Mitsubishi Canada hosted the North American premiere of an all-new subcompact car at the 2013 Montreal Auto Show. This five-door hatchback will go on sale this fall under a name that has yet to be announced. In other parts of the globe, it's already known as the ''Mirage.''
Despite a low price of about $13,000, buyers should expect a fair amount of standard features and amenities. And that great value will be complemented with exceptional fuel economy courtesy of a 1.2L three-cylinder engine rated at 74 horsepower.
Standing out from the pack
The production model is based on Mitsubishi's Global Small concept unveiled a year ago. In a market segment highlighted by the Chevrolet Spark, Fiat 500, and Scion iQ, it will prove more affordable, more fuel-efficient and more spacious, with actual seating for five, the company promises.
Naturally, the Thai-built subcompact from Mitsubishi is aimed at younger drivers, which is why the show car in Montreal sported a bright Green Metallic body. The sleek roofline curves gently down toward the rear spoiler, thus improving aerodynamics.
Meanwhile, the clean-looking cabin seems to convey a sense of purpose. Obviously, you won't find many bells and whistles, here, but quality is there. As for the cargo area, it can swallow a reasonable amount of luggage.
Look for the new Mitsubishi to hit squarely on all five key purchase considerations of subcompact car buyers (according to brand research): fuel economy, value for money, price, exterior styling, and reliability.
Speaking of which, let's not forget Mitsubishi's impressive coverage, including an industry-best 10-year/160,000-km limited powertrain warranty. The Japanese automaker clearly puts a lot of faith in its vehicles.
Why Montreal?
The province of Quebec represents 40% of all Mitsubishi sales in Canada, and has a comprehensive network of 34 dealers. Only 50 additional showrooms can be found in the rest of the country.
Describing the new subcompact as their ''latest ultra-efficient vehicle,'' Quebec sales manager Patrick Renaud said: ''Fuel efficiency is our global focus, our company mission.'' He also noted that the Mitsubishi RVR crossover achieves a class-leading 6.1L/100km.
Mitsubishi expects the final fuel economy ratings to be among the best for gasoline-powered cars in Canada.
Despite a low price of about $13,000, buyers should expect a fair amount of standard features and amenities. And that great value will be complemented with exceptional fuel economy courtesy of a 1.2L three-cylinder engine rated at 74 horsepower.
Standing out from the pack
The production model is based on Mitsubishi's Global Small concept unveiled a year ago. In a market segment highlighted by the Chevrolet Spark, Fiat 500, and Scion iQ, it will prove more affordable, more fuel-efficient and more spacious, with actual seating for five, the company promises.
Naturally, the Thai-built subcompact from Mitsubishi is aimed at younger drivers, which is why the show car in Montreal sported a bright Green Metallic body. The sleek roofline curves gently down toward the rear spoiler, thus improving aerodynamics.
Meanwhile, the clean-looking cabin seems to convey a sense of purpose. Obviously, you won't find many bells and whistles, here, but quality is there. As for the cargo area, it can swallow a reasonable amount of luggage.
Look for the new Mitsubishi to hit squarely on all five key purchase considerations of subcompact car buyers (according to brand research): fuel economy, value for money, price, exterior styling, and reliability.
Speaking of which, let's not forget Mitsubishi's impressive coverage, including an industry-best 10-year/160,000-km limited powertrain warranty. The Japanese automaker clearly puts a lot of faith in its vehicles.
Why Montreal?
The province of Quebec represents 40% of all Mitsubishi sales in Canada, and has a comprehensive network of 34 dealers. Only 50 additional showrooms can be found in the rest of the country.
Describing the new subcompact as their ''latest ultra-efficient vehicle,'' Quebec sales manager Patrick Renaud said: ''Fuel efficiency is our global focus, our company mission.'' He also noted that the Mitsubishi RVR crossover achieves a class-leading 6.1L/100km.
Mitsubishi expects the final fuel economy ratings to be among the best for gasoline-powered cars in Canada.
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