Mitsubishi isn't pulling any sucker punches. As a car company that is making a comeback, the tri-diamond brand has taken bold steps to tone their local vehicle lineup in lieu with the current trend of engine downsizing and the focus on developing fuel efficient cars. And so, the Mitsubishi Attrage was born.
Competing with compact favourites such as the Chevrolet Sonic, the Honda City, the Nissan Almera and the Toyota Vios, the Attrage is also known as the Mirage or Mirage G4 in other markets.
Exterior
Measuring 4,245mm x 1,670mm x 1,515mm (L x W x H), the Attrage is bigger and more practical than its hatchback sibling (not available in Singapore) but smaller than most of its other rivals in the market.
In most cases, stretching a hatchback to form a sedan isn't the most recommended design direction. But with the Attrage, Mitsubishi's designers have successfully eliminated that particular hatchback-to-sedan stigma with a nice profile that flows nicely from tip to tip.
Competing with compact favourites such as the Chevrolet Sonic, the Honda City, the Nissan Almera and the Toyota Vios, the Attrage is also known as the Mirage or Mirage G4 in other markets.
Exterior
Measuring 4,245mm x 1,670mm x 1,515mm (L x W x H), the Attrage is bigger and more practical than its hatchback sibling (not available in Singapore) but smaller than most of its other rivals in the market.
In most cases, stretching a hatchback to form a sedan isn't the most recommended design direction. But with the Attrage, Mitsubishi's designers have successfully eliminated that particular hatchback-to-sedan stigma with a nice profile that flows nicely from tip to tip.
On first glance, the styling elements seem to be influenced by Asian tastes. The Thai-made car has a larger chrome radiator grille along with air inlets to provide cooling for the engine and the front bumper is fitted with fog lamps that have a C-shaped chrome accent on each corner.
It also has sharp-looking head lights and the hood is incorporated with lines that make it look a bit more mature and sophisticated.
It also has sharp-looking head lights and the hood is incorporated with lines that make it look a bit more mature and sophisticated.
Interior
Despite the Attrage's compact dimensions, it feels spacious inside. With the sedan sitting on a long wheelbase of 2,550mm, there's a surprisingly generous amount of space in the back for three Asian adults with good leg and headroom.
Otherwise, the seats are simple and flat with a driving position that is adjustable to suit most drivers with good all-round visibility. There's decent storage space for small items in the binnacle ahead of the gear lever plus cupholders in the centre console and large door bins.
Despite the Attrage's compact dimensions, it feels spacious inside. With the sedan sitting on a long wheelbase of 2,550mm, there's a surprisingly generous amount of space in the back for three Asian adults with good leg and headroom.
Otherwise, the seats are simple and flat with a driving position that is adjustable to suit most drivers with good all-round visibility. There's decent storage space for small items in the binnacle ahead of the gear lever plus cupholders in the centre console and large door bins.
Although its 450-litre capacity may be less generous than some of its rivals such as the Honda City and the Toyota Vios, it is capable of swallowing more than an average weekly family shopping trip.
The layout of the cabin is clean and unfussy. From a build quality point of view, bits of hard plastic are evident but it's vault-like and durable-looking, giving the Attrage a well put together perception.
The Drive
The Attrage is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels through a CVT transmission.
In terms of outright usability in its intended city environment, there's little to complain, thanks to the perky motor and seamless gearbox. The CVT accentuates the engine's natural willingness, helping to pedal the light 905kg car along at a respectable pace.
Of course a few revs will need to be piled on to access more performance and it's here that the powerplant starts to get a little bit raucous, though the off-beat thrum of the three cylinders does have some charm about it - much like other three-pots we have tried before such as the Citroen Cactus, the MINI One and the Ford Fiesta.
A low weight and a small drivetrain also translates to the fact that this is a fuel efficient car and it didn't disappoint us with its 13.5km/L fuel efficiency despite us driving really hard.
The Attrage is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels through a CVT transmission.
In terms of outright usability in its intended city environment, there's little to complain, thanks to the perky motor and seamless gearbox. The CVT accentuates the engine's natural willingness, helping to pedal the light 905kg car along at a respectable pace.
Of course a few revs will need to be piled on to access more performance and it's here that the powerplant starts to get a little bit raucous, though the off-beat thrum of the three cylinders does have some charm about it - much like other three-pots we have tried before such as the Citroen Cactus, the MINI One and the Ford Fiesta.
A low weight and a small drivetrain also translates to the fact that this is a fuel efficient car and it didn't disappoint us with its 13.5km/L fuel efficiency despite us driving really hard.
Although the Attrage's suspension wallows a little bit in long and sweeping corners, it is definitely set up for maximum comfort.
At 4,800mm, the sedan's turning radius is the smallest in its class and its electronic steering setup also makes it very easy to manoeuvre in tight traffic and crowded parking areas. That said, there's little in the way of steering feel or feedback, but that's just a really small quibble for a functional car such as this.
Conclusion
The Attrage does an excellent job as a no frills city car, as it does not try to do anything other than offer fuss-free transport. As affordable and comfortable city runabouts go, this car is an excellent choice. What is also ideal is its attractive price of $96,999 (as of 18th June 2015).
Rivals should really watch out for Mitsubishi's sucker punch now.
