It’s no illusion, dude

Mitsubishi’s latest is a small little one that looks set to expand the choices in the eco-friendly race.

The Mitsubishi Mirage is the all-new entry level B-segment car from Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) , which has been developed specifically to provide high levels of fuel-efficiency and eco-friendliness.

The Mirage claims an exceptional consumption of 21km/l of petrol by way of a smaller naturally aspirated 1.2L, 3-cylinder MIVEC (3A92) engine that lies under the hood.

The new Mirage may have humble performance figures and perhaps a spartan interior, till a push-start button catches the corner of your right eye as you sit in the driver’s seat.

The centre console has a rather large double-DIN Kenwood head-unit with USB, iPod and AUX connectivity.

A little lower from there are the digital climate controls and a leather-wrapped gear knob.

Although there’s adequate space up front, rear headroom is a tad constrained.

The hatchback has a respectable aerodynamic efficiency of 0.30Cd – allowing it to cut through the air rather effectively.

The petrol engine with continuously variable valve control is capable of producing a modest output of 76 bhp at 6,000rpm and 100Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. Extensive use of high-tensile steel has helped achieve a kerb weight of 850kg (825kg M/T).

A choice of 5-speed manual or INVECS-III (Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System) CVT transmission get the power down to 14” alloy rims wrapped in slim 165/65 EP150 ECOPIA tyres by Bridgestone.

The Mirage has dual-SRS airbags up front, 4-wheel ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and seat-belt pre-tensioners as well as ISOFIX Child Seat Mount, and an anti-pinch power window.

The entry-level GL comes with a 5-speed manual transmission costing RM56,980. The CVT-equipped GL will set you back a further RM5,000 at RM61,980 and the range topping GS is another RM3,000 more at RM64,980. (on-the-road with insurance).

Optional extras include the Aero Package (RM1,999), Chrome Package (RM750), Ralli-Art fuel lid cover (RM150) and leather seats (RM1,500).

The fully-imported Mirage comes with a three-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first) as well as a one-year free maintenance. The first 500 new owners will get a free iPod Shuffle.