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Latest Update 20-4-2012: On sale in Thailand after a big public demo event with test drives on 20-4-2012.

Mitsubishi Global Small car concept revealed at 81^st Geneva International Motor Show March 2011

18-1-2011 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) premiered the Mitsubishi Concept Global Small (show model), a concept car based on the features of "compact", "affordability", and "high fuel efficiency" at the 81^st Geneva International Motor Show. 

The Mitsubishi Concept Global Small is the concept model of the compact passenger vehicle  planned for production in March of 2012 at the MMC's new third factory in Thailand, and launched in Thailand on 20-4-2012 as thre Mitsubishi Mirage.

The features of the Mitsubishi Mirage include good manoeuvrability and easy operation, accomplished in to a highly efficient package that can comfortably seat five adults. In addition, the Mitsubishi Mirage achieves top-of-class fuel efficiency, with CO₂ emissions in the mid-90g/km range due to:

• Usage of an idling stop mechanism
• A 1.0 – 1.2L class compact engine equipped with a regenerative braking system
• Weight trimming to the most complex parts
• Reduced running resistance in the engine, new-generation CVT, brakes, and tyres
• A body shape that greatly reduces aerodynamic resistance.

Global product of the “Global Village”

This new Mitsubishi is an entry model for emerging markets as well as a fuel efficient car in developed markets. As such, this all-new e-compact project shall be MMC’s answer to some fundamental evidences:

-        With 80% of its total output bound for export, Mitsubishi Motors ought to take into consideration the trend towards globalisation in trade and communications, no matter the market segment.

-        In fast developing markets such as China, ASEAN and other emerging areas (50% of all world markets by 2013), MMC shall embrace the increasing demand for personal mobility through affordable, fuel efficient and substantial yet compact vehicles.

-        In the mature markets of Japan, North America or Europe, down-sizing and efficiency are key to meeting ever stringent environmental regulation whilst fulfilling the need for multi-motorisation with sensible products in a re-invented B-Segment.

-        In the face of volatile exchange rates & commodity prices as well as the challenge to serve all world markets with small vehicles delivering – by definition - low margins, Mitsubishi Motors shall pursue the highest level of efficiency in its production system through the concept of global production hub.

“e-“ for…

Developed in Okazaki (Japan) – MMC’s global R&D Center - in less than 2 years, the Global Small project is meant to merge all these “eco/compact” requirements into one single package designed as such instead of mere adaptation(s):

-        “e” for “efficiency”: highly efficient in its overall packaging, Mitsubishi Motors’ e-compact combines the virtues of a small vehicle (manoeuvrability) and excellent visibility whilst sitting 5 adults in comfort and accommodating sufficient luggage space within a retrained footprint (3,74 m length x 1,68 m width): one of the most space efficient in the B-Segment.

-        “e” for “engineering”: the architecture this e-compact is based upon has been designed to accommodate upfront foreseeable customer and regulatory requirements in ALL world markets whether Japan, North America, emerging countries or Europe, instead of costly later adaptations: a first in the small car class.

-        “e” for “environment”: through weight saving measures, all-new petrol 1.0 and 1.2 litre MIVEC power trains, the application of MMC’s green technology solutions (Auto Stop and Go, Brake energy regenerative system,, etc,…) and fine-tuned aerodynamics as exemplified in the sloping roof line, Mitsubishi’s e-compact can boast sensible level of fuel consumption and therefore emissions well in line with market trends.

-        “e” for “electric vehicle”: as a further environmentally friendly measure – and a direct effect of its fully integrated Global Small architecture – e-compact is engineered to accommodate a further variant, fitted with a 100% electric power train.

-        “e” for “economies”: robust and reliable by design as customary for Japanese products, “Global Small” should also guarantee low running costs.

-        “e” for “effective design”: as a daily reliable runabout equally at ease crossing the bush, tackling mega pole traffic or blasting highways (within speed limits), the Mitsubishi e-compact was styled with no-nonsense efficiency-first in mind. Robust looking yet enjoying sophisticated aero-dynamics, it should grace traffic none-the-less with a friendly face.

-        “e” for “export”: the first of its kind, “Global Small” is built at MMC’s dedicated hub of Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in the Chonburi province of Thailand. The forecasted annual volume of 150,000 units (with a possible increase to 200,000 units) will be exported to the ASEAN countries , Japan, North Asia, Australasia, Europe, North America and many other markets around the world.