2014 Mirage named "Best Sub-Compact Car" by the Hispanic Motor Press Awards

[MetroMPG]

Well isn't this interesting.

A panel of 10 judges which make up the Hispanic Motor Press jury has picked the Mirage as this year's winner in the subcompact category. (Eligible cars must be all-new and available in every U.S. state.

The winner "represents the best option for the Hispanic family in each automotive segment."

Last year, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark took the award.

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Caption for the photo, above:

Ricardo Rodriguez (right), Jury Director for the Hispanic Motor Press Awards handing over the HMPA Sub-compact award to Yoichi Yokozawa (left), President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America.

Here's the full Mitsu US press release:

All-New 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage Named "Best Sub-Compact Car 2014" by the Hispanic Motor Press Awards

Cypress, California, November 19, 2013 –

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is proud to announce that its all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 5-door – the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered non-hybrid vehicle in America with an EPA-rated fuel economy of 40 mpg combined city and highway driving (44 mpg highway) – has been awarded "Best Sub-Compact Car 2014" by the Hispanic Motor Press Awards.

"The return of the Mirage to North America is not only important for Mitsubishi Motors but for the Hispanic consumer as well," said Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, Jury Director for the Hispanic Motor Press Awards. "Here's a five-door vehicle that offers proven mechanical components and a great warranty in a very compact size with almost 45 mpg. It's a car for those that need reliable and economical transportation. We believe this car fits with the needs and budgets of today's Hispanic youth."

Yoichi Yokozawa, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA). will be accepting the award at the Mitsubishi Motors display in the West Hall at the Los Angeles Auto Show at 2:05 pm on Wednesday, November 20.

"We are honored to have our all-new 2014 Mirage named as the 'Best Sub-Compact Car' by the Hispanic Motor Press Awards," said Mr. Yokozawa. "With its low price, exemplary fuel economy, surprisingly ample cargo volume, comprehensive safety features, and available upscale amenities, the new Mirage is an excellent all-around value for automotive consumers."

The Hispanic Motor Press Awards judging committee is made up of a panel of ten distinguished Hispanic-centered automotive journalists working in automotive-focused print, television, internet and radio media.

Beginning with virtually every new 2014 model production vehicle, the judging committee worked for six months to narrow the field down to the top 25 contenders, then to a final ten vehicles that "represent the best option for the Hispanic family in each automotive segment." The judging committee grades vehicles on a variety of important automotive-specific criteria including design, safety, value, environmental requirements, driver satisfaction, comfort, performance and handling.

"The winners excel with a high degree of engineering and quality standard. Their safety features offer superior protection for all of the occupants," according to the Hispanic Motor Press Awards. "All these cars incorporate the latest in infotainment and mobile connectivity. Additionally, they all have high efficiency engines that yield great fuel economy. Their pricing and projected residual values offer great value within their respective segments."

With a starting MSRP of only $12,995, the all-new 2014 Mirage delivers outstanding fuel efficiency at an EPA-rated 40 mpg combined/37 mpg city/44 mpg highway on models equipped with the continuously-variable transmission (CVT).

Every 2014 Mirage model includes automatic climate control; Electric Power Steering (EPS); power windows; remote keyless entry with panic feature; 7 air bags (including a driver's side knee air bag); Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL); and an ECO indicator light that illuminates to inform the drive when they are driving at optimal fuel efficiency.

Available upscale features include Bluetooth® hands-free phone system; 7-in. touchscreen navigation system with rearview backup camera; one-touch engine start/stop switch, among many other welcome convenience features and technologies.

What's more, the new Mirage is available in 8 vibrant colors including Kiwi Green, Plasma Purple, Sapphire Blue and Infrared.

For more information about the all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage, please visit media.mitsubishicars.com. For more on the Hispanic Motor Press Awards, please log on to hispanicmotorpressawards.com.

About Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells sedans and crossovers/SUVs through a network of approximately 400 dealers. MMNA is a leader in the development of highly-efficient, affordably-priced new gasoline-powered automobiles while using its industry-leading knowledge in battery electric vehicles to develop future EV and PHEV models. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

[Daox]

So... the question is, what other sub-compacts came out his year that the Mirage was competing against?

[MetroMPG]

Ha! I was just thinking the same thing. It'd be kind of sad if it only won by default.

I wonder if it was up against the Versa Note? Or is that in the compact segment?

Any new Minis or Fiat 500's for 2014? I think the Fiat 500L counts as a new subcompact. (That car's got a look only its mother could love.)

[grsupercity]

yay haha!

[MetroMPG]

Found a better picture, added to post #1.

[m4v3r1ck]

Nice and congrats

[spacester]

Ha! I was just thinking the same thing. It'd be kind of sad if it only won by default.

I wonder if it was up against the Versa Note? Or is that in the compact segment?

Any new Minis or Fiat 500's for 2014? I think the Fiat 500L counts as a new subcompact. (That car's got a look only its mother could love.)

500L a subcompact? that thing is huge!