The new subcompact by Mitsubishi Motors that’s meant for Europe recently debuted at the Bangkok Auto Show. This car would be the replacement for the poor-selling Colt that’s presently produced at the Born, Netherlands plant. When compared to the Colt, this model has greater length and width but is actually lighter. Production at Mitsubishi’s Born plant will end this year and will depend instead on its low-cost factory in Laem Chabang, Thailand. This will compete with the other models in the subcompact segment, Europe's largest segment in terms of volume. Market researcher JATO Dynamics said that in 2011, sales of the ageing Colt fell 14 percent to 31,263 units last year. Outside of Europe, this subcompact will be named the Mirage. Mitsubishi has yet to announce the name that will be used in Europe where it will start selling early next year. The Mirage’s length is 3700mm (making it 18mm longer than a Colt) and its width is 1650mm (45mm wider than the Colt). However, it is lighter by 7% because of the extensive use of high-tensile steel. Powering this subcompact is a 1.2-liter gasoline engine that offers European fuel economy of 5 liters per 100km.
2012 Mitsubishi Mirage unveiled in Europe
by Andrew Christian, Email, 30 Mar, 2012
2012 Mitsubishi Mirage
