The Next Generation – All New Mirage and Attrage Launched by Mitsubishi

General Automotive Company, the official dealership for Mitsubishi in Oman, is adding more fun and excitement to its vehicle lineup as it launched two groundbreaking vehicles at a press conference organized last Thursday – the all new Mirage hatchback and its saloon counterpart the Attrage. These two all new models will see the tri-diamond brand rejoining the booming subcompact market after a 19 year hiatus. The all-new Mirage is a global car developed on the concepts of high fuel efficiency, affordability and compactness and also forms the basis of the Attrage's running gear.

Boasting ‘Green’ credentials, the Mirage features class leading fuel economy, a low environmental footprint, with very low carbon emissions, exceptional value for money and most of all a fun and easy to drive vehicle, which is ideal for first time buyers. Measuring just 3,780mm long by 1665mm wide, the Mirage is Mitsubishi’s first hatchback in the Oman Market since the Colt in 1995. Powered by a 1.2-litre inline-three cylinder gasoline engine, with MIVEC variable valve timing, the highly efficient engine boasts a healthy output of 77bhp and 100Nm. The engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or CVT gearbox. It is this same highly efficient 3-cylinder 1,200cc engine that powers the Attrage, and features the exclusive Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system (MIVEC) technology that adjusts the timing of the intake camshaft for optimal performance right across the rev range.

Commenting on the launch of the Mirage and Attrage, Toshiaki Nomura-san, President of Mitsubishi Motors - Middle East and Africa said, “With the Mirage our aim was to minimize the environmental impact while maximizing driving exhilaration. The mirage easily succeeds on both counts. Compact, light and easy to drive, it delivers spirited performance at an affordable cost and class-leading fuel efficiency. Better still, it does so without compromising on power, comfort or passenger protection.”

“Stylish, fun and mechanically advanced, the Mirage and Attrage will no doubt appeal to anyone who is environmentally conscious and embraces new technologies. Both have been thoroughly engineered with driving efficiency in mind, and their state-of-the-art engine excellently balances both performance and fuel economy,” added, Mark Tomlinson, the General Manager of GAC.

As with all vehicles produced from Mitsubishi, exceptional value and uncompromising safety is something you can definitely expect on both vehicles as they each features Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body. As a result the body is constructed from high-tensile strength steel that effectively absorbs and disperses crash energy whilst also significantly reducing overall weight. Also standard are dual-SRS airbags, 3-point ELR seat belts with pre-tensioners and more as standard for all variants. Meanwhile, the high end CVT variants are supplemented with an engine immobilizer and an Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) system with Electronic Brake Distribution which prevents the wheels from locking in emergency stops, giving even greater control on tougher driving conditions.

Both models also feature high-efficiency design which keeps the engine compartment as compact as possible to optimize occupant space. As such, both models provide generous interior space to seat five adults comfortably. In fact, the all-new Mirage has class leading combined leg room of 1,650 mm (Front 900mm and Rear 750mm). Luggage space is also generous, with 235 liters available with rear seats up, and double that size when the 60:40 split rear seats are folded flat. Body dimensions of 3780mm x 1665 x 1500 (LxWxH) make it highly maneuverable while providing generous interior space and sufficient luggage space for everyday use. The Mirage also has one of the shortest turning circles of its class at 4.4 meters.

With its compact body, the all-new Mirage provides a fun, stylish and attractive exterior perfect for people of all ages. Mitsubishi has adopted a front visual identity which provides a clean, dignified and friendly impression. The sides are expressively designed complementing the gentle yet sporty styling of the headlamp and the sculpted hood. The all-new Mirage boasts a highly aerodynamic body style radiating more character.

“The all-new Attrage is a next-generation compact sedan that offers style and eco-friendly performance in equal measure. Like the Mirage, its graceful design is also purposeful with a short nose to deliver outstanding visibility and maneuverability and flowing proportions that offer a balance of aerodynamics and interior space that are amongst the best in its class,” said Nomura-san.

Boasting a larger and more mature saloon body style, the Attrage’s exterior dimensions are larger than the Mirage, standing at 4245mm x 1670 x 1515 (LxWxH). With its increased size, the Attrage offers even more space making it amongst the most generous in its class. However, it still retains the maneuverability of the Mirage, offering a class-leading turning circle of just 4.8 metres. Also, like the Mirage, it features a short nose for a better forward field of view and a dynamic character line which kicks up towards the rear.

