Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is bringing the Mitsubishi Concept G4 to town for a series of roadshows. The 2013 Bangkok Motor Show debutant helped preview the upcoming Attrage sedan, which is set to make its Thai market debut sometime next month, so if you’ve been wondering how the booted form of the Mirage shapes up in the metal, then the Concept G4 will give you a good idea.

The car will be on display at MidValley Megamall from tomorrow, June 19, until June 23. Penangites will be next to catch it when it makes its way to the Sunway Carnival Mall on July 5-7.

Next, the Concept G4 will head on to Johor, where it will go on display at the Centre Court in Sutera Mall from July 12-14, before heading back to the final stop in its Malaysian visit, which is 1Utama, and this is on July 17-21. Have a look at the gallery below for pix of the production Attrage from Thailand.

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Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has released a series of videos promoting its Mirage compact car. The Mirage’s unique selling point is its very good fuel economy, so it’s only natural for MMM to go on and on, and on, and on, on this point. Watch the video, you’ll understand.

The Mitsubishi Mirage was launched in Malaysia last November. Imported from Thailand, where it enjoys eco-car status, the Mirage is powered by a 1.2 litre three-cylinder engine with 78 PS and 100 Nm of torque. This DOHC MIVEC engine is paired to either a five-speed manual or a CVT automatic.

Drivetrain aside, the Mirage weighs just 825 kg, or 850 kg for the CVT, and this light weight contributes to the good FC, which stands at 21 km/l measured in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

That’s an impressive figure that’s very close to what some hybrids can do, and the battery-powered cars are much more costly. The manual GL spec is priced at RM55,583, the CVT GL RM60,453 and the top-spec CVT GS costs RM63,375 on the road excluding insurance.

Three more videos hailing the Mirage’s other virtues are after the jump, and you can also see MMM’s previous set of videos featuring double Dakar champion Hiroshi Masuoka here.

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The Mitsubishi Attrage, the sedan version of the Mirage hatchback, was previewed recently at a dealer conference in Thailand ahead of the official launch, which is said to be sometime next month.

Courtesy of Mitsubishi Attrage Club Thailand, Mitsu BNT and reader Boon, we have pricing and pictures. Bear in mind that as far as we know, the car has not been officially launched yet, so the following prices remain unofficial:

• GLX M/T – 443k baht (RM45k)
• GLX CVT – 477k baht (RM48k)
• GLS CVT – 530k baht (RM53k)
• GLS Ltd CVT – 582k baht (RM59k)

Sharing the same 78 PS/100 Nm 1.2 litre three-pot MIVEC engine as the Mirage, the B-segment sedan is capable of returning a quoted 22 km per litre, nudging it ahead of the Nissan Almera and Honda Brio Amaze.

Standard and GLS versions get dual airbags; GLX gets only one. Six body colours are available, these being the signature Cerulean Blue Mica, as well as Red Metallic, White Pearl (6,000 baht extra), Eisen Gray Mica, Cool Silver and Pyreness Black Mica.

The Attrage will be produced at Mitsubishi Motors Thailand’s Factory Three at the Laem Chabang, Chonburi plant, and is set to make its market debut in Thailand in July, with the Philippines due to get the sedan shortly after. See the brochure here.

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There’s another Triton variant in town, the Mitsubishi Triton Heavy Duty 2.8 litre 4×4 Double Cab. Just like recently introduced Triton Single Cab before it, this one’s not meant for family use either as it’s only applicable for commercial registration. It’s priced at RM72,037 before insurance or RM73,832 and RM73,798 in Sabah and Sarawak respectively.

Only one engine choice is available, a tried and tested 2.8 litre non-turbocharged diesel motor with 97 PS and 198 Nm of torque matched to a five-speed manual transmission – the same combo you find on the Single Cab variant. It’s primed for absolute reliability even at the harshest working conditions rather than high speed highway cruises.

Also adding weight to its Heavy Duty billing are standard-fit off-roading equipment. It comes with mud-terrain tyres fitted on 16-inch light alloy wheels and upgraded suspension with gas-type shock absorbers to better deal with the rough terrain it’ll most likely be used on.

There’s not much in the way of safety features and creature comforts. Anti-intrusion brake pedal, collapsible steering and RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body structure are standard, as are a three-year/100,000 km warranty and two-year free maintenance package.

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Yesterday saw the first official image of the Mitsubishi Attrage surface – today, what looks like Thai brochure scans reveals the rest of the car, including elements of the interior, albeit in smaller chunk form.

Based on it, Thailand is set to get four variants of the Attrage over two trim levels, the GLS and GLX. The GLS Ltd and GLS, along with one GLX model, are CVT models, while the remaining GLX should be the base form of the range, equipped with a five-speed manual.

