2013 Mitsubishi Mirage unveiled

* Replacement for the Colt supermini * Range of efficient three-cylinder engines * Euro-spec car goes on sale early 2013...

2013 Mitsubishi Mirage unveiled

The 2013 Mitsubishi Mirage has been unveiled at the 2012 Paris motor show.

The Mirage is the replacement for the Colt supermini, and Mitsubishi describes it as its solution to producing a small, efficient car that's suitable for wide-ranging global markets.

The Mirage is already on sale - albeit with spec differences - in Japan and Thailand. The European-spec car will hit showrooms in early 2013.

European versions will get new, lightweight three-cylinder petrol engines: a 70bhp 1.0-litre with average economy of 71mpg and CO2 emissions of 92g/km, and a 79bhp 1.2 that averages 69mpg with emissions of 96gkm (95g/km with the optional CVT gearbox).

These figures are helped by a standard engine stop-start system, regenerative braking and low-rolling-resistance tyres.

European-spec cars will get new, lightweight 3-cylinder petrol engines:

Mitsubishi says efficiency is further boosted by the car's light weight, which is as low as 845kg.

Safety features and driver aids available include Emergency Stop Signal, Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist.

The Mitsubishi Mirage will go on sale in the early 2013; prices will be revealed closer to the on-sale date.

Paris motor show 2012 >>

By Pete Barden

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