The non-hybrid new vehicle with the best gas mileage rating in the U.S. isn't a Toyota or Honda. It's a Mitsubishi, which is available for less than the average price of a used car or truck, according to the Associated Press.
The five-door 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage compact is rated by the federal government at 40 miles per gallon in combined city/highway travel. The compact with cargo room of 17.2 cubic feet behind the seats earned a city rating of 37 mpg, while the highway rating is 44 mpg.
While three seatbelts can be found in the back seat, there are head restraints for just two occupants, and it would be a tight squeeze for three people
In comparison, these numbers are higher than the mileage rating for many smaller-sized vehicles that have only two seats, like the Smart Fortwo and the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
The 2015 Mirage with continuously variable transmission (CVT) averaged nearly 39 mpg, according to the Associated Press.
Retail pricing for the Mirage is somewhat surprising as well. Manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, for the base 2015 Mirage DE is just $13,805 with five-speed manual transmission.
The price makes the 2015 Mirage the third lowest-priced new vehicle in the U.S. market, behind just the 2015 Nissan Versa sedan, with a $12,800 starting retail price, including destination charge, and the 2015 Chevrolet Spark which sells for a $13,095 retail price.
The average retail price of a used vehicle in the United States in 2014 is more than $17,000.
The federal government fuel mileage ratings for the 109-hp, 2015 Versa sedan with four-cylinder engine and the 84-horsepower, 2015 Spark, are lower than that for the 74-horsepower Mirage with three-cylinder engine, according to the AP.
Mitsubishi's 2015 Mirage with a CVT that a driver operates like an automatic is $14,905.
All 2015 Mirage models come with the 74-horsepower, 1.2-liter, double overhead cam, three cylinder.
Features found on the 2015 model includes electronic stability control, antilock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, frontal and side air bags and a driver's knee airbag.
The Mirage, which weighs about 2,000 pounds, comes standard with some other features not usually found in low-cost vehicles. Items include power outside mirrors, micron air filter, carpeted floor mats, keyless entry with panic alarm, rear spoiler, door locks and air conditioning.
Bluetooth hands-free use of a cell phone in the base Mirage is just a $210 extra.
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