The Attrage shares the same 1.2 litre 3A92 three-cylinder MIVEC unit as its Mirage hatchback sibling, with 78 PS at 6,000 rpm and 100 Nm at 4,000 rpm for output numbers. Mitsubishi is touting a 22 km per litre fuel consumption for the car, nudging it ahead of its Nissan Almera and Honda Brio Amaze competitors.

Both standard and range-topping GLS versions will have dual airbags, while the GLX models will only feature a single airbag for the driver. Six exterior shades are listed for the Attrage in the brochure, these being the signature Cerulean Blue Mica, as well as Red Metallic, White Pearl, Eisen Gray Mica, Cool Silver and Pyreness (might be a mispelt Pyrenees) Black Mica.

The Attrage will be produced at Mitsubishi Motors Thailand’s Factory Three at the Laem Chabang plant located in Chonburi, and is set to make its market debut in Thailand in July, with the Phillipines due to get the sedan shortly after. Click below to see the brochure pages in full.

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Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has introduced the facelifted Mitsubishi ASX. It’s basically a minor cosmetic job, with changes led by a new front grille design and the inclusion of a panoramic glass roof. Additionally, the vehicle now incorporates auto rain and light sensors, GPS navigation with Bluetooth/iPod connectivity as standard features.

The ASX – which debuted in 2010 – was last upgraded for the 2012 model year, adding new 17-inch alloy wheels, a smart key/push-start ignition system, auto-retractable side mirrors and revised leather seats when it came about in January 2012.

Still no changes to the running gear, with the 4B11 2.0 litre MIVEC four-banger still turning out the same output numbers, these being 150 PS at 6,000 rpm and 197 Nm at 4,200 rpm. Also present, the INVECS-III CVT transmission with six-step sports mode.

A range of three optional accessories packages has been made available for the car, each individually specifiable. The first package adds in a front corner extension with DRLs, front and rear under covers, a side wind deflector and a large rear spoiler, and goes for RM4,599.

The second package consists of a rear bumper plate, chrome-plated door mirror covers, a tailgate protector and scuff plates, and is priced at RM1,799. As for the third package, a new shift knob, side tray lid, rear cargo luggage mat and luggage net will set you back RM899.

Four exterior colours – White Pearl, Titanium Grey, Black Mica and Red Metallic – are available for the facelifted ASX, which is priced at RM139,981 (on-the-road, without insurance).

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It looks like the timing wasn’t quite stated correctly – the Nikkei initially reported that the new Mitsubishi Mirage sedan was set to arrive at the end of fiscal 2013, which would make it sometime early next year, a rather far away point.

Well, MMC has just announced that the car will be launched into the Thai market in July, and the official name for the series production version of the car previewed in Bangkok as the Concept G4 in March has also been released.

The car will be known as the Mitsubishi Attrage. No idea how they came out with that one, really, though a search reveals that the filing date for the name was made on October 29 last year. Hafriz ventures that it might be an amalgamation of the words ‘attractive’ and ‘Mirage’, which probably wouldn’t be too far from the truth.

Anyway, the Attrage is pretty much the booted form of the Mirage, and so will have most of the hatch’s mechanicals and equipment. It shares the same 1.2 litre 3A92 three-cylinder MIVEC unit, which offers 78 PS at 6,000 rpm and 100 Nm at 4,000 rpm, with CVT or five-speed manual transmission choices.

The Attrage, which like its Mirage sibling qualifies for the Thai government’s Eco-car Project, will be produced at Mitsubishi Motors Thailand’s Factory Three at the Laem Chabang plant located in Chonburi. No view of the rear as yet, but save the shiny chrome grill on the production model, the front doesn’t veer from Theophilus Chin’s rendering of the car.

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The sedan form of the Mitsubishi Mirage is set to begin sales in ASEAN by the end of fiscal 2013. The Nikkei reports that the Mitsubishi Mirage Sedan will be introduced first in Thailand – where the car will be assembled – and the Philippines.

Seeing as the Mirage hatch has already made its way here, we can expect the sedan to do the same sometime next year. The report adds that plans are afoot to increase annual production at the Thai plant from 150,000 vehicles at present to 200,000 units.

The booted form of the Mirage was previewed at the 2013 Bangkok Motor Show in a study form called the Mitsubishi Concept G4. Last month, Theophilus Chin came up with renderings suggesting what the productionised form of the G4 might well look like.

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Last year, Mitsubishi took on the challenge of competing in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for the first time, doing so with two all-electric cars, a 49 kW production i-MiEV driven by Beccy Gordon and a 240 kW i-MiEV Evolution steered by two-time Dakar Rally winner Hiroshi Masuoka.

For 2013, the automaker is back to race up the hill with what is the progression of the i-MiEV Evolution – the MiEV Evolution II, as it’s known as, is an all-electric prototype upgraded with lessons learnt from last year’s outing.

