THE CAR OF MITSUBISHI MOTORS MALAYSIA

SEPTEMBER 2013 * 12 PAGES * FREE ISSUE

Eco friendly, family friendly

Journalists review the soon-to-be-launched Mitsubishi Attrage
itsubishi Motors Malaysia has announced that the all-new Mitsubishi Attrage will be coming soon to Malaysia, and the new sedan is now open for booking. Launched in Thailand in July this year, the Attrage has received overwhelming response from the market. The sedan is produced at Mitsubishis factory in Laem Chabang, Thailand. The name Attrage is derived from the word attractive. Powered by a modern 1.2-litre three-cylinder MIVEC engine with 80 PS of power and 106 Nm of torque, the Attrage is engineered for exceptional efficiency. Coupled with a low kerb weight of just 915 kg, the sedan is capable of class leading fuel economy of 21 km/l measured on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). The Attrage is an easy handling sedan that fits perfectly in the city with excellent manoeuvrability and a class leading turning radius of 4.8 metres.

Four variants will be available in Malaysia. The range starts off with the five-speed manual transmission GL. Those opting for the smooth INVECS-III CVT automatic transmission can choose between GL, GS and the range topping SE specs. All variants come with safety features such as dual airbags and ABS with EBD. GS spec adds on equipment such as leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, keyless entry with push start button and digital automatic air conditioning.The SE stands out further with a sporty body kit, LED daytime running lights, window tint, leather seats and a 2-DIN touch screen audio unit with USB and AUX-in. Ahead of the Mitsubishi Attrages introduction in Malaysia later this year, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia invited selected journalists to sample the sedan at the Bonanza International Speedway in Khao Yai, Thailand. Read what the experts have to say about the car in Attrage Times.

Published by : Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (680028-M) Level 6, Building A, Peremba Square, Saujana Resort Seksyen U2, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Tel: +60(3) 7680 6688 Fax: +60(3) 7622 2239 www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my

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See Hua Daily

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Motor Trader

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Mitsubishi turns its compact hatch, the Mirage, into a b-segment sedan called the attrage and its ready to take on the competition.

Making A B-Line for the MASSES

THE STAR

NEW STRAITS TIMES

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More for less, its punchy and nimble

WINNING FORMULA: Light on fuel and the wallet, does Mitsubishi have a winner with its economical Attrage sedan?

OVER three hours away from Thailands capital of Bangkok, members of the media were ferried by bus to our intended destination one morning in late June - the Bonanza International Speedway in Khoa Yai. Our purpose: to test drive Mitsubishis new kid on the block, the Attrage, which comes with a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder DOHC MIVEC engine. Its basically the same engine used to power the Mirage but the Attrage is longer (mainly its got a boot) and the front-end has a distinctive grille compared to the five-door Mirage. So why turn a compact into a sedan? The simple answer is space. Extra space means practicality - now you can fit a whole family and their luggage too. But the Attrage doesnt only come with extra space. It carries over one very important feature from the Mirage - excellent fuel consumption. In fact, the Attrage boasts a better fuel consumption figure than the Mirage at 22km per litre (the Mirage clocks in at 21km per litre). So lets take a closer look at the Attrage. Mitsubishi did not simply elongate the Mirage and tout it as its new B-segment sedan, exteriorwise. As mentioned earlier, the presence of a large grille (in chrome) and sharp-edged headlamps gives the Attrage its own identity. Spaciousness in the cabin is evident as the wheelbase touches 2,550mm (a 100mm more than the Mirage) and the boot space, at 450 litres, is almost double the amount to the Mirages 235mm. Of course, the added length to the Attrage makes it heavier than the compact but at 930kg, its still one of the lightest in its class.

Though the car is supposed to be a compact model, it still feels spacious inside with enough leg and head room to seat four adults comfortably and five with a bit of squeeze. The minimal design of the cockpit mirrors the Mirage directly and its utilitarian approach is beneficial as all the controls are easily identified and laid out. Finally, the 1.2-litre three cylinder DOHC MIVEC engine is another Mirage feature fitted to either a five-speed manual or INVECS III CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) along with electric power steering and MacPherson struts. It produces 78PS at 6,000rpm and 100Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. There were four variants present for the test drive - the GLS Ltd CVT, GLS CVT, GLX CVT, and GLX M/T - all aimed for Thailands local market. The race track had been fitted to accommodate various tests, namely the slalom and handling tests. First off was the slalom and following the speed limit set by the organisers, the Attrage immediately communicated its accurate and easy steering capabilities. Body roll was evident when we charged into corners but there was a sufficient amount of grip to ensure the Attrage stays within the driving line. Besides offering nippy performance, the car has good handling balance to it and makes for

