Mitsubishi 3A92 MIVEC Engine Specs

The Mitsubishi 3A92 MIVEC is a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-three petrol engine produced since 2012, developed for Mitsubishi's smallest city cars, most notably the Mirage and Space Star (sold as the Mirage in some markets). As the smallest engine in Mitsubishi's modern lineup, it was designed with a single overriding priority: minimizing weight, cost, and fuel consumption for buyers whose main concern is cheap, simple urban transportation.

Producing 80hp and 106Nm of torque from just 1,193cc, the 3A92 uses a DOHC 16-valve aluminum head with Mitsubishi's MIVEC variable valve timing system, which adjusts intake valve timing to improve both low-RPM torque and high-RPM efficiency without the complexity or expense of variable lift technology. A compression ratio of 11.0:1, achievable without forced induction thanks to the small, lightweight combustion chambers, helps the engine extract reasonable efficiency despite its modest output. A timing chain rather than a belt keeps scheduled maintenance costs low over the vehicle's life.

As a three-cylinder engine, the 3A92 has a degree of inherent vibration that four-cylinder engines don't share, most noticeable at idle and low RPM, though this is a normal characteristic of the layout rather than a fault. Reliability has generally been solid, in keeping with the engine's simple, low-stress design, and running costs are among the lowest in Mitsubishi's range, with fuel consumption well suited to city and short commuter driving. Owners should keep to the recommended oil change intervals despite the engine's low-stress operation, since neglected oil changes are the most common cause of premature wear on any small naturally aspirated engine. The MIVEC solenoid and associated oil passages benefit from clean oil to function correctly, and periodic throttle body cleaning helps maintain smooth idle quality as carbon deposits can accumulate over time on any port-injected engine of this type. Spark plugs should be replaced on schedule to preserve fuel efficiency and smooth running. Overall, the 3A92 is a straightforward, inexpensive engine that delivers exactly what it promises: low purchase price, low running costs, and adequate (not exciting) performance for a small city car.