The i-MiEV Evolution finished second in the Electric Division, and the company says that participation in the event brought a rich harvest in terms of vehicle speed, acceleration and other on-road data, as well as drive battery consumption, motor temperature and other data and know-how critical to electric vehicle development.

Like last year’s car, the MiEV Evolution II uses parts used in production vehicles, combined with a high-capacity battery and high-output motors, both specially designed by the automaker’s suppliers.

Based on experience gained from last year’s race, Mitsubishi has added a S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) integrated vehicle dynamics control system to a two-front/two-rear four-motor drivetrain for increased handling and control in the new car. These, together with a specially-designed body that provides reduced weight and improved aerodynamics, has resulted in a significant improvement in driving dynamics.

The two i-MiEV Evolution racecars will be piloted by Masuoka and six-time Pikes Peak motorcycle champion Greg Tracy.

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Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has announced a ‘field fix campaign’ for 1,869 Mitsubishi Mirage cars sold from November 6 last year to March 31, 2013, in which a preventive measure will be undertaken to replace the car’s front wheel speed sensor.

The recall exercise, initiated by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) in Japan, seeks to address an issue in which imperfections found in the front wheel speed sensor could partially compromise the braking performance of the Mirage. No incidents have been reported in Malaysia, but the company says the exercise is necessary as a safety measure.

MMM says that every Mirage undergoing this campaign will be thoroughly checked and affected components replaced, with full cost to be borne by Mitsubishi Motors for the rectification.

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The Mitsubishi Concept G4, which premiered at the 2013 Bangkok Motor Show, is a preview for a Thai eco car that will be sold globally. Based on the Mirage hatchback, the end result will be the booted form of the Mirage, accomplished in the same vein as how Honda spun off its Brio compact into the Brio Amaze sedan.

We’ve seen the veiled treatment the concept has given, but rendering wiz Theophilus Chin has decided to offer a view of what the productionised form of the G4 might look like.

Theo says he referred to the Mirage when he did the attach, and has removed the side skirt, front lip and the rear spoiler and has worked in a more conventional grille as well as headlamps and tail lights. Besides a new exterior colour, he’s also given the render of the Mirage sedan undarkened wheels. What do you think of the Mitsubishi Mirage sedan? Look somewhat familiar?

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Amidst the March madness of the Bangkok, New York and Seoul motor shows running concurrently, here’s a bit of local new for you. The new Mitsubishi Triton Single Cab is now available for purchase across Malaysia in 2.8 litre diesel 4×4 manual form for RM70,409 in the Peninsular, or RM71,221 and RM71,372 in Sabah and Sarawak respectively (all prices quoted without insurance).

The Mitsubishi Triton Single Cab is more utilitarian than accomodating as you can see, and unlike most double cab pick-ups we have over here, this one is not meant for families. It’s not personal; it’s strictly business, as Michael Corleone would say. If you transport more goods and machinery than you do people, this is the pick-up for you. If not, there’s always the Triton VGT.

It’s got a 2.8 litre indirect injection non-turbo engine that makes 97 hp at 4,000 rpm and 198 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm. Fast it’s not, but it’s a simple machine that’s tough and reliable, precisely what you need for heavy-duty usage. A simple five-speed manual gearbox is in use here, channelling power to all four wheels via the Easy Select 4WD system which allows ‘shift on the fly’ from two- to four-wheel drive at up to 100 km/h.

The powertrain is designed to withstand various quality levels of diesel fuel, reducing the risk of costly engine damage when supplied with less-than-ideal fuel that the agricultural and plantation industry transporters may be forced to use in remote areas. For convenience, the loading bay is set at a low 845 mm, while turning radius is a tight 5.9 metres for easy manoeuvrability.

There’s not much when it comes to safety features though, with only anti-intrusion brake pedal, collapsible steering and RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body structure listed as standard. It’s as basic as it can be, and the wheels are steel items too.

The fully-imported Mitsubishi Triton Single Cab is available only in solid white with unpainted front bumper (there’s no rear bumper), and comes with a three-year/100,000 km warranty and two-year free maintenance package.

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Alongside the Mitsubishi Concept G4, MMC also unveiled the Mitsubishi GR-HEV Concept at Bangkok’s IMPACT. The Sport Utility Hybrid Truck that previews the next Triton made its world debut at the recent Geneva show, and is being shown for the first time in Asia.

The diesel-hybrid powertrain that’s under development combines a “high fuel efficiency clean diesel engine” with a high-output motor and battery. The CO2 emissions level target is below 149 g/km, which is very clean for a pick-up truck. The concept also features a next-gen 4WD system that combines the familiar Super Select 4WD with Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics integrated control system.

MMC says that the electric motor helps the diesel engine in a few areas – instant low end response, high-end torque, quieter acceleration/high-speed cruising and lower emissions.

The combo can also provide electric power on demand with available AC supply (100V to 240V), to replace a generator or to allow the use of a 100V winch for instance, as well as the ability to drive in pure-electric mode over short distances.

