Perhaps to give the Mirage subcompact hatchback an image of sportiness, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is organizing a Mirage gymkhana series to be participated in by customers and members of the motoring media. A gymkhana, of course, is a driving contest done on a specially designed course featuring a mix of obstacles like slalom and parallel-parking. This was announced by the company at the thanksgiving party held for the Mirage\'s selection as Philippine Car of the Year.
The gymkhana series will consist of four rounds, \"possibly two in June and another two in July,\" said MMPC marketing services vice president Froilan Dytianquin. The venues will most likely be open parking spaces of popular commercial sites in Metro Manila, with the first one likely to be held at the Mall of Asia.
The participants will be divided into two groups: fleet customers/car clubs and media. Participation in the series will be by invitation only.
Two manual-transmission units of the Mirage have been prepared for the series. The units will be mostly stock, with the only exception being the addition of Hotpipes headers, K&N intakes and Nitto tires. Hotpipes and K&N are supplied by Speedlab, while Nitto is provided by Wheel Gallery. Speedlab\'s Ferman Lao, who is also Top Gear Philippines\' technical editor, said he might also suggest Unichip computers to MMPC.
There will be one champion for each group, with the top prize reportedly pegged at P100,000.
Photo by Vernon B. Sarne
