An fresh air/exhaust gas compact mixer and method for mixing fresh air with exhaust gases, is provided. The mixer includes a main body, an air inlet for receiving fresh air fluidly connected to an air intake passage within the main body, an exhaust gas inlet for receiving exhaust fluidly connected to an exhaust gas passage within the main body. The mixer also includes a bifurcation within the air intake passage for directing the flow of air through the passage, wherein the bifurcation decreases a cross section of the air intake passage downstream from the air inlet, thereby increasing the air velocity exiting the air intake passage. The narrowed cross section creates a localized vacuum, encouraging an increased flow of exhaust gas through the mixer, and creating superior mixing of the fresh air with the exhaust gases prior to exiting the mixer.