a very comfortable ride. Another plus was the brakes which was progressive and effective. The CVT transmission is very smooth and might not offer the kind of upshifting feedback some drivers crave for. And the lightweight feel of the steering wheel at higher speeds can be disconcerting and we wished for a heavier steering feel at this juncture. However, there will be a difference driving it in the city, which is what this car is made for. You can also opt for the manual transmission found in the GLX M/T which offered more feedback to the driver and a throaty rasp to the engine. As for the bells and whistles, the top-ofthe-range GLS Ltd CVT, is the variant with the most, offering a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather seats, reverse camera, a 6.5-inch touch-screen, Bluetooth and USB. All variants come with keyless entry, electric folding door mirrors, and multi-info display. Only time will tell whether the Attrage tested in Thailand will be the exact ones available for the Malaysian market due before the end of this year. If its any indication though, a sedan like the Attrage is an attractive package for family-oriented Malaysians especially if its competitively priced.

DESIGNING the right car to suit its segment is a hard mix to concoct, what more with the demands of the buyers rising in tandem with the price tag. However, just because a car is positioned at the economical and not exorbitant end of the price range does not translate into an easier job for the manufacturer. Mitsubishi is beginning to perfect its mix of affordable and economical cars cocktail. Furthermore, the wise adage will testify to not fix something that is not broken. Thus, Mitsubishi was wise not to mess too much with the winning formula of its Mirage hatch in stretching it a pinch into a sedan, which is expected to make its way here early next year bearing the Attrage nameplate. The Attrage will spearhead its twin-pronged attack on the entry-level segment in Malaysia aside the Mirage. While the Attrage will carry a slightly higher price tag, the extra money is offset by the larger interior and boot space as well as a longer wheelbase while keeping all the acclaimed highlights of the Mirage, such as low fuel consumption and easy manoeuvrability. While it shares the same platform with the Mirage, the front fascia is completely redesigned with a new grille, bumper and headlights that distinctively set apart the two. The reshaped front end also gives the car a drag coefficient of 0.29 that will go a long way in improving its fuel efficiency. The Attrage has been positioned firmly in the crosshairs of consumers that want a sizeable interior sans the large exterior. Mitsubishi utilised its Optimised Space interior design feature and a new frame construction to maximise the interior room. Although it will find the Toyota Vios, Nissan Almera and Mazda2 amongst its peers, the Attrage is a small compact and will lose out in

Though it loses out significantly in terms of length, the Attrage shares the same wheelbase as the Vios at 2,550mm, losing out by just 50mm to the Almera, which gives it the large interior room. Rather interestingly too, the combined length of front and rear legroom sees the Attrage way ahead of the Vios and second only to the Almera. Trunk room was not compromised as well, with 450 litres available. During the brief media test drive conducted in Thailand, the Attrage expectedly displayed similar driving dynamics to the Mirage. Motivation comes from the ultra-economical 1.2-litre three-banger MIVEC mill that is found in the Mirage.

as punchy and nimble. This is primarily due to girth not being a burden. The use of high tensile steel has kept weight down to 930kg, 40kg more than the hatch, making it the lightest amongst the trio. Coupled with the 4.8-metre turning radius, the Attrage is well adept in tiny confines as well. Even if the Attrage is a sedan take on the Mirage, it was not just a case of adding in a boot and calling it a day. There are a number of minute but major improvements all over that sums up to a more refined car. This includes a new steel crankshaft and reinforced chain case for the engine, a larger muffler chamber, thicker windshields and more sound deaden-

The Attrage has been positioned rmly in the crosshairs of consumers that want a sizeable interior sans the large exterior. Mitsubishi utilised its Optimised Space interior design feature and a new frame construction to maximise the interior room.

Besides offering nippy performance, the car has good handling balance to it and makes for a very comfortable ride.

terms of size to its sub-compact competitors. It measures in with a length of 4,245mm with a width of 1.670mm and a height of 1,515mm. In comparison, the Vios figures are 4,410mm (L), 1,700mm (W) and 1,475mm (H) while the Almera lines up with 4,425mm (L), 1,695mm (W) and 1,500mm (H).

Just to recap, it produces a paltry 77hp and 100Nm of torque that is mated to the front wheels by an INVECS III CVT or five-speed manual transmission. The low power count is countered by its extraordinary fuel-sipping qualities that stand at a claimed 22km/L. Nonetheless, the Attrage still comes across

ing materials to reduce the noise levels in the cabin over the Mirage. Amenities such as leather seats, power folding mirrors, push-start button, electronic boot unlock, double-DIN touch screen multimedia head unit and reverse camera will separate the various variants.

