Mitsubishi debuts new 3-cyl 44mpg Mirage – and it’s not a hybrid

By Marcus Amick March 28, 2013

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.

Mitsubishi Mirage (rear) — Image used with permission by copyright holder

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!

Editors' Recommendations

For Volkswagen, the electric ID.3 is more than a new car. It’s a new chapter

Topics

New York Auto Show

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Marcus Amick has been writing about the world of cars for more than ten years and has covered everything from new automobiles…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.