All very cool, but we’re guessing that the design previewed here will be reaching the production Triton pick-up truck sooner than the tech. Like what you see?

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Here’s the Mitsubishi Concept G4, a 2013 Bangkok Motor Show debutant previewing a new Thai eco car that will also be sold globally, according to MMC. Based on the Mirage hatchback, think of this as Mitsubishi’s version of the Honda Brio Amaze sedan, a booted spinoff from the Brio eco car.

Design highlights include a short nose, which MMC says delivers outstading forward vision and maneuverability. Mitsu also draws us to the car’s “graceful and flowing side proportions” that balances “interior space among the most generous in its class with very sleek aerodynamics.”

There’s also a dynamic character line that kicks up towards the rear, which MMC says will leave a “sharp impression as it drives off into the distance.” No dimensions were given.

The Mirage‘s main selling point is fuel efficiency, and the Concept G4 plans to acheive the same from the same ingredients – RISE body that’s the lightest in class, a lightweight and compact engine and a CVT gearbox. These will be in addition to “uncompromising weight reduction throughout.”

What do you think? Does the Mitsubishi Concept G4 look like the just-superseded Toyota Vios, especially from the rear?

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Not content with having the Mitsubishi i-MiEV as the only car with next generation powertrain technologies under the hood, Mitsubishi is already planning it’s next energy efficient vehicle. A Mitsubishi spokesperson announced today at E-Mobilia World that the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV would be coming to Malaysia by the end of 2013.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in extended range four-wheel drive capable EV version of Mitsubishi’s Outlander SUV. It’s powered by a 300 volt 12 kWh battery, which drives two independent electric motors that drive both the front and rear axle, hence giving the Outlander PHEV four-wheel drive capability. Both permanent magnet synchronous motors each offer a 60 kW output, and in terms of torque the front unit delivers 137 Nm, while the rear motor has 195 Nm.

The two motors are integrated with Mitsubishi’s S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) integrated vehicle dynamics control system. The Outlander PHEV can travel on electric power alone for up to 60 km, up to a maximum speed of 120 km/h. If that’s not enough for you, a 94 hp 2.0 litre MIVEC engine will power up. It doesn’t drive the wheels directly, but generates electricity for the motors to use.

Thanks to the generator, the Outlander PHEV is said to be able to travel a maximum range of 880 km with a full charge as well as a full tank of fuel. More than enough for balik kampung trips.

Read our previous story for more technical details on how the PHEV system works.

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The electric age has begun in Malaysia with Mitsubishi officially launching the i-MiEV today, the first all-electric vehicle to be sold here. Going full electric has been a long process for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, who first registered the EV way back in 2011. An Eco-Tourism Pilot Demonstration Program in Langkawi followed suit in 2012, before the official launch teasers started earlier this week.

The i-MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) goes on sale to the Malaysian public for a hefty RM136,118.50 without insurance (RM139,888 OTR), despite its fully tax exempt status. There’s always a price to pay to be a pioneer at something big and future-proof, and in the case of electric vehicles, this is it.

At least there’s plenty to be saved with the i-MiEV’s minimal running costs. There will be no fuel bill for starters, and charging up the car from empty to full capacity only costs around RM3.50 in electricity bill, which will then give you a maximum range of 150 km (measured in the NEDC cycle).

As you are not likely to fully deplete the battery everyday, your daily charging cost would be considerably cheaper still. Plus, there are always the two public EV charging stations in KLCC and Lot 10 where you can park and charge your vehicle for free.

With no engine and hence no lubricants, service maintenance is cheaper too. Service interval is every 20,000 km, where it would be run through standard diagnostic checks. The only things that need replacing are the air-con filter and brake fluid. Not that it matters for the first five years anyway, as the i-MiEV comes with a watertight five year warranty and free service (up to 100,000 km).

Annual road tax is RM10, the lowest permissible for a car. Insurance too is measured based on a 660 cc vehicle, the cheapest class in the current system.

Alas, though significant, there’s only so much you can save from the lower running cost as even with everything considered, it’s nowhere near enough to offset the car’s price in the first place. So let’s not kid ourselves here: this car is all about saving the environment, not money.

It uses an all-electric motor for forward propulsion, with a maximum output of 49 kW (equivalent to 67 hp) and 196 Nm of torque driving the rear wheels. It operates silently with no vibrations, offering a unique driving environment that’s unlike traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines.

All that torque is available from zero rpm, so it’s a punchy performer (top speed is 130 km/h). A low-centre of gravity promises agile handling characteristics and, coupled with a tight turning radius of 4.5 m, should prove to be a real hoot to drive around town.

The 330V battery can be charged from a standard home power socket, and takes a full eight hours to charge fully, or less with some charge left. No fuel is used, just battery charge. It emits no emissions either. In reducing our carbon footprint and dependence to fossil fuels, this car is a huge step forward.