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KOSMO HARIAN METRO

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Harus tahu bahawa Attrage bukan sekadar sebuah Mirage yang dipanjangkan dan ditambah dengan but, ia sebenarnya lebih daripada itu.

Jelmaan model sedan Concept G4

Sedan segmen B yang menekankan aspek penjimatan bahan api dan mesra alam.
NISSAN Almera merupakan salah satu contoh terbaik bagaimana pengguna di Malaysia sememangnya mempunyai minat mendalam terhadap kereta jenama Jepun, tetapi ditawarkan pada harga boleh dikategorikan sebagai mampu milik. Dalam kes di Malaysia, harga itu berkisar di antara RM60,000 hingga RM70,000 seunit. Formula itu nyata berjaya apabila ia mendapat sambutan hangat daripada pembeli. Hasilnya, kelibat Almera memang mudah dilihat di atas jalan raya. Satu lagi jenama Jepun, Mitsubishi dilihat mahu berkongsi kek pasaran tersebut. Sebelum ini, ia tampil dengan model kompak Mirage. Sedia maklum bahawa kekuatan Mirage terletak pada enjin 1.2 liter yang menjimatkan minyak, reka bentuk kompak dan kualiti pengendalian bagus. Namun, kereta kompak mungkin bukan untuk semua orang. Pengguna Malaysia sebenarnya lebih gemar kepada sedan. Alasannya, ada tambahan ruang kargo untuk meletak barang jika pulang ke kampung atau pergi bercuti. Sedan juga dianggap lebih sesuai terutama bagi mereka yang sudah berkeluarga. Sedar tentang keperluan itu, Mitsubishi membangunkan Attrage yang dibina berasaskan kepada model Mirage. Harus tahu bahawa Attrage bukan sekadar sebuah Mirage yang dipanjangkan dan ditambah dengan but, ia sebenarnya lebih daripada itu. Attrage membuat debut sewaktu Bangkok Motor Show pada Mac lalu dalam bentuk sedan Concept G4. Rakyat Malaysia juga berpeluang melihatnya secara dekat apabila pengedar kenderaan Misubishi di Malaysia, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) mengambil inisiatif untuk mempamerkannya di sebuah pusat beli-belah terkemuka di Kuala Lumpur pada Julai lalu. Boleh dikatakan bahawa luaran penampilan Attrage tidak banyak berbeza dengan Concept G4. Sedan itu nampak moden dengan gril radiator krom bersama logo tiga bentuk berlian di atasnya. Bagi mengetahui sendiri kualiti pemanduan Attrage, sekumpulan wartawan dibawa oleh pihak MMM ke Thailand. Lebih tepat lagi ke Litar Bonanza International Speedwayyang terletak di Khao Yai, Thailand. Biarpun tempoh ujian dan jarak litarnya singkat, pandu uji tersebut sedikit sebanyak dapat memberikan impresi pertama bagaimana Attrage beraksi ketika memecut dan mengambil selekoh di atas litar terbabit. Lebih menarik lagi, Mitsubishi turut menyediakan beberapa buah model pesaingnya yang dijual di pasaran Thailand seperti Honda Brio Amaze, Nissan Almera dan Toyota Vios untuk dipandu uji. Jadi, dapatlah kami merasai perbezaan karekter pemanduan setiap kereta tersebut. Saya mulakan sesi pandu uji dengan Attrage bertransmisi automatik (CVT). Sebagai mana yang dinyatakan tadi, jarak litar itu agak pendek, tetapi penganjur cuba untuk memanfaatkan setiap incinya dengan membuat beberapa seksyen melibatkan ujian slalom, menukar laluan, membrek, mengambil selekoh dan mendaki bukit. Ujian slalom dilepasi dengan cemerlang apabila Attrage mampu mengikut maklum balas stereng dengan baik. Memang betul, sterengnya terasa ringan. Tetapi tidaklah sampai anda hilang rasa yakin ketika mengendalikannya. Olengan tubuhnya juga minimum dan terkawal. Jadi, orang yang duduk di kerusi belakang tidak boleh merungut. Jelas sekali gabungan suspensi topang MacPherson pada roda hadapan dan torsion beam di belakang yang dipasang pada kerangka tegar, dibina menggunakan besi regangan tinggi Attrage dapat berkolaborasi dengan cukup baik. Sebagai sebuah kereta eco, Attrage hanya mempunyai berat di antara 885 hingga 930 kilogram, paling ringan dalam kelasnya. Ia digerakkan oleh enjin tiga silinder yang sama seperti Mirage iaitu 1.2 liter MIVEC yang dipadankan sama ada dengan kotak gear manual lima kelajuan atau transmisi automatik CVT INVECS-III. Kombinasi semua elemen itu membolehkan Attrage memperoleh bacaan penggunaan bahan api mencecah 22 kilometer untuk setiap liter berdasarkan kepada ujian Kitaran Pemanduan Eropah yang Baru (the New European Driving Cycle). Dengan ouput kuasa 78PS dan tork puncak 100Nm, enjin itu masih boleh menggerakkan Attrage secara sewajarnya. Biarpun sesekali, apabila pedal minyak ditekan keras, bunyi enjin tiga silinder itu dapat didengar dengan jelas dari dalam kabin. Jadi, kalau memandu sedan ini, relaks sahaja. Tidak perlu terlalu gelojoh. Anda akan menghargai kotak gear CVT dengan membiarkan jentera memperoleh momentum kelajuannya sendiri, tidak perlu diperah berlebihan. Dengan cara itu, pemandu dapat merasai kelancarannya. Lagipun, harus ingat bahawa ini ialah kereta bandar yang sifatnya lebih enak dipandu dalam setting urban dengan jarak yang tidak terlalu jauh. Bukannya memecut di atas litar dan menguji setiap selekoh yang ada. Seperti diduga, ia memerlukan sedikit usaha untuk mendaki. Namun, tidak perlu bimbang, Attrage tidaklah semput walaupun ia mengambil sedikit masa untuk melunaskan tugas tersebut. Bertukar kepada varian manual, kuasa enjinnya terasa lebih hidup. Penukaran gear dapat dibuat dengan lancar dan kuasa boleh diesktrak secara lebih pantas. Aspek lain, ia tidak jauh

