Thursday, March 15, 2012
By Shilpa Chopra
Mitsubishi Mirage heads to India, to rival engage in affaire d'honneur with Maruti Swift and others
The recent launch of Mitsubishi Pajero Sport seems to unfold many mysteries that HM-Mitsubishi had since been keeping in closets. First it was that the Mitsubishi Outlander will be coming in a seven seater version and the second and the most interesting one is that the Japanese car maker will be launching the small car Mitsubishi Mirage in India soon. There are reports that the Mirage small car may be brought to India solely by Mitsubishi without the stake of Hindustan Motors. This certainly is a development as every small car entry in India is believed to play a vital role as this is the hottest segment in India. As per reports, Mitsubishi could make India a production base of the Mirage.
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Expected to be priced around Rs 5-6 lakh the 1L engine car is initially predicted to be available in petrol only model. But a more closer insight tells that the Mirage diesel is definitely on the cards as well. Till now Mitsubishi has been synonymous with SUVs and a sole sedan Mitsubishi Lancer but now that it has decided to enter the volume segment, the industry hopes that the Japanese car maker will be able to ensure a greater presence.
It is said that the market survey for the Mitsubishi small car has already begun and it is seen that whether the Mirage will be able to fulfill the demands of the volume segment. However, Mitsubishi has expressed concern that it is not ready to launch it as of now as the volume segment cars needs a strong backup of sales and service network. Thus a recent expansion of the Mitsubishi sales and service network is also on the cards.
In India the Mirage will be battle with the likes of Maruti Swift, Renault Pulse apart from other such as Toyota Etios Liva, Hyundai i20, Nissan Micra and there is a long list.
