Mitsubishi is about to unveil their new concepts for ASX, Pajero and new compact people mover. The designs are futuristic and have been created to both intrigue and shock people heading to the Tokyo motor show.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited’s (MMAL) Mirage is back, better than ever with an all-new design. Boasting outstanding fuel efficiency, a spacious interior for five people and easy-todrive manoeuvrability, the new Mirage offers nimble performance wrapped up in a stylish and affordable package.
Due to be released in Australia in January 2013, MMAL’s all-new Mirage delivers exceptional environmental and drive performance combined with a fun, sporty design.
MMAL’s CEO Mutsuhiro Oshikiri said MMAL is looking forward to introducing the Mirage to the Australian market. “The Mirage is great value for money, offering lively performance and a brand new stylish design which we are confident will appeal to customers,” Oshikiri said.
“The Mirage is impressive because it balances high performance and functionality with fuel efficiency
in a compact, yet spacious, package that is fun to drive.” The all-new Mirage platform utilises structural optimisation to create a body which is rigid yet still one
of the lightest in class. Combined with a highly aerodynamic body style, the Mirage achieves best in class fuel economy of 4.6L/100kms (ES model) with the LS model returning 4.8L/100kms with manual transmission and 4.9L/100kms in the CVT. The Mirage achieves best in class CO2 emissions of 109g/km in the ES with the LS 5MT not far behind with 113g/km and 115g/km in the LS CVT.
Interior
The Mirage’s spacious interior provides seating for up to five people in comfort. Through using highefficiency packaging, which keeps the engine compartment as small as possible, occupant space is maximised.
The flat dashboard with accent line which traces across the entire length of the dash provides a sense of width to the cockpit. The clean styling of the dash top promotes feelings of space while the glossy piano black centre panel adds a stylish touch. The quality feel of the Mirage’s interior is boosted in the LS model through the addition of silver accents on the shifter panel, gear knob and air-conditioning vents along with the inclusion of chrome door handles.
Two interior fabric trims are available in the Mirage. The ES model features a plain knit black seat fabric embossed with a polka-dot pattern to express a sense of movement. The LS model uses a soft, waffle-weave seat fabric in black and purple to impart a sense of fun with a touch of sophistication.
Black and ivory two-tone dash and door trims in both models, bring lightness and a sense of space to the Mirage interior. The contoured front seats provide a comfortable ride while the rear bench seat with flat cushion ensures all rear occupants, including the middle passenger, enjoy a comfortable drive. The flat rear seating also helps maximise the space to fit more than one child seat with ease.
The Mirage offers plenty of small item storage areas, including a front passenger glove box, dashboard tray above the glove box, centre console tray, front door pockets with bottle holder, front and rear seat drink holders and front passenger seat back pocket. Luggage space can be increased by folding down the 60/40 split rear seat.
Mirage ES comes standard with CD player, two speakers, USB and AUX input and Bluetooth 2.0 with audio streaming. The three-spoke leather steering wheel features phone and audio controls, making it easy to listen to music and safer to take phone calls on the road. In the Mirage LS, convenience is improved with the addition of dusk-sensing headlamps, rain-sensing
wipers and Keyless Operating System with one-touch start to make the daily drive a little easier. Driver and passenger comfort is boosted with climate-control air-conditioning while the audio system receives two additional speakers.
Exterior
Measuring in at 3,710mm long, 1,665m wide and 1,500mm high, Mirage provides generous space for five adults and everyday luggage in a small package. A turning radius of just 4.4 metres gives the Mirage ES the best turning circle in its class, with the LS model close behind at 4.6 metres. With its easy-to-drive nature and outstanding manoeuvrability, the Mirage inspires driver confidence. The Mirage’s clean design imparts an inviting and approachable overall appearance with the edgy headlamps and sculpted engine hood creating a friendly frontal face. Extensive fluid analysis and wind tunnel testing resulted in the Mirage being designed with optimal styling to reduce air resistance. The result is a drag co-efficient of just 0.30 which puts Mirage among the best in class and contributes to lower fuel consumption. Airflow around the front end has been optimised by minimising the grille
opening and crafting the front bumper undersurface to act as an air dam at its corners.
The Mirage provides excellent forward and side visibility due to the low-set belt line and location of Apillars closer to front occupants. The gently curving roof line provides ample headroom for rear seat passengers while air resistance is reduced through the use of a roof spoiler on the LS model. Airflow separation from front to rear has been improved through using a gently tapered cabin roof line which shapes into a trailing edge and the use of prominent edges at the corners of the broad and substantial rear bumper. Adding front fog lamps, roof spoiler, door sash blackout and 15-inch alloy wheels gives the Mirage LS a sporty edge, boosting its street presence.
