Mitsubishi Mirage Still Being Considered for US Market

According to khabarkhodro، Think the new Mitsubishi Mirage  is too small for the American market? The Japanese automaker is contemplating that question right now, mulling over whether or not to bring its sub-compact hatchback stateside.

On one hand, the compact Mirage is a much-needed addition to Mitsubishi’s weak lineup in America; on the other hand, its plain styling in an already saturated market could result in poor sales. The Japanese automaker hopes to sell 200,000 of its compact hatchbacks this fiscal year when it starts going on sale at the end of this month in Japan. Other markets for the new Mirage include Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Powered by a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine, the Mirage is rated at the equivalent of 64 mpg on Japan’s testing cycle and Mitsubishi claims it is Japan’s most fuel efficient gasoline car. We expect a more conservative figure if it ever received an EPA rating, but its pricing is also another deterrent. In Japan, it’ll be priced at around $12,500 – but clearly if it made it over to America it would have to be lower to compare with the likes of the Nissan  Versa and the Chevrolet  Spark.

“I’ve heard some market voices say this kind of car would sell well,” said Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko. “But we’re still assessing whether Americans will accept it.”