“The Attrage is a perfect complement to the Mirage, offering a varied take on the same platform. While the Mirage sports a more youthful, exuberant look with a stylish design and bright colours; the Attrage takes on a more sophisticated look that will appeal more towards families,” added Mark.

Six cool body colors are available for the Mirage and seven body colors for the Attrage. The former is available in Pop Green Metallic, Medium Blue Mica, Red Metallic, White Solid, Cool Silver Metallic and Eisen GreyMica; while the Attrage is available in Black Mica, Red Metallic, White Solid, Cool Silver Metallic and Eisen Grey Mica, Medium Blue Mica and White Pearl.

Both, the sporty youthful look of the Mirage and the more sophisticated yet subtle look of the Attrage, are perfectly complemented by the black-themed interior. The dashboard offers a clean look and has been specifically designed to maximize visibility and ensure the best driving ergonomics. All the controls, including those for the climate control system and the central entertainment, have been simplified and perfectly located to offer an uncluttered personal space. Also available is a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with a silver accent for a premium and classy feel. For added convenience, the steering wheel can also be tilt adjusted according to driver’s preferences for better driving and control. Furthermore, the cabin offers comfortable seating for five complimented by one of the quietest and most refined cabins in its class, perfect for both long journeys and quick trips around the city.

The secret to their quietness and performance is the lightweight and compact 1.2 liter three-cylinder DOHC MIVEC Gasoline (3A92) engine. This new fuel efficient engine is capable of achieving a maximum output of 78 PS at 6,000 rpm and 100 N-m at 4,000 rpm of torque. Engineered with driving efficiency in mind, this 1.2 liter engine excellently balances both performance and fuel economy thanks to the MIVEC or Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control technology. This continuously variable valve timing system electronically controls and regulates the intake camshafts of the engine giving more power at lower revs and better fuel efficiency at higher revs. Thanks to this system, and coupled with the Mirage’s and Attrage’s low weight of just 875kg and 915kg respectively, both vehicles are able to achieve a fuel efficiency rating of up to 21 km/l based on the New European Driving Cycle, making them some of the most fuel efficient ‘eco-cars’ available in Oman.

Transmission options come in the form of a 5-speed manual and INVECS-III CVT, the former fitted is fitted as standard whilst the latter is offered in higher-trimmed models. Both the Mirage and the Attrage, come standard with dual airbags, ISOFIX (international standard for attachment points for child safety seats), and a Multi-information display. The extensive option and accessories list for the mirage includes keyless entry, remote boot release, 4-wheel ABS + EBD, Tonneau cover and more. The Attrage takes this even further by also offering fully automatic climate control, Front Fog Lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and 15-inch alloy wheels to add to the vehicle’s fun factor.

Mitsubishi Motors’ dedication of providing quality vehicles with world-class performance has been its commitment to its customers. With the triple-diamond badge synonymous to excellence, Mitsubishi ensures that every Mirage or Attrage that you will see on the road has the highest levels of quality and workmanship. Customers of the new models are also given the peace of mind and the assurance of a worry free ownership with a warranty period of 6 years.

In fact both vehicles have won numerous awards the world over in recognition of their fuel efficiency and green credentials. Furthermore, the Mirage came out on top of its class in the recently conducted Asia Pacific 2013 Thailand Automotive Performance, Execution And Layout (APEAL) Study by JD Power. The fact that the it came out on top in a study that covered 78 vehicles from 13 different makes, is a clear statement of the Mirage’s, and by extension the Attrage’s, reliability and performance.

“With such credentials, these newest additions to the Mitsubishi range will no doubt see Mitsubishi further enhance its credentials and ensure its success in one of the most competitive and fastest growing market segments in the country,” concluded Mark.

You can now experience the fun and driving pleasure with the all-new Mirage and Attrage. Both vehicles are now available for sale and for test drives at Mitsubishi dealerships across Oman. To learn more about the new vehicles or to book a test drive visit www.mitsubishioman.com, call 2450 0500 or visit your nearest Mitsubishi showroom from Saturday to Thursday, between 8am and 1pm or 4pm and 8pm.