In case you’re wondering, the battery is covered by the five-year warranty, and is said to retain at least 80% of its full capacity after that period. After 10 years of use, the figure drops to 70%.

At just 3,475 mm long and 1,475 mm wide, the i-MiEV is a tiny little car. It’s got a long 2,550 mm wheelbase though, so interior space is not an issue. Lack of creature comfort isn’t either, with a 2-DIN touchscreen multimedia system with GPS, automatic climate control, auto headlights, electric power steering and leather steering wheel and shifter as standard.

As small as it is, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV packs Active Stability Control (ASC), six airbags and Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) rigid body construction for uncompromised safety. The battery too is encased in a waterproof package that is protected against impact damage.

Also unveiled is Mitsubishi’s first EV Centre, SAG Star along Jalan Chan Sow Lin. It’s got a free charging station for all EV users, and Mitsubishi said a further five EV Centres will be built within the financial year – four in the peninsular, one in East Malaysia.

The i-MiEV is definitely not for everyone. It’s a testament to the grand vision of a few, designed for the discerning few who value energy sustainability more than others.

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Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has put up some teasers on its Facebook page, hinting at the imminent arrival of a “100% electric vehicle” that has an overall length of under 3.48 metres, a wheelbase of 2.55 metres and costs “RM0.05 per km” to run. The numbers, plus the fact that a little bit of the car is shown here, suggest that the vehicle in question is the i-MiEV.

In 2011, the zero-emissions car became the first EV to be registered in Malaysia, serving to promote EV awareness in the country. Last November, MMM officially announced that it would start commercial sales of the i-MiEV, so this could be it.

Standing for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle, the i-MiEV packs 49 kW and 180 Nm of torque, and tops out at 130 km/h. An operating range of up to 160 km is possible after an eight-hour charge from a regular 240V home socket. Read our test drive report here, or digest more technical information here.

For a glimpse into the future however, check out the Mitsubishi CA-MiEV concept that recently made its debut in Geneva.

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Nissan and Mitsubishi have announced the names of a jointly-developed minicar that will go on sale in Japan beginning in June. The Nissan version will be called the Dayz, while the Mitsubishi model will be known as the eK.

Each will have two variants, these being the Nissan Dayz and the Dayz Highway Star, and the Mitsubishi eK Wagon and eK Custom. Naming-wise, Mitsubishi’s choice is derived from the Japanese term “ee kei,” meaning “good minicar,” while the Nissan name has the standard “s” changed to a “z” to indicate a new way of looking at delivering value to owners as they go about their normal days, so it goes.

The product planning and development of the new models was carried out by NMKV, a joint-venture formed by Nissan and Mitsubishi in 2011 to develop minicars for the Japanese market.

Following this first wave of minicar models, both companies are working on the planning and development of a second new minicar, a tall wagon design that’s slated for introduction sometime in early 2014.

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Think the current i-MiEV is a bit too cute and kitschy to be taken seriously? Well, the Mitsubishi CA-MiEV should change that view then – the concept, which joined the GR-HEV pickup concept on show in Geneva, sharpens the presentation up by more than a few degrees.

The 4.05 metre-long design supposedly previews the company’s design direction on the EV vehicle front, so the i-MiEV’s eventual replacement could well borrow many design elements from the CA-MiEV. No lack of glitz, for sure – exterior styling cues include headlamps and rear combination lamps based on the motif of cut diamonds as well as wheels with spokes with a facet cut design.

Powering the CA-MiEV study is a high-efficiency EV system featuring lightweight EV components, which includes an 80 kW motor in the mix. With a 28 kWh lithium-ion battery strapped on, the car is able to do 300 km on a single charge. There’s also a full-time regenerative braking system that offers an improved energy recovery rate, as well as a magnetic resonance wireless charging device to enable convenient charging.

Speaking of charging, convenience comes in the form of remote-control operation to manage charging and discharging, accomplished through smartphones or tablet devices. Other tech seen on the concept include Active Cruise Control, Land Departure Warning and Forward Collision Mitigation systems.

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You’re looking at the Mitsubishi GR-HEV Concept Sport Utility Hybrid Truck that is currently being shown at Geneva. The official line is that MMC is proving that its electric vehicle tech can be adapted to a truck, after doing so on an SUV with the Outlander PHEV. But one can also see this as a preview of how the next Triton pick-up truck will look like.

“Rugged, handsome and eminently usable, this 4WD Sport Utility HEV Truck show car was developed as a conceptual successor to a long line of one-tonne Mitsubishi Motors pickup trucks – from the original 1978 Mitsubishi L200,” reads the press release.

Under the hood is an all-new proprietary Hybrid EV (HEV) solution, featuring a 2.5 litre Mitsubishi Clean Diesel engine and a front-mounted electric motor, powered by a battery pack located and protected within the truck’s ladder frame – further protection being provided by cross guard bars.

