This chart shows how the CVT is able to deliver such impressive MPG numbers.
It tries its little heart out to keep cruising revs as low as possible.
(Unlike
other CVT's I've driven -- eg. Jeep and Audi -- where I had to use "manual" shift mode to encourage the car to save gas.)
Of course, this fuel-saving CVT programming is one reason why many typical auto journos don't like the Mirage with the automatic. They want SPORT CAR NAOW! I suggested to Mitsu's PR person that they should only loan out 5-speed Mirages to the media. He thought I was joking.
Numbers are from bi-directional runs on a dry, level road in mostly calm (light wind) conditions, ~70F / 21C ambient, A/C off.
<1500 RPM, baby!
On level roads with a light foot, you can drive around all day at sub/urban speeds under 1500 RPM (after the initial torque converter lock-up), including during light acceleration.