Mitsubishi is one of those carmakers that failed to crack the Indian market despite having some really capable products in its portfolio. The reason behind its not-so-impressive performance so far was mainly due to its association with Hindustan Motors here that itself lacks the reach and network. Also Mitsubishi was struggling with finances to bring in more products here. Now that Nissan has acquired 34 percent stake in Mitsubishi Motors in a 2.2 billion deal, the company’s focus will be on addressing the markets like India where the potential is really huge.
With Renault-Nissan already having its manufacturing base in India, it will be easy for Mitsubishi to develop its products locally in India. According to a report published on Autocar India‘s website, the company might consider launching several all-new products in India using Nissan’s network.
The report also says that Nissan-Renault Alliance is planning a B-segment platform for the Indian market, and Mitsubishi can help the company in that. All the three brands need a flexible platform which could be used for multiple models across Rs 6 lakh – Rs 12 lakh segments. And it will make sense for the group to develop it in India to achieve aggressive pricing.
Also Read: Upcoming Small Cars in India Under Rs 5 Lakh
While there is nothing concrete on the product strategy as of now, the report says that the Mitsubishi Mirage could be the product that the Japanese carmaker might consider. The same platform can also be shared with Renault-Nissan to spawn hatchbacks and sedans.
New Mitsubishi Mirage 2017 Exterior
Mitsubishi Mirage is a small car which will be pitted against the likes of Hyundai Grand i10, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Ford Figo and other B-segment hatchbacks in the country. The car was first unveiled as concept (Global Small Car concept), and later the company revealed the production version of the hatchback at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. If the company decides to bring in to India, it could be the new-generation model of the hatchback which might go on sale globally next year.
New Mitsubishi Mirage 2017 Interior
Similar to the exterior, the new Mitsubish Mirage also gets more upmarket cabin with better quality materials. The vehicle now gets a new steering wheel, shift panel and air-conditioning panel. The seats too get new materials. All the variants of the Mitsubishi also get a new illuminated semi high-contrast combination meter. Other features include rear wiper, all-four power windows, automatic climate control, etc.
Also Read: Best Cars in India Under Rs 5 Lakh
New Mitsubishi Mirage 2017 Safety Features
The 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage gets a number of safety features that include 7 SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist, tire pressure monitoring system, active stability control with traction control. Though there is no clarity if all these features will be offered with the Indian model or not.
New Mitsubishi Mirage 2017 Specifications
The 2017 Mitsubish Mirage could feature a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC)’s latest version. This engine churns out a maximum power output of 78bhp at 6000rpm and a peak torque of 100Nm at 4000rpm. The company claims that the new Mirage’s brakes and handling too have been improved. The vehicle also gets new brakes with bigger diameter. While the front wheels get discs, the rear have drums. Transmission options could include a CVT and a 5-speed manual gearbox.
New Mitsubishi Mirage 2017 India Launch & Price
If the company decides to bring it to India, it won’t happen anytime before the end of 2017 or early 2018. Though it’s too early to comment on its pricing as of now, we expect it to be priced between Rs 5 lakh – Rs 8 lakh (ex-shwroom).
