Mitsubishi Mirage Targets 70-MPG with Tiny 3-Cylinder Engine: Tokyo Motor Show Preview

Mitsubishi is looking to re-enter the sub-compact segment in the U.S. and will do so in the near future with an all-new global small car, which will officially be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in just a few weeks.

Using a tiny 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine and stop-start technology, as well as extensive weight savings, Mitsubishi believes the new Mirage will achieve a 70-mpg rating in Japan. Though much more generous a number than in the U.S., this should still result in something well above the 40-mpg mark by EPA standards. It’s not yet clear if Mitsubishi intends to offer the 1.0-liter engine in North America.

Mitsubishi will begin production of the new Mirage soon, with sales pegged to begin in Thailand in March of 2012

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