MMC says that the electric motor helps the diesel engine in a few areas – instant low end response, high-end torque, quieter acceleration/high-speed cruising and lower emissions.

The combo can also provide electric power on demand with available AC supply (100V to 240V), to replace a generator or to allow the use of a 100V winch for instance, as well as the ability to drive in pure-electric mode over short distances.

The Mitsubishi GR-HEV Concept also uses the brand’s Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system to deliver high stability traction and driving performance under all conditions. This HEV-dedicated driveline uses S-AWC to tailor output and braking to each wheel for every drive mode, whether in 2L, 4H, 4HL or 4LL.

Looks very futuristic, but also unmistakeably Triton. Like what you see?

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Looks like the sedan form of the Mitsubishi Mirage is on the way, with the shape being previewed by the Mitsubishi Concept G4 compact sedan. The car will be making its premiere at the Bangkok International Motor Show later this month, and ahead of that, a solitary teaser sketch of it has been released.

Not much info on it as yet, save that it’ll be powered by the same 78 PS and 100 Nm 1.2 litre 3A92 three-cylinder MIVEC unit and CVT drivetrain as found on the Mirage hatch, which made its debut at last year’s Bangkok show.

Design cues as revealed by the sketch include a different face to the hatch, with a large front grille and a sizable diamond motif, striking headlamps and large foglamps fronting the car. Also to be found, multi-spoke alloys and a dynamic character line which kicks up towards the rear.

Can’t really glean anything off the rear itself from the pix, but the company says the car will feature rear combination lamps and wear a ‘tail end which leaves a sharp impression as it drives off into the distance’. Guess we’ll find out just how sharp it actually is when Bangkok arrives.

Late last year, Theophilus Chin offered renderings of what the Mirage sedan might look like – obviously, the front has turned out to be different, but it’s the rear that’s the key to it; will it shape up accordingly?

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The Concept GR-HEV isn’t the only future-design vehicle Mitsubishi will be premiering in Geneva next month. The automaker is also set to deploy its Concept CA-MiEV, a study intimating the design direction its next-gen compact EV will likely take.

There’s little to glean shape-wise from the solitary pix of the car, save a rakish-looking light array and a far meatier shape than that of its current i-MiEV. Mitsu says that the concept incorporates a lightweight and aerodynamic body, as well as a slew of next-generation EV technologies that are under development.

The high-energy density batteries and high-efficiency motor, inverter, regenerative braking and wireless charging systems on call, allied to the lightness, is good enough to offer the car a cruising range of 300 km, nearly double that of the i-MiEV, which made its working debut in 2009.

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Want to know what the pickup of the future might well shape up like? Well, the good folk at Mitsubishi have offered their interpretation of the form, and a hybrid one at that.

It’s called the Concept GR-HEV, and the sport utility truck (SUT) study is set to make its premiere in Geneva. The front-engine rear-wheel drive concept wears a diesel-hybrid system, which the company says is currently under development.

The system combines a high fuel-efficiency clean diesel engine with a high-output motor and battery, and the GR-HEV is also equipped with a next-generation 4WD system incorporating the Super Select 4WD honed in the Pajero series as well as Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC). More on this, as well as the shape of the form, when Geneva happens.

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Two-time Dakar Rally champion Hiroshi Masuoka is a nice chap, always smiling, humble and mild mannered – a pleasant disposition one doesn’t always find in senior folks who have acheived much in life. Over the years, I have been lucky enough to ride with the man a couple of times when he did his thing – from Pajero to Mirage, Masuoka-san never fails to make my jaw drop.

The Mitsubishi test driver (he recently raced up Pikes Peak in the i-MiEV Evolution) and trainer loves Malaysia too, which is why we sometimes see him here a few times a year – must be the food la!

Here, we see Masuoka star in a locally produced series of videos promoting the Mirage, Mitsubishi’s latest model. He talks about the compact car’s fuel-saving MIVEC tech and shares tips on how to drive efficiently, so you save at the pumps.

The Mirage was launched here in November 2012. Boasting a NEDC fuel consumption figure of 21 km/l (we can verify that it’s not just achievable, but beatable in the real world if light footed), the 1.2 litre three-cylinder engine can be paired to a CVT gearbox or a five-speed manual.

The Thai-made lightweight five-door hatchback (just 825 kg, or 850 kg for the CVT) is priced from RM55,583 to RM63,375. Click here for our launch report and full live/studio gallery.

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At the launch of the new Mitsubishi Mirage earlier today, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia CEO Tetsuya Oda shed some light on the company’s future plans in Malaysia.

“With the addition of the Mirage, the Mitsubishi lineup in Malaysia grows to 11 models and we are well on track to achieve annual sales of more than 30,000 units by year 2015,” Oda said in his opening speech.

