Decisive Latino Summer 2014 Decisive Latino - Summer 2014 | Page 22

DECISIVE AUTO LATINO LONG-TERM 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage written by Valerie Menard In the auto industry, more and more good things are coming in small packages. The newest addition comes from Mitsubishi with its all-new sub-compact, the 2014 Mirage. In the auto industry, more and more good things are coming in small packages. The newest addition comes from Mitsubishi with its all-new subcompact, the 2014 Mirage. I attended the launch last year in Canada but later was given the chance for an extended test over three months. The little five-door hatchback offers seating for five plus the versatility of fold flat seats for added cargo room. The biggest selling point for this little cutie, however, is its fuel economy. It made the “Greenest Vehicles List” by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and achieved an amazing 74.1 miles per gallon (mpg) in a driver challenge held by Mitsubishi. The potential fuel savings in a non-hybrid vehicle carries great appeal. 20 DECISIVE AUTO LATINO The Automotive Science Group (ASG) named the Mirage the 2014 “Best All-Around Performance Award” winner —the organization’s highest award—along with the 2014 “Best Environmental Performance Award” in the mini-compact class for the 2014 model year. Most recently, the Mirage was also named “the most affordable vehicle shoppers can buy” by Cars.com. The ASG’s analysis, “found the Mirage to hold the smallest environmental footprint, not only in its class, but also of any conventionally powered model year 2014 automobile available in the North American market.” Powered by a three-cylinder 1.2-liter engine, the Mirage should earn an EPA estimated 37 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 44 mpg on the highway with the optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Mirage ES that I