berbeza dengan varian automatik. Selain daripada kekurangan jumlah aksesori yang boleh dilihat dengan ketara. Menyentuh tentang aspek dalaman Attrage, ia berbeza berdasarkan variannya. Versi paling mewah hadir dengan tempat duduk bersalut kulit, pendingin hawa automatik, kemasan krom pada butang kawalan audio, kamera pandang belakang serta paparan skrin sentuh bersaiz 6.5 inci lengkap dengan navigasi, pemain DVD, MP3, Bluetooth dan USB. Ia juga dilengkapi cermin sisi boleh lipat, kemasan dalaman berwarna hitam, paparan multi-info dan sistem kemasukan tanpa kunci untuk kebanyakan variannya. Dari segi sistem keselamatan pula, Attrage dipasang dengan beg udara, serta sistem brek ABS bersama EBD sebagai ciri standard. Pendek kata, Attrage masih sebuah sedan segmen B yang seronok dan mudah dipandu. Cuma, mungkin ada yang skeptikal dengan enjin 1.2 liter itu. Tetapi, saya cadangkan supaya pandu uji dahulu dan buatlah penilaian yang adil. Enjin tersebut tidak direka untuk membolehkan anda meninggalkan semua orang di lampu isyarat. Sebaliknya, enjin MIVEC yang dipadankan dengan kotak gear automatik CVT atau manual, ruang kabin luas dan kualiti pengendalian bagus sememangnya boleh menjadikan Attrage sebagai sebuah sedan bandar yang ideal untuk semua. Saya membangkitkan isu kapasiti enjin kerana berbeza dengan pasaran Thailand, Attrage terpaksa bersaing secara berdepan dengan Nissan Almera yang menggunakan enjin 1.5 liter. Secara tidak langsung, sedan itu juga perlu mengekang asakan daripada Toyota Vios dan Honda city yang dipasang dengan enjin berkapasiti sama. Attrage dihasilkan di kilang Mitsubishi di Laem Chabang Industrial Estatedi wilayah Chonburi, Thailand. Dari segi versi yang akan dibawa ke pasaran Malaysia, tidak mustahil MMM akan mengikut formula Mirage seperti varian GL M/T, GL CVT dan GS CVT. Varianvarian itu dibezakan oleh pilihan transmisi dan aksesori yang ada padanya.

