Mitsubishi Motors, the brand synonymous with the outdoors, 4×4 and of course Paris/Dakar has taken the wraps off its latest offering into the South African market. It’s neither 4×4 nor capable of entering the Paris/Dakar, but is rather small, stylish whilst still offering generous specification and fuel consumption.
Says Wynand Pretorius, Chief Operations Officer at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa: “The Mitsubishi Brand is on a continuing Renaissance in South Africa, and with the all-new Mirage we are opening our brand to a new buying audience who place affordability, quality and specification at the top of the buying decision. And, when everything else seems more expensive, to launch a superb value car like the Mirage, with its big heart, makes perfect sense for the South African market.”
The biggest news though is that Mitsubishi is launching the Mirage at a super-competitive R1899 per month finance option which includes 12-months comprehensive insurance. This should make the mini Mitsubishi a very attractive proposition to students and other first time buyers who might otherwise battle to get a decent insurance rate.
Three brand-new Mirage derivatives make up the new range in South Africa, each of which has been designed to offer different levels of specification with no compromise on powertrain, safety or efficiency. Powered by Mitsubishi’s surprisingly sprightly 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder DOHC petrol engine. making 57 kW and 100 Nm of torque peak at 4 000 rpm. Average fuel economy is said to be 4.9-litres per 100 km, with CO2 emissions of 115 g/km.
Standard features across the range include dual airbags, air conditioning, electric windows, a radio/CD audio system and steering wheel audio controls.
Those wanting a little more luxury can spec the optional R15 000 accessory package which can be fitted to any Mirage derivative and includes a cargo organiser, a centre arm rest console, front lower bumper garnish, rear parking sensors, satellite navigation and premium carpets.
The new Mitsubishi Mirage range is fronted by the new 1.2 MIVEC GL, which includes standard equipment like keyless entry, a radio/CD audio system, colour-coded bumpers, a third rear brake light, electric power steering with a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, a multi-information display, front electric windows and manual air conditioning with a pollen filter. Fourteen-inch steel wheels are available as well as a full-size spare.
The Mirage 1.2 MIVEC GLX represents the mid-range model, adding a number of features to GL specification. These include a fuel efficiency indicator in the instrument panel, 15-inch alloy wheels with a full-size alloy spare, colour coded mirrors and door handles, electric side mirrors, a cheeky rear spoiler with integrated third brake light, a leather-bound multi-function steering wheel, an accessory socket and a USB port added to the audio system.
Topping the new Mirage range is the 1.2 MIVEC GLS, which features keyless starting to complement the keyless entry, rear electric windows, auto up/down for the driver’s window with an anti-pinch function, fully automatic climate control and front fog lights.
