2014 Mitsubishi Mirage is most fuel efficient non hybrid car in America

The 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage five-door sub compact is making a return to U.S. shores and pricing has been announced. Starting at $12,995, the new Mirage will have a great starting price and it will be the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid gas powered car in America. That’s a good combination and the new sub compact should be a hit with a new generation of buyers in North America. The Mirage gets excellent fuel mileage and will appeal to buyers looking for an inexpensive sub compact.

Fuel-sipping five-door sub compact

Starting at $12,995 for the five-speed manual transmission DE model, the all-new 2014 Mirage offers best-in-class fuel economy with an EPA rating of 37 mpg city/44 mpg highway/40 mpg combined (CVT-equipped models; 5-speed manual transmission model delivers an EPA fuel economy rating of 34 mpg city/42 mpg highway/37 mpg combined). That’s better than any non-hybrid gas powered car in America.

Contributing to the excellent fuel-efficiency is the Mirage’s clean and aerodynamic exterior styling. It features a very low 0.28 drag coefficient with low wind resistance making it slip through the air more easily. The new Mirage will be a new competitor in the growing sub compact segment with the popular new 2014 Ford Fiesta and Fiat 500. What will be under the hood?

A great urban commuter

The fuel-sipping 44 mpg Mirage is powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder DOHC engine that produces 74 bhp and 74 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is the latest version of Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) variable valve-timing system that maximizes fuel efficiency and power output while reducing emissions.

The Mirage also features an Electric Power Steering (EPS) that does away with "fuel-burning parasitic drag" on the engine from a conventional hydraulic-based power steering. This also contributes to the excellent fuel-efficiency. With a low curb weight, the Mirage should have enough power for city commutes. The small hatchback will be a great city commuter for first-time buyers.

A plethora of standard amenities

The entry-level Mirage DE ($12,995) comes with a long list of standard features. The list includes, tilt steering, automatic climate control, keyless entry with panic alarm, 60/40 split folding rear seat, rear spoiler, auto-off halogen headlights, rear heater floor ducts and a 4 speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 with USB/iPod input.

For $1,200 more, the upmarket Mirage ES with a five-speed manual transmission, adds sporty 14-inch aluminum alloy wheels, front fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, FAST (Free-hand Advanced Security Transmitter)-key passive entry, One-Touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

The new 2014 Mitsubishi Marage has a great starting MSRP and will be an attractive new entry into the sub compact segment here in the U.S. Look for the new fuel-sipping 44 mpg hatchback to arrive on U.S. shores early next year. The new Mirage will come in eight fun and eye-catching colors to choose from as you will see in the video below.

Watch All-New 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage video.