Description
Mitsubishi tried its luck and introduced the four-door version of the Mirage in 2013 on the Canadian market, although a similar version was already present in a few Asian countries.
The Japanese automaker was not in good shape from a financial point of view. Thus, it tried to increase its presence in markets with low-budget vehicles, such as the Mirage. In addition, Mitsubishi tried to convince customers with an excellent warranty and enough features to make it attractive, especially for first-time car buyers and, why not, delivery companies.
Creating a sedan based on the same platform as a hatchback was common. Some automakers made that transition smoother, while others didn't. Mitsubishi was part of the second category. Unfortunately, the car's design was nothing worth writing home about it. Its front fascia revealed trapezoidal, swept-back headlights and a pointing-down trapezoidal chromed grille. From its profile, the sculptured ascending lines from the hatchback version were kept, although they faded on the rear quarter panels. At the back, the tall trunk and the sloped-down rear windscreen looked like they were added after the vehicle was already built. And yet, it was good enough for those who couldn't afford more expensive cars.
Inside, the Mirage G4, or Attrage as it was already known, featured hard-plastic areas on the door panels, dashboard, and center console. On the other hand, the bolstered bucket seats were comfortable enough even for long travels. Yet, the rear-seat passengers were not that happy with the legroom offered. But Mitsubishi offered the vehicle with enough features to make the Mirage attractive, such as keyless entry, power mirrors and front windows, alloy wheels, and a 60/40 split-folding rear bench.
Under the hood, there was only one engine option, a 76 hp (78 PS) inline-three powerplant mated to either a five-speed manual or a CVT.
Press Release
The Mirage G4, Mitsubishi’s Thailand-built four-door, three-cylinder sedan, will make its North American debut today at the 2014 Salon International de l’auto de Montreal. But company president and CEO, Kenichiro “Kenny” Yamamoto said its future availability in Canada will be based, in part, on consumer opinion.
“Our plan is to showcase the Mirage G4 and gauge what Canadians think of it and what they expect from subcompact sedans in general,” he said. “A solid business case for Mirage was confirmed by the successful 2013 launch of the Mirage hatchback model; with G4, we’re indicating our intention to grow the Mirage line up in Canada.”
When it was launched last September, the 2014 Mirage hatchback became MMSCAN’s first subcompact car. Since then, Mitsubishi dealerships have reported Mirage’s top fuel economy, low entry price and leading warranty are resonating well with customers.
MMSCAN’s vice president, Sales & Marketing, Tony Laframboise said: “We’ve built our brands around a competitive, value-for-money proposition; the Mirage G4 offers the right prerequisites, but let’s hear from consumers first.”
The Mirage G4 is currently sold in several Asian markets. The G4 on display in Montreal, and destined for most Canadian auto shows in 2014, features Mitsubishi’s 1.2-litre, in-line DOHC 12-valve MIVEC three-cylinder engine with a continually variable transmission.
Key G4 technical highlights include Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Keyless Operating System, power-side mirrors with integrated LED-type lamps and 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/55 R15 tires. Overall dimensions are 4,245 mm length, 1,670 mm width, 1,515 mm height and 2,550 mm wheelbase.
The Mirage G4 sedan is a sibling of the Mirage hatchback that is currently sold in Canada. The hatchback is rated at 4.4 L/100 km (64 mpg) in highway driving and is Canada’s most fuel efficient, gasoline-powered subcompact. With a starting price of $12,498, or just under $14,000 inclusive of PDI and shipping, Mirage offers incredible value backed by the best warranty anywhere.
Mirage hatchback is offered in two well-appointed trim levels, ES and SE; both include the standard five-speed manual transmission (5MT) or available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
With an MSRP of $12,498 Mirage ES features seven standard airbags (dual front, front/rear side curtain impact, front-seat side impact and driver’s knee), a suite of safety features including Anti-Lock Braking System, Active Stability Control, Traction Control, Brake Override System, Brake Assist System and Electric Brake Force Distribution plus Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) Body System which combines an impact energy-absorbing front end with a high-rigidity cabin structure.
Also standard on Mirage ES P165/65 R14 all-season tires, front disc/rear drum brakes, 140-watt, four-speaker audio system with CD/MP3, halogen headlamps, folding and power side mirrors, intermittent wipers, power front windows, tilt steering, multi-function information display and 60/40 split folding rear seat.
