The European specification model of Mitsubishi's new global sub-compact car, which is known in other parts of the world including Japan as the Mirage, will make its first public outing at the Paris Motor Show later this month. Mitsubishi has not yet revealed the name of the European variant that will go on sale in February of 2013, but since it is likely to replace the aging Colt supermini, it may also take up its name.
From the single image released by Mitsubishi, it looks like there are no styling differences with the Asian market model produced in Thailand.
In Europe, the 3,710 mm long, 1,665 mm wide and 1,490 mm tall five-door hatchback will be available with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine coupled to a standard Auto Stop & Go (AS&G) idling system and a five-speed manual transmission delivering CO2 emissions of 92 g/km.
"With its compact body dimensions, the European version of the new global compact car delivers easy-to-drive maneuverability and peppy performance while at the same time maximizing interior occupant space through its high-efficiency packaging," said Mitsubishi in a statement.
French carmaker Renault plans to extend the life of its fourth generation Espace MPV for at least a year or so with a minor update that brings its front-end styling in line with the rest of the brand while also improving the 7-seater model's environmental and fuel economy credentials. On the outside, the 2013 Espace adopts Renault’s new styling identity up front with a more prominent and upright logo set against a new broad black grille bar with chrome trim, and a newly styled bumper. The only other change on the exterior is the introduction of new alloy wheel designs.
Inside, the luxury Initiale Paris version has been updated with visible stitching for the dashboard and new leather and Alcantara upholstery for the rest of the cabin.
Renault says standard amenities across the range include a Carminat TomTom Live navigation system, a hands-free card and comprehensive connectivity (Bluetooth audio streaming, AUX and USB sockets), while on the options list buyers can find a DVD player complete with two seven-inch screens built into the back of the front head rests and a new reverse camera.
While the Espace will continue to be offered with the same engines, improvements to the diesel units as well as to the chassis and running gear of all models, including revised underbody parts, plus new low rolling resistance tires and an electro-hydraulic power steering, help reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption across the range.
According to Renault, average fuel consumption on the 130PS, 150PS and 175PS versions of the 2.0-liter dCi diesel engine has been reduced by 0.8lt/100km while CO2 emissions drop by 20g/km.
In the case of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, fuel consumption has fallen to 8.5 lt/100km (down 0.3 lt/100km) and CO2 emissions to 198g/km (a saving of 6g/km).
The 2013 model year Renault Espace goes on sale in mainland Europe this July.
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The European specification model of Mitsubishi's new global sub-compact car, which is known in other parts of the world including Japan as the Mirage, will make its first public outing at the Paris Motor Show later this month. Mitsubishi has not yet revealed the name of the European variant that will go on sale in February of 2013, but since it is likely to replace the aging Colt supermini, it may also take up its name. 