MMM’s target for the Mirage is 400 units per month, but 30k is an ambitious figure when one considers that the company’s target for this fiscal year ending March 2013 is 13,000 units.

How are they going to achieve it? Local assembly will help, and Mitsubishi’s CKD plan was also something Oda touched on. “For us to develop further, we are continously exploring to opt for local assembly and it is our mission to realise local assembling of cars by the end of 2013.” No local partner names were mentioned (although it’s certainly not Proton), so stay tuned for more updates as we flow into 2013.

Lastly, the head of MMM also announced that the company – the first to register an electric car in Malaysia back in October 2011 – will start commercial sales of the i-MiEV by the end of 2012. We’re already in November now, so expect an announcement next month. With no special EV tax break (it gets what hybrids get) the battery-powered minicar won’t come cheap – we’re expecting a sticker price of RM150k to RM160k.

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After months of teasing and pre-launch announcements, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) launched the new Mitsubishi Mirage in KL this morning. Osamu Masuko, president of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Japan, officiated the launch of the Thai-made compact car.

The Mirage is powered by a new 3A92 1.2 litre three-cylinder engine with MIVEC. The DOHC three-pot unit makes 78 PS (at 6,000 rpm) and 100 Nm of torque (at 4,000 rpm), and MMM is keen to highlight the lightweight hatchback’s 21 km/l fuel consumption measured in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). That’s impressively close to what some compact hybrids can do.

By the way, the lean and trim Mirage weighs just 825 kg, or 850 kg for the CVT, enabling Mitsu to get away with a smaller capacity engine for the Mirage, which is classified as an eco-car in Thailand. MMM says that there’s no direct competitor with a similar concept in Malaysia, but price point rivals include the Perodua Myvi and Suzuki Swift.

The base GL model comes with a five-speed manual transmission. The self-shifting Mirage uses an INVECS-III CVT gearbox, and this can be had in GL spec or top-of-the-range GS with all the bells and whistles. The manual GL is priced at RM55,583, the CVT GL RM60,453 and the top-spec CVT GS costs RM63,375. These prices are on-the-road excluding insurance.

The rest of the hardware are as expected of a car in this segment. The suspension consists of front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam, the front brakes are vented discs and the rears are drums, while the steering is of the electric EPS variety. Speaking of steering, the Mirage boasts a turning circle of 4.4 metres, which is best in class. All trim levels wear 14-inch alloys with 165/65 rubber.

Features wise, the top-spec Mirage comes with quite a bit of goodies usually associated with bigger cars. The GS gets Smart Key keyless entry with push start button, digital automatic air-con and leather wrapped steering wheel/gear knob.

All variants get a two-DIN Kenwood audio system with USB, iPod and AUX interface and Bright View instrument cluster. Outside, only the GS gets a spoiler and fog lamps. Across the board, safety features include two airbags, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts and front seatbelts with pre-tensioner.

The Mirage can be had in five colours – Lemonade Yellow Metallic, Eisen Grey Mica, Red Metallic, White Pearl and Cool Silver Metallic. A live example of every colour is in the gallery below.

MMM is also offering optional equipment that can be fitted at the dealership. Buyers can add on an Aero Package (front/rear corner extension, side sill extension, side window deflectors RM1,999), Chrome Package (fog lamp garnish, front bumper plating garnish, tailgate garnish, scuff plates, RM750), Ralliart fuel lid cover (RM150) and “smart fit” leather seats (RM1,500). The green car you see here wears all the exterior add-ons.

The visiting Masuko told us that the Mirage has been very well received in Thailand, with over 45,000 orders collected since March this year. The Thai-made Mirage was launched in Japan in August, and close to 12,000 orders have came in. In Malaysia, MMM has over 500 bookings on hand, 90% of which are for the top-spec GS CVT.

Full gallery from the launch after the jump. Read our preview drive story here.

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After going on sale in Russia and Europe, the third-gen Mitsubishi Outlander has been launched on its home ground, with four variants priced between ¥2.4 and 3.1 million (RM93-118k).

The variants are 2.0G, 2.4G, 2.4G Safety Package and 2.4G Navi Package, all powered by MIVEC petrol units, with the larger-engined cars getting 4WD as standard. Gearbox is an INVECS-III CVT with six virtual speeds.

The 4WD drivetrain is electronically controlled and features three modes of selection. Mitsubishi’s S-AWC vehicle dynamics integrated control system is an optional extra; this splits torque between the left and right wheel to improve handling and stability. Electric steering replaces the hydraulic system on the previous Outlander.

The Japanese carmaker is keen to point out that the SUV is geared towards safety – the Outlander is the first Mitsubishi vehicle to feature the e-Assist safety bundle, which comprises Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Active Stability Control and seven airbags are standard across the line-up in Japan, as are keyless operation, a start/stop system, Hill Start Assist, ECO mode switch, and auto dual-zone climate control. The range-topping 2.4G Navi Package gets a power tailgate.

