It’s far from an EVO X in terms of power and it’s nowhere near as big as a Triton in terms of size, but there’s just something about the new ‘stylish eco sedan’ Mitsubishi Attrage that’s quite captivating. Maybe it’s the amazing fuel-efficiency of 21km/L (as tested and claimed by MMC) or maybe it’s the fact that a manual variant is also being offered (at a very decent price of RM59,212.50 I might add) that makes the buying proposition so enticing. Or maybe it’s just ‘cos it’s darn cute.
“The new Mitsubishi Attrage is set to build on the success we have had with the Mitsubishi Mirage compact sedan that was launched a year ago, and will also bring us into a new segment for Mitsubishi in Malaysia. Developed with the concept of “Stylish Eco Sedan” in mind, the new Attrage is a B-segment sedan that provides outstanding fuel-efficiency, in a stylish and spacious sedan body without compromising on driving pleasure,” said Tetsuya Oda, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.
The new Attrage is powered by a compact 1.2-litre DOHC MIVEC engine that churns out a respectable 80PS and 106Nm of torque, and available in either the aforementioned 5-speed manual or with an INVECS-III CVT auto gearbox. There’s a host of additional kit as well like a ‘smart’ key system that allows for keyless entry, a push start button, delayed auto dimming interior lights, automatic door relocking system (locks the doors again if unopened after 30-seconds post unlocking), leather seats (SE variant), digital auto air-conditioner, 2-DIN touch screen audio with Bluetooth connectivity, dual SRS airbags, ABS, EBD, seat-belt pre-tensioners, immobilizer and even a reverse camera (SE variant only).
Prices start at RM59,212.50 for the GL Manual, RM67,978.50 for the GS CVT auto, and RM75,796.50 for the range topping SE CVT auto. “The Attrage was introduced in Thailand earlier this year, and in the 4 months that it has been on the market, close to 10,000 units have been sold, a very encouraging number in a very competitive segment,” Oda added. The company is on target to achieve its yearly sales target of 15,000 units in 2013, for a market share of 4.9% in the non-national segment. (Financial Year April 2013- March 2014).
Last year (Financial Year April 2012-March 2013), Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia sold 12,600 units, with the market share of 4.0% in the non-national segment, and top 5 non-national brand in the segment. To date, Mitsubishi Motors operates 58 showrooms (out of which 40 are 3S Centres) and 47 service outlets throughout Malaysia. MMM plans to open another 3 more showrooms by end of Financial Year (April 2013-March 2014). Autofreaks.NET will be getting a test unit soon so watch out for that full review!
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