is a vehicle with greener credentials, and powering it is a fuel efficient 1.2-litre three-cylinder MIVEC engine.
The new 1.2-litre 3A92 pushes out a modest 77hp and 100Nm, which may not be as bad as it sounds as it only has 825kg (M/T) to 850kg (CVT) of kerb weight to deal with. Official fuel consumption is rated at 21 km/l on the New European Driving Cycle, and Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) personnel claimed that their own internal tests were able to reproduce the figure in real-world driving conditions.
For its national car-rivaling prices, equipment offered in the Mirage is pretty good. The GL models get electric side mirrors, 14″ alloy rims, trip computer with multi-info display, headlamp level adjust, parking sensors, dual airbags, front seat-belt pre-tensioners, ISOFIX, ABS, and EBD. The 2-DIN audio system is identical for all variants, featuring MP3 and WMA playback with USB, iPod, and Aux-In connectivity.
Meanwhile, exclusive equipment for the more expensive GS model are front fog lamps, rear spoiler with integrated brake light, leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry with engine start button, rear hatch tonneau cover, and automatic climate control. Owners can also specify a number of cost options that include Aero Package (RM1,999,90), Chrome Package (RM750.00), Ralliart Fuel Cover (RM150.00), and leather seats (RM1,500.00).
The Mirage comes with a standard 3-year / 100,000km warranty in addition to a 1-year / 20,000km free maintenance package covering maintenance parts, engine oil, and labour.
According to MMM’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tetsuya Oda, the company aims to sell 400 units of the Mirage a month, a figure which would account for about 20% of the non-national B-segment hatchback segment. The Mirage makes it a total of 11 models of MMM in Malaysia, and with this MMM is confident of hitting its targeted sales of 13,000 units for its 2012 fiscal year that runs from April 2012 to March 2013. As of October 2012, the company has sold 7,000 units.
By 2015, MMM aims to achieve annual sales exceeding 30,000 units and to facilitate growth in that direction, Oda mentioned plans of expanding its sales an service network with seven new 3S centres to be opened in the Klang Valley, Johor, and Sarawak by the end of 2013. Oda also mentioned that MMM is actively pursuing the idea of local assembly for future Mitsubishi models, and has expressed hopes that the company will have a locally-assembled model in its line-up also by the end of 2013.
On a separate note, Oda also confirmed that commercial sales of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric vehicle will start from the end of 2012. There certainly is plenty to watch out from MMM over the next year or so.