Mitsubishi Attrage hebat

Prestasinya menyamai kenderaan yang mempunyai enjin 1.5 liter
KALI pertama melihat kereta Mitsubishi Attrage, pasti ramai tidak menduga enjinnya 1.2 liter kerana penampilannya tampak seperti jentera memiliki kuasa enjin melebihi 1.5 liter. Penulis kali pertama memandu uji kenderaan ini di Litar Perlumbaan Antarabangsa Bonanza di Bangkok, Thailand, baru-baru ini. Ternyata, prestasinya hebat dan sangkaan penulis Attrage memiliki kuasa rendah jauh meleset. Prestasi Attrage menyamai kenderaan yang mempunyai enjin 1.5 liter, membuktikan jentera ini mampu bersaing di pasaran kereta sedan di negara ini. Hadir dengan transmisi manual dan automatik 1.2-liter, enjin 3-silinder selain automatik transmisi CVT mampu memberi kuasa maksimum ketika pemanduan di jalan raya. Selain kekuatan enjin MIVEC, kenderaan ini sesuai di bandar yang sering mengalami kesesakan lalu lintas kerana penggunaan petrolnya menjimatkan. Bahagian badannya direka dengan gaya muda, selain gril depan dimodenkan serta bahagian lampu belakang seperti sebuah kenderaan mewah. Melihat bahagian dalamnya, kecanggihan teknologi Mitsubishi nyata berbaloi dan tidak rugi memiliki kenderaan ini. Teknologi terbaru itu menggunakan butang tekan untuk menghidupkan enjin, membuktikan ciri kemewahan dan teknologi terkini, selain rekaan ruang kabin aerodinamik untuk keselesaan penumpang dan pemandu. Attrage turut dilengkapi ciri keselamatan apabila menggunakan dua beg udara keselamatan dan tali pinggang keselamatan untuk pemandu dan penumpang kenderaan. (Penulis mengikuti pandu uji Mitsubishi Attrage di Bangkok, baru-baru ini)

Bahagian badannya direka dengan gaya muda, selain gril depan dimodenkan serta bahagian lampu belakang seperti sebuah kenderaan mewah.

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Bakal muncul di Malaysia

Mitsubishi Attrage.. Mirage Versi Sedan

SINAR HARIAN

PERKHABARAN mengenai kelahiran Mitsubishi Mirage versi sedan sudah pun mula bertebaran sejak awal tahun ini. Namun kesahihannya tidak dapat dipastikan memandangkan pihak Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) masih tidak membuka mulut mengenainya. Walau bagaimana pun, akhirnya pada Mei lalu, foto jentera terbaharu Mitsubishi ini mula disebarkan di Internet. Ia disertakan sekali dengan sedikit informasi mengenainya. Kemudian pada pertengahan Jun lalu, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn.Bhd.(MMM) telah menerbangkan sekumpulan media permotoran tempatan termasuklah penulis ke Bangkok, Thailand untuk menghadiri sesi pandu uji jentera baru di bawah segmen B. Di Litar Antarabangsa Bonanza yang terletak di daerah Khao Yai, kami diperkenalkan dengan Mitsubishi Attrage dan ternyata ia boleh dianggap sebagai Mirage versi sedan. Dijanakan oleh enjin MIVEC 1.2 liter, namanya tercetus berdasarkan gabungan perkataan attractive dan mirage. Mampu menghamburkan kuasa maksimum sehingga 78PS dan tork 100Nm dengan pilihan transmisi pula sama ada manual lima kelajuan atau pun CVT. Mungkin ada yang berpendapat, jentera sedan ini kurang sesuai dipadankan dengan enjin berkapasiti kecil kerana ia memberi kesan terhadap penggunaan bahan api yang tinggi, tetapi perkara ini telah pun disingkir sebaik mungkin oleh Mitsubishi. Menurut jenama pembuat kenderaan terkenal Jepun ini, Attrage mampu memberikan penjimatan bahan api yang efisien iaitu 22 kilometer (km) untuk setiap liter. Ia dikatakan sebagai catatan terbaik bagi kenderaan di bawah segmen yang sama. Malah Attrage menawarkan 42 liter tangki penuh bagi bahan api. Mitsubishi turut mempertaruhkan teknologi RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) di mana ia membuatkan kerangka jentera ini