The Mirage Sport is based on the Mirage ES with additional features to enhance the Mirage’s cleanlines. The Mirage Sport receives 14-inch alloy wheels, roof spoiler, four speakers and door sash blackout. Available in a selection of six richly-hued colours, the Mirage’s sporty lines dazzle in Mulberry, Cyber Blue (LS only), Red Planet and Midnight Black (LS only) while Cool Silver and White add a touch of understated style. Engine Powered by a 1.2-litre all-new Smart MIVEC engine, the Mirage ES has best in class fuel efficiency returning 4.6L/100km. Not far behind the is the LS 5MT with 4.8L/100km and 4.9L/100km in the LS CVT. This results in low CO2 emissions of 109g/km in the ES and 113g/km in the LS manual and 115g/km in the LS CVT. It is expected the Mirage will achieve a five-star rating in the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s 2012 Green Vehicle Guide thanks to its low CO 2 emissions and fuel efficiency. The 1.2-litre, three cylinder engine utilises Mitsubishi Motors’ MIVEC variable valve timing system that optimally matches intake valve timing to engine speed and load. The air intake and exhaust systems, fuel system, cooling system and other ancillary systems have had extensive weight reduction while friction losses and loads in all moving parts have been reduced. The engine produces maximum output of 57kW at 6000rpm and generates maximum torque of 100Nm at 4000rpm. Combined with a comparatively low weight, Mirage achieves effortless acceleration from a complete stop and when overtaking providing nimble and confident performance.
The Mirage’s Smart MIVEC engine is mated to a five-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission, with both options providing peppy performance and easy-to-drive manoeuvrability.
Safety Mirage is equipped with a range of safety systems as standard including six SRS airbags; driver and front passenger, side and curtain. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution makes driving on slippery surfaces safer by activating brakes to individual wheels when required to deliver superior control and evenly distributing brake pressure across the front and rear wheels accordingly. Active Stability Control works to maintain stability and prevent loss of control while cornering to keep the Mirage online through corners. For child seat installation there are three tether anchors and two Iso-Fix rear seat child restraints fitted. The Mirage uses Mitsubishi’s RISE safety body design to provide an impact-absorbing front end with high-rigidity cabin structure. The extensive use of high-tensile steel panelling reduces the body weight of the Mirage helping contribute to better fuel economy and performance.
The structural design provides impact energy-absorbing spaces under the engine hood and the fenders as well as energyabsorbing cowl top and wipers to mitigate head injury in the event of a pedestrian collision. The front bumper and headlamps also use an energy-absorbing design to minimise pedestrian leg injuries.
On sale January 2013, all-new Mitsubishi Mirage will be available at Toowong Mitsubishi in Brisbane from January 2013.
Mitsubishi Motors’ Pajero ACTiV is back, packed with additional features and premium styling boosting the legendary four-wheel drive’s appeal.
Pajero ACTiV is an impressive addition to the Mitsubishi Motors’ line-up, priced at $58,990 drive away for the 3.2-litre Common Rail turbo-charged diesel engine with automatic transmission.
Based on the popular 2012 Pajero diesel GLX, the Pajero ACTiV’s bold lines are accentuated through the inclusion of privacy glass, rear spoiler, body-coloured door handles and mirrors and front fog lamps along with side steps and alloy nudge bar.
Inside, the Pajero ACTiV boasts Mitsubishi’s Multi Communication System (MMCS) with voice command and reversing camera monitor to enhance driver visibility. The 860 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system provides exceptional sound quality in the comfortably appointed cabin.
MMAL vice-president of customer and brand management, Paul Unerkov, said thePajero ACTiV represents exceptional value for customers who need solid on and off-road power combined with stylish touches and functional features.
“The ACTiV edition combines the Pajero’s legendary power and performance with generous extras, resulting ina fantastic package in a premium vehicle,” Unerkovsaid.
With safety features such as RISE body protection, ABS braking system withEBD, electronic stability control and driver and passenger SRS airbags along with Mitsubishi Motors’ Super Select II driving system, the Pajero ACTiV offers capable on and off-road driving.
Available in Cool Silver, Pitch Black, Warm White, Ironbark and Graphite, the limited edition Pajero ACTiV is now available.