A low 0.33 drag coefficient contributes to claimed fuel economy figures of 15.2 km per litre (2WD) and 14.4 km per litre (4WD) enable the Outlander to achieve Japan’s 2015 Fuel Efficiency Standards, which means it qualifies for eco-car subsidies to enjoy 50% reductions in acquisition tax and tonnage tax at the time of purchase.

The interior benefits from a gloss black instrument panel, silver decorative accents for the switches and the use of soft-touch dashboard trim material, amongst others. Between the twin dials sits the Multi Information Display, which is a high-definition colour LCD.

Second row seats are split 60:40 and third row 50:50 – with all of them folded, luggage compartment length is 1685 mm; 335 mm longer than its predecessor. The third row offers more legroom and is also wider.

As for gadgets, the 2.4G Navi Package gets as standard the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS) with a high-definition 7.0-inch display. This brings together GPS with traffic and altitude data, Bluetooth and side and rear-view camera display. MMCS or a Display Audio system with a 6.1-inch touch display are factory options on other trim levels.

A Rockford Fosgate Premium Sound system can be specified as an option on MMCS-equipped variants.

There are six body hues to choose from: Cosmic Blue Mica, Black Mica, Titanium Grey Metallic, Cool Silver Metallic, White Pearl and a new Copper Metallic finish.

Mitsubishi aims to sell 1,000 units a month in Japan for the 2012 fiscal year. The new Outlander’s next destinations are Oceania and North America, and a plug-in hybrid version (PHEV) will debut in Japan early next year.

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It was opened for booking on October 1, now the new Mitsubishi Mirage is available for viewing at all Mitsubishi showrooms nationwide. The compact car will be officially launched on November 19.

The Mirage will available in three variants – base 1.2 manual, 1.2 CVT, high spec 1.2 CVT GS – and estimated prices start from RM56,000 to RM64,000 on-the-road without insurance. The 1.2L engine is a three-cylinder MIVEC unit with 78 PS and 100 Nm. It majors on fuel economy, with the lightweight 850 kg Mirage achieving a claimed 21 km/l based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

“The Mirage is equipped with creature comforts and features that are not common even in cars from the class above. Bright View instrument cluster, Smart Key with Push Start button, digital automatic air con, a leather wrapped steering wheel and a 2-DIN audio system with USB and AUX jack are features that set it apart,” said Tetsuya Oda, CEO of MMM.

“It is imported from Thailand, which is the global manufacturing hub for this model. Exports to Japan and ASEAN have commenced, and the Thai-built Mirage will also be heading to Australia and Europe, among other markets. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) Japan, assured customers that the Mirage will remain solely as a Mitsubishi-badged vehicle in the Malaysian market,” he added.

We take the last line to mean that there will be no Proton version of the Mirage, as in the case of the Inspira/Lancer. Our first impressions of the Mirage can be read here.

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There’s no way a carmaker can go it alone in China, and local partners are a necessary inconvenience. The latest marriage is between Mitsubishi Motors and Guangzhou Automobile Group, which last week unveiled their joint venture in Changsha, located in central China’s Hunan province.

Guangzhou Auto, MMC and its parent company Mitsubishi Corp will hold 50%, 33% and 17% interest respectively in the JV known as GAC Mitsubishi Motors Co. The company will make Mitsubishi-badged cars, starting with the ASX compact crossover later this month. Next up is the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

GAC Mitsubishi was formed from the assets of Hunan Changfeng Motor Co, a Changsha-based SUV maker in which Mitsubishi held a 15% stake. Guangzhou Auto acquired Changfeng in 2009.

This isn’t the only marriage for both parties – MMC is already in bed with Southeast (Fujian) Motor Co, while Guangzhou Auto has JVs with Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Fiat. It’s a big swingers party over there.

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As previously reported, the Mitsubishi Mirage made its first public showing today at Mid Valley Megamall and is open for booking – here are live pics of the car as promised.

There are two Mirages on display, both top-of-the-range GS variants, but one is kitted out in Aero and Chrome accessory packages (pictured above), giving it a subtle bodykit, side window deflectors, scuff plates and chrome trim on the fog lamps, front bumper and tailgate. This car also has the optional leather seats and Ralliart fuel lid cover, while the other car is a standard GS (interior pictured below).

The GS-variant Mirage is up for RM64,000, OTR without insurance, with the optional accessories costing as follows – Aero package RM1,999.90, Chrome package RM750, Ralliart fuel lid cover RM150 and leather seats RM1,500.

Also on display at the Centre Court up until this Sunday are the ASX and Lancer Sportback models – why not visit and see the cars for yourself? Meanwhile, you can read the full Mirage brochure and specifications here.

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