lebih ringan. Namun ketika diberi kesempatan memandu Attrage dan kemudian Mirage (untuk membandingkan dua model ini) di litar yang sama, penulis mendapati kedua-duanya memiliki kelebihan yang tersendiri dan tidaklah begitu sama secara seratus peratus dari sudut prestasi. Semestinya berbeza daripada segi saiz kerangka, namun kedua-duanya memang seronok dikendalikan. Ia masih memiliki tujahan kuasa biarpun kapasiti enjin kecil. Jika ditanya sama ada transmisi manual atau pun CVT yang memberikan kepuasan dalam pemanduan, jawapan penulis sudah tentu manual. Menurut pengalaman penulis mengujinya, transmisi CVT seakan lambat sedikit memberikan impak semasa gear bertukar secara automatik berbanding dengan manual. Anjakannya sedikit lambat walau pun pedal minyak dipijak lebih tetapi apa yang bagusnya ia tidak memberikan kesan sentakan ketika gear bertukar. Ketika melakukan ujian slalom, kawalan stereng, pedal minyak dan pedal brek cu-

kup responsif menambahkan lagi bonus buat Attrage. Apa yang membuatkan penulis turut tertarik dengan Attrage ialah bila mana ia seakan kalis bunyi apabila berada di dalam kabinnya. Kurang kedengaran ngauman enjin dan ini menimbulkan keseronokan ketika mengendalikannya kerana lebih fokus tanpa gangguan bunyi bising. Namun disebabkan saiznya sedan, maka jejari pusingannya kurang 0.4 meter berbanding Mirage (4.4 meter). Jadi apabila mahu melakukan pusingan U, anda perlu lebih berhatihati. Dengan saiz kerangka 4,245mm (panjang), 1,670mm (lebar) dan 1,515mm (tinggi), pastinya Attrage menawarkan ruang yang lebih luas dan selesa berbanding si comel Mirage. Memiliki ruang kaki pada bahagian tempat duduk penumpang di belakang yang lebih luas pasti menambahkan keselesaan. Menjenguk reka bentuk dalaman dan luaran, penulis mendapati Attrage tampil dengan imej yang ringkas. Rekaan di dalam kabin mirip pada Mirage. Tetapi memiliki sentuhan sporty pada rekaan luaran terutama pada lampu utama dan lampu kabus. Attrage dibangunkan di kilang Mitsubishi yang terletak di Laem Chabang Industrial Estate dan telah pun dipasarkan di Thailand pada Julai lalu. Dijangkakan MMM bakal membawa masuk Attrage ke pasaran Malaysia sebelum tirai 2013 berlabuh dengan pilihan varian GL M/T, GL CVT dan GS CVT (spesifikasi penuh). Mengenai soal harganya, masih belum dapat disahihkan tetapi terdapat ura-ura yang mengatakan ia mungkin berada dalam lingkungan antara RM68,000 ke RM70,000 seunit.

Mitsubishi turut mempertaruhkan teknologi RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) di mana ia membuatkan kerangka jentera ini lebih ringan.

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09

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(Mirage) Attrage Attrage(Be Beyond) Attrage Attrage Attrage attractivemirage G4 Attrage G4 G4Attrage G4 Attrage LED 0.29Attrage Attrage Almera

Attrage(Be Beyond)
Attrage Attrage5 (CVT)GLX 443000477000(450004 8000)GLS (53)GLS(582000) LED GLS 6.5DVD/MP3/USB/ 1415 3 Attrage1.2 3(MIVEC) 78100 5 22( 1521) Attrage (RISE) ( ) (Bonanza Speedway) 2.811 720 10Attrage Attrage22 Attrage 1500/ 802000903 Attrage Attrage

MITSUBISHIMirage Attrage MITSUBISHI AttrageDOHC 1.2 Mirage 424516701515mm MirageAttrage RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) 930 Attrage 170 LED Attrage

0.29 1.2DOHC1193cc 82hp/6200rpm 12.2kgm/4400rpm 4.8m CVT 22 22 EU4 10 2450mm TOYOTA ViosHONDABrio AmazeNissan Almera Attrage 7 ViosAlmera Bonanza Attrage Attrage 1.2 CVT 1.2

1.5 Attrage Attrage1.2 Attrage Attrage Attrage 7Attrage

4.8m CVT 22

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PAULTAN.ORG

MOTOR TRADER

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Mitsubishi Attrage tried out on a Thai track