The Pajero ACTiV is covered by Mitsubishi’s 10 year / 160,000 km non-transferrable drive-train warranty, five year / 130,000 km new vehicle warranty, five year/130,000km Roadside Assist and Capped Price Servicing for the first four years or 60,000 km of ownership*.
* Excludes government, rental, and some fleet buyers
In January 2012 we purchased a Mitsubishi ASX from Toowong Mitsubishi. We didn’t buy the 4X4, as while we will go scrub bashing we don’t usually need the extra capabilities of the 4X4 and we didn’t see the point of having the bigger vehicle in town.
In May 2012 we drove to Melbourne by way of Toowoomba, Dalby, St George, Cunnamulla, Bourke, Goolgowi and Castlemaine. Coming home we went through Chadstone, Foster, Sale, Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Eden, Sydney (at peak hour), Port Stephens (mmm the seafood), Taree, Ballina and the Gold Coast. In all we drove 4,774.6 kms in 3 weeks, 8 days of which the car was parked in a car park in the middle of Melbourne.
Somewhere outside of Cunnamulla
Because we didn’t have the restrictions of flying we didn’t pack lightly, besides ourselves, we had 2 suitcases, 4 good size plastic boxes, a full size esky, a foldup table and 2 foldup chairs, camera, binoculars, maps, snacks and with heading south – coats.
In town we found the ASX to be responsive, nimble, oh so easy to park in tight spaces (urbanised the SUV), easy to see out of in traffic and easy on fuel.
On the open road the ASX quite happily sat at 110kms/hour, fuel consumption dropped to 7.0lt/100kms and braking at that speed was not an issue.
The semi’s out west are road trains, 2 or 3 full size trailers, and the ASX had no difficulty in accelerating from 110kms/hour to overtake. One of the beauties of the ASX was looking down on the wheels of the road trains instead of up at the undercarriage.
We have called her Tardis, appears small on the outside, has ample room inside and takes us wherever we wish to go.
Mt Oxley, Bourke – taken after driving over washed out dirt roads and washed out wheel tracks through someone’s paddock
Are we happy with the ASX?
You bet we are and we are planning our next trip.
Adelaide via Cairns sounds good.
Ken and Leone Oakhill
With about 210,000 units sold around the world since its launch in 2010 – including about 11,000 units locally – ASX* has proved to be a global success for Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), as well as a successful embodiment of the innovative and versatile MMC-engineered Project Global architecture**.
Building on this solid foundation, Mitsubishi Motors today staged the world debut of a new look version of its compact crossover at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.
To be launched in Australia later this year, this latest ASX sports a reshaped front face whose softer outline reflects the gradual transformation of Mitsubishi’s design language and visual identity towards a “Solid – Safe – Simple” engineering-driven look. Likewise, the rear bumper has been updated to complement the redesigned front face.
Detailed Australian specifications will be announced at a later stage, closer to market introduction.
*”RVR” in Japan / “Outlander Sport” in North America
**Outlander II, Lancer & Lancer Evolution, Delica D:5, ASX
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) ended the first quarter of 2012 on a high note registering an all-time March record for imported vehicles with 6,007 units.
The stand out performer in March was Triton 4×4, retailing 1,186 units and strengthening its place as Australia’s third best-selling utility in a highly competitive segment. Triton 4×2 came in at 535 units, also taking third spot in its respective segment.
Overall MMAL’s SUVs performed extremely well, with total SUV sales of 2,470.Pajero was the strongest performer in March with 638 units, a massive 58.3 percent increase over the March 2011 result. This growth was almost three times greater than the SUV Medium segment which increased by 20.6 per cent for the month.
Challenger also ended the month strongly with 202 units, a healthy 14.8 percent jump over the same month in 2011.
The city-sized ASX enjoyed its best ever result since launch with 748 units while Outlander recorded a respectable 882 units, more than 24 per cent up on March 2011.
Vice-president of sales, Anthony Casey, said the strong March result, particularly in SUVs, was a reflection of MMAL’s commitment to responding to consumer needs.
“Mitsubishi is committed to sustainable, consistent growth, and with an exciting range of products coming to the Australian market during 2012-13 we are confident of growing the Mitsubishi brand well into the future,” he said.
Year-to-date, MMAL has recorded 15,739 units, a 2.8 per cent increase on 2011’s first quarter results.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced the winners of its annual service skills competition, held recently at the company’s South Australian head office.
Queensland claimed a double win with the Mitsubishi Technician of the Year title going to Rod Howes from Blue Ribbon Mitsubishi, Ipswich, while Carla Smith from Len Patti Mitsubishi, Toowoomba, took out Mitsubishi’s Service Advisor of the Year.
