Description
Once a simple hatchback in the small-segment, the Mitsubishi Mirage evolved into a different vehicle over the years.
Mitsubishi faced some financial troubles, but it had to introduce new cars on the market. Its aged L200 Pickup and Outlander were, basically, the only vehicles that could sustain the brand on the market. The Lancer was already old, and so was the Pajero/Montero. It tried with the Space Star, which was mostly a rebadged Colt, but its success was limited. Then, in 2013, it introduced the four-door sedan Mirage based on the same platform as the Space Star. It was designed especially for the emerging markets, but it was also available on the North-American continent.
The carmaker tried to offer an aerodynamically efficient vehicle with the Space Star and obtained a 0.27 drag coefficient. When it transformed the vehicle into a four-door sedan, that advantage went down the drain, but it was still good for the car's size. But customers didn't see that. They saw a vehicle with a grille too high, two ascending lines on the sides, and a sloped rear end.
Inside, Mitsubishi installed a rounded dashboard with a piano-black center stack. They looked good in some pictures, but it was hard to hide the low-quality materials used. A big infotainment system with a touch-screen display was available on the upper trim levels. In the spirit of its glorious motorsport heritage, Mitsubishi installed an instrument cluster where it displayed only a tachometer and a speedometer. Despite having room for four adults inside, the short wheelbase led to limited legroom for the rear passengers.
The Mirage featured a 1.2-liter gasoline engine paired to a five-speed manual or to a CVT gearbox. There was no other option for it.
Press Release
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) unveiled the all-new 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4. A sibling to the well-established and popular Mirage hatchback, the all-new Mirage G4 brings consumers a fresh dose of clean style, environmental consciousness, agility, connectivity, affordability and value. The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 goes on sale in spring 2016 at Mitsubishi showrooms across the US.
"A few years ago we entered the subcompact segment with the Mirage hatchback and its popularity with consumers has grown every year with its combination of top fuel economy, attractive pricing and one of the industry's best new car warranties. The new Mirage G4 repeats that value equation in a four-door sedan package," said MMNA executive vice president, Don Swearingen. "The Mirage hatchback and now the Mirage G4 sedan will form a formidable one-two punch in the subcompact segment."
The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 will utilize the same powertrain of the 2017 hatchback, a revised 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. The small displacement engine provides a harmonious blend of lively acceleration and efficiency. The Mirage G4 will be at the top of its class in combined fuel efficiency and C02 emissions. Inside, the Mirage G4's long wheelbase provides for a spacious interior cabin and trunk.
Adding an element of surprise and delight to the subcompact segment, the Mirage G4 will come equipped with available smartphone integrations, features typically reserved for higher priced vehicles. Support for Apple CarPlay™, the smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in the car, lets drivers make calls, get directions optimized for traffic conditions, listen to music, and access messages. Android Auto™ extends the Android™ platform into the car in a way that's purpose-built for driving.
Staying true to its value-driven roots, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is supported by Mitsubishi's phenomenal warranties: fully transferable 5-year/60,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty; 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty; 7-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty and a 5-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance.