the Attrage would then be the least expensive (and smallest) import sedan on sale in Malaysia when it arrives towards the end of this year.
WHEN we first learnt that the Mitsubishi Mirages sedan-bodied counterpart was going to be called the Attrage, we were rather amused, to say the least. Knowing Japans unique way with English words, the reflex assumption was that the name was a portmanteau of the words attractive and Mirage. As it turned out, we were right according to Mitsubishi, it was indeed contrived based on that complimentary adjective, and although no official mention was made of the other contributing word, I think we can safely rule out rage and age, dont you? The Concept G4 sedan, which the Tokyoheadquartered carmaker uncovered at the Bangkok show in March, couldnt have been a more accurate crystal ball to gaze into. Save for the futuristic internals of the head and tail lamps and all that blue sparkle, the road-going Mitsubishi Attrage has stayed pretty loyal to the concept. Built alongside the Mirage at the Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in the Thai province of Chonburi, the B-segment sedan, like its five-door sibling, holds eco-car status in the Kingdom, which lends itself to benefits where taxes are concerned. This isnt all that easy to achieve whats needed is a fuel consumption figure of 20 km per litre or better, Euro 4 compliancy, a local production investment of over five billion baht and a manufacturing rate in excess of 100,000 units annually after the fifth year of production. Study the vehicle in more depth and youll see why it hasnt simply been called the Mirage Sedan sure, more than a couple of the Attrages design elements are quintessentially Mirage, but its not until you line them both up that you realise just how much they differ. For a start, the new car eschews the Mirages simpler and daintier face in favour of a little more presence and pizzazz. Theres a prominent triple-slatted chrome grille within which the Mitsubishi badge sits, more chiselled headlamps, bonnet creases, a wider and more angular lower intake as well as claw-shaped fog lamp housings. A quick dimension comparison divulges more disparity than youd expect the Attrage measures 4,245 mm long, 1,670 mm wide and 1,515 mm tall (Mirage 3,710 x 1,665 x 1,500), and its wheelbase is actually a whole 100 mm longer than the hatchs 2,450, bringing with it more legroom in the back. Also upped are the front and rear track widths (both +15 mm) as well as ground clearance (+10 mm). Theres a 42-litre fuel tank (Mirage 35), and the turning circle is 0.4 metres poorer than the hatchs 4.4. Obviously, boot space is up. Theres 450 litres of it almost double the Mirages 235 litres. Thanks to extensive use of high-tensile steel in its body, the Attrage weighs between 885 and 930 kg (Mirage 825-850), depending on the variant. The lightness contributes towards a claimed fuel consumption figure of 22 km per litre on the New European Driving Cycle. Underneath, its all a mirage 78 PS/100 Nm 1.2 litre 3A92 MIVEC twin-cam three-cylinder unit, five-speed manual or INVECS-III CVT, electric power steering, front discs/MacPherson struts and rear drums/torsion beam youve heard it all before. Same cockpit too, although the rear bench gets a central armrest with two cupholders. The Bonanza International Speedway in Khao Yai is quite a short track, with considerable elevation and potential for high speeds, but we didnt get to blaze the whole length of it uninhibited cones were placed in certain sections of the circuit, creating stations for slalom, lane change and handling tests that we had to progress through. So it was that I found myself in the CVTequipped version, lining up for the first slalom. The Attrage leaps off the line eagerly and smoothly enough. The rapidly-rising engine note, although not harsh, does make its presence felt quite strongly in the cabin when you give it the beans. Snaking the car through those cones uncovered a considerable degree of body roll, albeit civilised and kept in check. The steering, although above average in terms of response, is very light and could offer much more feel and feedback, but then again I was driving a B-segment runabout on a race track, which is like taking the tiger out of the (urban) jungle, so to speak. Out of the slalom and we pick up speed. The rev-happy engine, coupled with the CVT, exhibit the characteristic rubber-band trait to its fullest, so I push the gear lever down to S. Now the gearbox pretends its a stepped automatic, and Im allowed into the further end of the rev range. Peak power resides at a heady 6,000 rpm; peak torque at 4,000 rpm, so you do have to find some

spin if you want some grin. The grin gradually comes, as you learn to carry more speed into the corners in a bid to keep the motor on the boil and conserve whatever little momentum you have. This can be a strangely fun activity only afforded by little-engined cars like this, even though you know they were designed for the low-speed, stop-go motions of the urban environment. I power through the lane change station and tackle the curves ahead with little drama. Because there isnt much weight in the nose (or indeed anywhere else), directional changes can be effected easily and quickly. I wont pretend the Attrage packs much in the way of sporting intentions, but doesnt it hang on determinedly to those corners! The final hairpin before the main straight is a rather steep climb, and it was this that the Attrage found most challenging. The engine, as youd expect in such a situation, provides more shout than shove but it really isnt bad for a little three-cylinder. You still get to the top of the hill only not so quickly. Generally the Attrage is smooth and easy to drive. Contributing to this are the seamless operation of the CVT, the featherweight steering thats loath to communicate vibrations of any sort, and good all-round visibility not to mention cabin airiness afforded by a low window line and considerably thin pillars (by todays standards). Put simply, its a B-segment sedan with all the city driving qualities nippiness, fuel efficiency and ease of use of an A-segmenter. In the Land of Smiles, the Mitsubishi Attrage has direct eco-car rivals. Unfortunately for it, the playing field at home wont be so level, what with our Vios, Almera and City all wielding more powerful 1.5 litre four-cylinder engines. But if it could undercut the Almera in price, it could aim for a market half a segment lower, and while it wont come anywhere near our national carmakers smaller offerings, the Attrage would then be the least expensive (and smallest) import sedan on sale in Malaysia when it arrives towards the end of this year.

