TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Mitsubishi Mirage

The new Mirage "global compact" was unveiled for the first time at the 2012 Tokyo motor show and is aimed at both established and emerging world markets.

Due to appear on the horizon in the near future – although its only confirmed market to date is Thailand, where it will go on sale in March 2012 – the new sub light car is powered by a compact three-cylinder petrol engine.

It is a quantum shift away from the last Mirage seen in Australia – the chic, Lancer-based three-door hatch that was sold here between 1996 and 2004. Designed around the idea of affordability, the Mirage (in an idiom similar to Toyota's Yaris or Nissan's Micra) is a Tardis-style light car claimed to offer space for five people in a compact, lightweight body.

With five doors, a 1.0-litre three-cylinder MIVEC engine and designed with an eye for maximised aerodynamics, the new Mitsubishi belongs to the next generation of light cars where efficiency and environmental friendliness rule.

The three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine has been designed for minimal weight and reduced internal friction. Its economy car intentions are seen in the MIVEC variable valve timing system, standard Auto-Stop&Go and brake energy regeneration systems, all aimed at producing a combined consumption figure of 3.3L/100km.

Similarly unobtrusive exhaust emissions are promised, but Mitsubishi has not yet quoted any CO2 claims for the Mirage - but a figure close to, or less than 100g/km would be on the cards. The car will also get a CVT transmission "with an auxiliary gearbox providing a wide ratio span" in the interests of fuel economy and driveability.

The new Mirage will adopt Mitsubishi's RISE*4 body design employing lightweight, high-tensile steel plate for maximum light-car safety. It is claimed the Mirage has one of the "lightest five-seat five-door hatchback bodies on the planet."

The turning circle is claimed to be best in class, while the driver gets a clear view through a slimline A-pillar and a low belt line to take much of the pain out of inner-city parking manoeuvres.

The flat-dash interior was designed to give a sense of width and there's some piano black on the centre console to help with the feeling of quality Mitsubishi says permeates the new Mirage.

Measuring 3710mm long, 1665mm wide and 1490mm high, the Mirage is a tad short of Yaris or Micra in all dimensions and is smaller generally than the current Mitsubishi Colt model that was developed alongside the Mercedes-Benz five-door smart hatchbacks.

More Tokyo Motor Show news on carsales.com.au.