2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 3-cyl coming to U.S. & Canada this year - 40 MPG (US) combined

[MetroMPG]

Well, this morning Mitsu officially announced the car is coming to the US market this fall.

Drum roll please.... estimated EPA rating of 40 mpg (US) ... COMBINED!

That's 37 City, 44 hwy, making it the most efficient non-hybrid on the market. (To be taken with the appropriately sized grain of salt, of course, until the official numbers are released.)

To me it's notable because if that turns out to be the car's actual EPA rating, it'll be the first new non-hybrid to beat my 15 year-old '98 Firefly/Metro, rated at 36 city/44 hwy/40 combined.

We've posted a summary on MirageForum for those who are intersted:
U.S. debut - 2014 Mitsubishi M irage @ New York auto show: details, photos, specs

[Daox]

I will say I am impressed with the car. However, I don't think it'll be rated quite that highly once the official numbers come in. Still, I believe it'll take most efficient non-hybrid. And, I think that its price point will be far superior to what else we have out there right now. The iQ is the current reigning non-hybrid champ and its price is just rediculous. You get a lot more car with the Mirage, and I think it will be cheaper.

[MetroMPG]

The Canadian spec car is supposed to be around $13k. Should be the same or a little less in the U.S.

[Daox]

Aren't cars here usually a little cheaper than Canada?

[MetroMPG]

Nope. Almost never, even when doing conversions to the same currency.

[Flakbadger]

$5 says when it comes to the U.S. Consumer Reports will complain about how its handling is ho-hum and its acceleration is lacking... And they'll complain that it doesn't have a fancy interior either.

[MetroMPG]

Flakbadger, I sure wouldn't bet against you. Mostly because it's true!

I've read dozens and dozens of reviews of the car from other countries where it's already available, and lots say just that.

[Daox]

They probably said the exact same thing about the Geo Metro.

[niky]

Not surprised about the 44. The Mirage is one of the first really small cars that gets aerodynamics right, and it's the only 60 mpg capable supermini that can still hold over 40 mpg at over 60 mph, as in the data we posted a while back (other small cars like the Spark and the Suzuki Alto/Celerio drop a lot of economy at high speeds).

[NeilBlanchard]

The comments on places like ABG are surprisingly negative and disparaging and knee-jerk-sour-grapes...

Many are predicting the failure of Mitsubishi. It would be nice if the Mirage (and the i MiEV for that matter) had a bit more sleek and modern curb appeal; but hey, it is what it is.