First driving impressions of the Mitsubishi Attrage

What is it? Though it has a different name (which is a combination of attractive and mirage), the Attrage is essentially a Mirage hatchback with a boot added at the back. Dimensionally, the Attrage is 535 mm longer than the Mirage, virtually the same width and its roofline is also roughly at the same height. The wheelbase of 2550 mm is 100 mm longer to give some extra space in the cabin. Comparing it to the Proton Saga, which many Malaysians would, it is marginally smaller but interestingly, the wheelbase is 85 mm longer than the Sagas. The design of the Attrage is significantly differentiated from the Mirage and most people would not associate one car with the other. The big difference in the looks is at the front end; where the Mirage has no grille, the Attrage has a distinctive one and the whole front panel is a totally different stamping. Where the Mirage could be said to have a sporty theme, the Attrage has a more elegant presentation at the front. Its obvious that the front doors are shared with the Mirage but everything behind the centre pillar is unique. The same 1.2-litre MIVEC powertrain is used for the Attrage with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. The engine is a 3-cylinder unit and was specially developed for the Mirage and Attrage which also had their platforms optimized for a 3-cylinder engine. Unlike many other cars where the structure might be designed separately and then a suitable engine dropped in, the Mirage platform was engineered with a specific engine type in mind because weight-saving was a priority to achieve high fuel-efficiency. The cabin is similar to that of the Mirage with the same complement of equipment and features. I wont go into the versions available since the ones we drove during the media preview in Thailand were for that market. Suffice to say, the equipment level would be commensurate with the pricetag bearing in mind that this is an entry-level model. Whats it like? As with the Mirage media preview last year, Mitsubishi Motors malaysia took us to Thailand to get first impressions of the Attrage. This time, however, we drove on the Bonanza International Speedway and not the BIRA track. Both are not very long tracks but have some tight turns and generally offered a good environment to experience the car. Some special single gear) but it is a good solution for compact cars and whenever I speak to engineers, I am told that it is supposed to be for economical urban motoring, not for hard driving. Overall, the power delivery is acceptable when you remember that it has a 1.2-litre engine. Naturally I cant comment on ride comfort since the track was flat and smooth but I can say that the rear space is fairly good and theres also plenty of space in the boot, a great contrast to the Mirage. This is something that Malaysians will appreciate as, historically, they have always liked having the third box. Some say it gives a sense of security in case there is a rear-end collision while others think it could be that being able to have a sealed compartment is good when you carry durians! Should you buy one? In other countries, the Attrage competes on a level playing field where everyone else in the same segment has roughly the same price range. In Malaysia, government policies have distorted the market for years and created a situation where a small car like the Attrage is made to cost more than a larger one (by Proton, of course). So buyers inevitably make comparisons on paper and conclude that other models are poorer value for money because they can get more with a Proton or Perodua for less money. But fortunately, there is also such a thing as brand strength and certainly, the Mitsubishi brand counts for something. Like other Japanese brands, it has a good reputation for quality and reliability as well as sound engineering plus the fuel economy of the 1.2-litre engine is already proven (in the Mirage, I got better than the 21 kms/litre claimed). The Attrage has all these attributes and for those who didnt buy the Mirage because its a hatchback, now heres a sedan in the same class for you by the same company.

The Mirage could be said to have a sporty theme, the Attrage has a more elegant presentation at the front.
tests were set up to highlight the handling of the car but as the speeds were limited and cones made sure we didnt try anything extreme, I cant really say too much. What I can say is that the Attrage does not handle exactly like a Mirage and that should not be surprising. The wheelbase is longer so the dynamics are different and while it is not as chuckable around tight corners like the Mirage, it feels more stable as it tracks through the curves. As would be expected, the manual version felt nippier than the CVT version and personally, I enjoyed driving the manual more. The CVT noise levels were higher when the car was pushed hard and this is something that MMC may need to look into. Not everyone likes a CVT because of its characteristics (like it has only a

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