I also read that the Fiesta 1.0T would have the best non-hybrid fuel economy. But that was before we knew about the Mirage (or whatever they end up calling it). Either way, may be close.
FYI, the Mirage 1.2L engine will be closer to 77 hp (instead of 70).
I think it's possible the Fiesta 1.0 turbo could get better highway economy than the Mirage - it'll have much more torque available, so they have the opportunity to gear it up and reduce cruising RPM. Whether they will or not is the question. The Mirage is probably going to be geared too low to get good high speed (100 km/h+ / 60 mph+) fuel economy, but we know its potential at moderate speeds (80-90 km/h) is very good. (See
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...mpg-24971.html )
However, the Mirage has a better drag coefficient and CdA than the Fiesta. So who knows. Mitsu claims
Cd figures ranging from 0.27 to 0.31 for the Mirage depending on drivetrain/trim.
This page says a Fiesta 1.0 has a Cd of 0.328.
But it's unlikely the Fiesta will get better city economy, because it's quite a bit heavier than the Mitsu. In Australia, the new Mirage 5-speed tips the scales at just 865 kg / 1910 lbs. Though it is likely to gain a few more pounds on its way across the pond to Canada/US (eg. a beefier rear bumper has already been spotted).
So let's say it comes in at 1950 lbs here. The 2013 Fiesta hatch 5-speed
weighs 2537 lbs, and the automatic porks out at 2575. They're really in different classes there.
I haven't seen any other new mass market cars on the horizon that have taken weight reduction as far as Mitsu with the new Mirage. It may be the lightest new car on the market with more than 2 seats for some time.
Then there's the price question. Ford's going to position Fiesta 1.0t as a "premium" model in the range, whereas the Mirage is a genuine econobox: the cheapest trim (~$13k) 5-speed will probably get the best fuel economy.