The announcement came following a full program of tough testing throughout 2011, with more than 800 Mitsubishi service staff competing across a range of events.
MMAL’s National Service Manager, David Budden, was impressed with the extensive knowledge shown by all contestants in the final competition saying he believes the service skills competition plays an important role in continually lifting the standard of service for Mitsubishi’s customers.
“All contestants performed to the highest standard and showed great knowledge in their respective fields.This competition allows individual technicians and service advisors to improve their diagnostic and customer service skills, while recognisingthose who strive to reach their maximum potential,” Mr Budden said.
Technician of the Year, Rod Howes, was up against tough competition but managed to keep his cool to take the title.
“The other competitors were great, so it was tough going especially dealing with the extra pressure of time limits to complete each section,” he said.
Carla Smith claimed back-to-back Service Advisor of the Year titles, drawing on her experience in the competition to outperform the other participants.
“It was good to compete again this year although it’s always hard to perform your best under pressure and in a different environment,” she said.
The annual Mitsubishi Service Skills Program began in 1999 and recognisesexcellence in customer service and technical expertise across Mitsubishi’s national network of more than 200 dealerships.
The program promotes and develops Mitsubishi service staff and helps to increase customer satisfaction, reduce warranty costs, improve product knowledge for staff, and encourage efficient work practices across Mitsubishi dealerships nationally.
Competitors were strong in both categories, with a total of 265 service advisors and 579 technicians taking up the challenge. After nation-wide preliminary testing and regional qualifiers, the top five technicians and service advisors travelled to Adelaide to decide one national winner for each category.
The technician finalists faced five practical tests on vehicles and engines across the Mitsubishi range, with only a limited time at each station to diagnose a problem. Under pressure to correctly identify any issues, all contestants performed well displaying a broad range of technical skills and comprehensive product knowledge.
Customer service role-play put service advisors through their paces, with scenarios that ensured their skills were put to the test. Although they were inundated with “customer” enquiries and demands, each finalist was polite, helpful and professional at all times.
MMAL’s Service Improvement Coordinator, Stephen Robinson, said the event was a great success and encouraged all participants to take part in the next program.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to this year’s winners, and thank all participants for their hard work and dedication in the 2011 Mitsubishi Service Skills Program,” Mr Robinson said.
Mitsubishi’s 200-plus national dealer network provides excellent servicing standards for all of the company’s passenger and commercial vehicles.
| Service Technicians | ||||
| Rod | Howes | Blue Ribbon Mitsubishi | Ipswich | QLD |
| Zivko | Dukleski | Parramatta Mitsubishi | Camellia | NSW |
| Ryan | Kilby | Berwick Mitsubishi | Berwick | VIC |
| Nathan | Kadow | Southland Mitsubishi | Goodwood | SA |
| Joe | Federico | John Hughes Mitsubishi | Victoria Park | WA |
| Service Advisors | ||||
| Carla | Smith | Len Patti Mitsubishi | Toowoomba | QLD |
| Terry | Witt | Wanneroo Mitsubishi | Morley | WA |
| Jessica | Hankinson | McIlroy Mitsubishi | Victor Harbor | SA |
| Tim | Standing | Kloster Mitsubishi | Newcastle | NSW |
| Shane | Thomson | Berwick Mitsubishi | Berwick | VIC |
Bangkok – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced it will sell its all-new Mirage “global compact car” in Thailand starting from 28 March 2012.
The Mirage is a “global compact car” developed under a revolutionary concept thatfulfils the needs of both fast-growing emerging markets as an entry-level car and the eco-conscious advanced markets with its superior environmental performance.
The Mirage will be made at a brand-new third factory at Mitsubishi Motors Thailand’s (MMTh) Laem Chabang Plant; the largest MMC plant outside of Japan. The Mirage will first be sold in Thailand, followed by ASEAN countries, Japan, Europe, then expand to other markets successively.
Mr Osamu Masuko, President of MMC, noted just before a ceremony marking the event in Thailand:
“I am pleased to present the Mirage first in Thailand. The Mirage is an all-new compact car focused on premium fuel efficiency and low CO2 emission, just right for the times where demand for superior fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness are increasing all over the world. I would like to personally thank the Thai government for their promotion of their Eco-car Program, allowing us the chance to bolster our Thai operations. After Thailand, the Mirage will be exported to ASEAN countries, then gradually make its way around the world.”
