While it won’t appear in showrooms here until late September, the all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage already has racked up one notable accolade. With a 44-mpg EPA highway rating in its most frugal form, Mitsu’s subcompact 5-door hatchback is set to become the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid gasoline vehicle available in America. Both the DE and upline ES versions of the new Mirage share a 1.2-liter/74-horsepower engine that can be paired with either a standard 5-speed manual transmission or optional continuously variable automatic. While the Mirage with a do-it-yourself shifter earns impressive 34/42 mpg city/highway marks, opting for the CVT raises those counts to 37/44 mpg while pushing the car’s combined figure from 37 to 40 mpg.
Also: 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000
There’s still no word on final pricing for the 2014 Mirage. However, Mitsubishi sources have confirmed that it will start under $13,000 — plus destination – which will put it among the most affordable cars you can buy.
More Cars Under $20,000…
The Kia Forte Sedan has been completely redesigned for 2014
The 2013 Honda Civic earned top safety marks from NTHSA and the IIHS
The 2014 Nissan Versa remains the most affordable new car in the U.S.
Popular at KBB.com
10 Best SUVs Under $25,000-
Your 12 Midsize Sedan Choices -
First Pics: All-new Cars for 2014
