Mitsubishi hacks Mirage price before launch

MITSUBISHI Motors Australia has taken the unprecedented step of discounting a new model before it has even arrived in showrooms.

After previously announcing recommended list pricing for its all-new Mirage light hatchback before Christmas ahead of its debut in January, the company has now announced drive-away pricing that absorbs all or most of the on-roads costs, depending on model.

And if that is not enough, Mitsubishi will even throw in a $1000 Westfield gift card as a bonus for customers who order a new Mirage before the end of January and take delivery by the end of February.

Under the drive-away pricing announced today, the entry-level Mirage ES manual can be had for $12,990 drive-away – the same as the list price that would normally attract an extra $2000 or so in on-road costs including stamp duty, dealer delivery fees and registration.

The ES automatic – armed with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) – can be driven out of showrooms for $15,490 – a premium of just $250 over the recommended retail price.

The drive-away margin peaks at $1750 for the Mirage flagship LS automatic, at $19,490, compared with the list price of $17,740.

But with a $1000 gift card that comes with each Mirage in the first month of sales, even that effectively comes down to $750 over list price.

Announcing the shock drive-away pricing deals, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd (MMAL) CEO Mutsuhiro Oshikiri (left) said Mitsubishi wanted to launch the all-new Mirage with a bang and believed a strong price position was a great way to start.

“At $12,990 drive-away, the all new Mirage is a truly affordable package,” he said. “With nimble, fuel efficient performance, a brand new stylish design and now with very competitive pricing, we believe Mirage will be a big hit with customers.”

The latest price moves come just lest than two weeks after Mr Oshikiri announced the list pricing, saying at this time that company had decided to reveal the Australian pricing before the Mirage’s showroom release “due to overwhelming interest” online and in dealerships.

The Mirage has not been launched locally to the motoring media yet, with the event set down for Sydney on January 21.

The Thai-made five-door hatchback – powered by a 57kW 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine – is now effectively the most affordable five-door light hatchback.

Suzuki is offering a special version of its Indian-made Alto, called Indie, for a recommended retail price of $11,990. While this Suzuki model includes extras such as sat-nav and plastic protection strips, it also incurs on-road costs.

Nissan is offering zero per cent finance on its Indonesian-made Micra, which starts at $13,490 (plus on-road costs).

The Mirage will be available in three specification levels – ES, Sport and LS – all with a choice of five-speed manual gearbox or CVT.

2013 Mitsubishi Mirage pricing

Model	List price	Drive-away
ES	$12,990	$12,990
ES (a)	$15,240	$15,490
Sport	$14,190	$14,490
Sport (a)	$16,440	$16,990
LS	$15,490	$16,990
LS (a)	$17,740	$19,490