The Mirage’s Product Features:
– Delivers fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions that are among the best in its class thanks to the all-new MIVEC*1 engine and thoroughly reduced aerodynamic resistance and rolling resistance.
– Provides nimble handling inherent to a compact car while utilising high-efficiency packaging to maintain interior space for five adults.
– Optimisation of the body structure and more extensive use of high-tensile strength panel make the vehicle some seven percent*2 lighter than is normal for its class, contributing to better fuel economy. The Mirage uses Mitsubishi’s impact-resistant RISE*3 body, which absorbs and distributes impact force to deliver high levels of occupant safety.High level of quality achieved through MMDS (Mitsubishi Motors Development System), a comprehensive quality management system that sets and assesses/evaluates the achievement of specific performance benchmarks within each stage of operations from vehicle planning, sales and after-sales services, and MMPW (Mitsubishi Motors Production Way), a unified global quality assurance framework.
– In addition, prior to production, MMC have stationed experienced inspectors from its Japanese factories in Thailand to inspect manufactured units at the new third factory in order to make sure that the same quality standards from its Japanese factories are reached.
*1: Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system
*2 Weight ratio calculated by applying ratio of high-tensile steel used in the Colt to the Mirage.
*3: Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution
The Thai-market Mirage will be equipped with a 1.2L MIVEC engine that delivers fuel efficiency of 22km/L*4, among the best in its class, and above the Thai government’s requirements for “eco-car” certification*5. The Thai-market Mirage will be priced between THB 380,000 to 551,000 depending on trim level, and plans are to sell 2,500 units per month in Thailand.
*4: Calculated internally using ECE R101 Rev.01 Combine Mode.
*5: Qualifications: based on European calculation methods, more that 5L/100KM(20km/L), reach EURO4 exhaust gas regulations, invest THB5 billion into production in Thailand, and produce 100,000 units per year after the fifth year of production.
MMC announced its JUMP 2013 three-year business plan in January 2011, and one of the pillars of the plan calls for putting operating resources into emerging markets. Among “emerging markets,” MMC puts particular emphasis on strengthening its operating base in the ASEAN region. The production and worldwide export of the Mirage from Thailand is an important tactic that embodies this strategy. Moving forward, MMC will continue to aggressively bolster its operations in high-potential emerging markets.
Overview of Mitsubishi Motors Thailand (MMTh)
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, (MMC), and the 2012 Mitsubishi i – the all-new North American relative to the i-MiEV, Australia’s first volume-produced, fully electric vehicle – have taken top spot on the coveted American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) 14th annual “Greenest Vehicles” list, a comprehensive environmental ranking for production vehicles.
The 2012 Mitsubishi i scored a 58 in the ACEEE’s ranking system – the highest Green Score ever achieved since the ACEEE “Greenest Vehicles” rankings began in 1998.
“Even taking into account the emissions generated from the electricity used to power the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, it still handily outscores other vehicles on the market today,” said ACEEE lead vehicle analyst, Shruti Vaidyanathan.
According to the ACEEE, the cars that make up their “Greenest Vehicles” list are evaluated on a variety of criteria including tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption, and gas emissions that “contribute to climate change.” Additionally, starting with this year’s awards, the ACEEE made a number of changes to its vehicle evaluation methodology to more accurately estimate vehicles’ environmental impacts including improving emissions estimates in the vehicle manufacturing process as well as in the extraction of natural gas.
“Earning a spot on the ‘Greenest’ list is proving to be a real challenge for automakers given the variety of technologies on the market and the proliferation of highly efficient conventional vehicles,” said Vaidyanathan. “Just using the latest technology does not guarantee a top spot.”
The “Greenest Vehicles” and “Greener Choices” lists appear in the ACEEE’sGreen Book® Online. The Green Book® Online, according to the ACEEE, is an “annual ranking that highlights the environmental friendliness of vehicles in the United States.” Only the 12 highest-ranked vehicles by the ACEEE make it onto the organisation’s “Greenest Vehicles” list.
The 2012 Mitsubishi i is the most affordably-priced mass-produced electric vehicle (EV) available in the United States and is the first of several new advanced, alternative-fuel production vehicles that MMC plans on bringing to the global market in the next few years.
For more information on the methodology used by the ACEEE to determine its vehicle rankings, please visit the ACEEE websites at aceee.org andgreenercars.org. For additional material on the 2012 Mitsubishi i electric vehicle, please log on to i.mitsubishicars.com and media.mitsubishicars.com.
