It seemed a lifetime ago when Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) launched the Mirage G4 subcompact sedan in 2013. The cute Mirage hatchback may have predated it by a year, but it was the G4 that became the darling of buyers who wanted the same small footprint and efficiency with better cargo space.
The refreshed Mitsubishi Mirage G4 now wears the Dynamic Shield
Now, MMPC brings the refreshed Mitsubishi Mirage G4 to Filipino customers. In automotive terms, eight years would have already resulted in a new iteration by now instead of a mere facelift. But then again, it speaks volumes about the formula that has made the Mirage G4 a market success, one which Mitsubishi decided not to mess with.
The numbers can attest to that, with Mitsubishi Motors President & CEO Takao Kato citing figures of over 360,000 units sold worldwide, 90,000 of them in the Philippines. Initial releases of the model were brought in from the carmaker’s Laem Chabang facility in Thailand until MMPC commenced local production in 2017. With the new face and sportier attitude, the updated Mirage G4 is now in a better position to take on rivals in its segment.
Exterior
In comparison with the old Mirage G4, the most dramatic of changes on the refreshed model can be found in front, as the fascia has been restyled into the Dynamic Shield first seen locally on the third-generation Montero Sport. A slimmer two-slat grille bridges the streamlined and more angular halogen headlamps, with generous servings of black trim making a more pronounced connection to the lower intake. "Dynamic Shield intersects and fuses with the lamps to create a look we call the 'Game Face'," according to Mitsubishi Motors Design Division General Manager Seiji Watanabe.
This small sedan means business even more this time
On the range-topping GLS, fog lamps lie within recessed housings just beyond the chrome borders. A textured black overlay can be found on the front lip spoiler. Even the hood has been slightly redesigned, now doing away with the subtle twin creases in the middle, contributing to a smoother surface. Along with the profile, the shoulder and character lines remain the same, accentuating the Mirage G4’s haunches.
The rear combination lamps have been retained from the outgoing version, resting above a redesigned edge-to-edge bumper that now incorporates vertical reflectors flanking the rear diffuser. There’s been a trade where the 15-inch wheels are concerned, with the new Mirage G4 exchanging the previous alloys for sportier redesigned ones.
Interior
Current Mirage G4 owners will have no problem recognizing the cabin layout, which retains ample seating for up to five occupants, no matter which Mirage G4 variant they choose to buy.
The interior retains the same layout and roominess
The upholstery is still the same, albeit featuring a new pattern on the material. Trunk space is just as generous at 450 liters, able to swallow more than a weekend’s worth of luggage.
Tech & safety
The leather steering wheel for the GLS trim features nubs for easier grip while integrating hands-free controls for communications and audio. A notable addition is a switch for the voice command feature. Just beyond the tiller lies a revised instrument cluster which now has a carbon fiber motif, still with the LCD multi-information display below the speedometer.
Redesigned gauges offer improved legibility
Manual air-conditioning controls are the norm for the GLX variants, while the GLS brings a single-zone automatic climate control system. Taking the place of the 6.75-inch touchscreen is a 7-inch smartphone link display audio head unit that still offers Bluetooth and USB connectivity, but now adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now supported on the bigger 7-inch display
Safety features still comprise dual airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, 3-point ELR seatbelts, ISOFix anchors, and side impact beams. The GLS adds a rear-view camera, along with coming home lights that delay turning off the headlamps after the engine has been switched off, helping owners see while walking in poorly-lit areas.
Engine & drivetrain
Under the hood, the new Mirage G4 is still powered by a 1.2-liter 3A92 3-cylinder motor that puts out 76 hp and 100 Nm of torque. Power is transferred to the front wheels either through a 5-speed manual transmission or an INVECS-III CVT.
Expect the same fuel-efficient performance with the 1.2-liter MIVEC gasoline engine
A MacPherson front suspension with stabilizer and torsion beam rear suspension continue to buoy the updated Mirage G4. Electric power steering delivers agility on turns, with a maximum turning radius of 4.8 meters.
Pricing
The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is now available at Php 769,000 for the base GLX M/T variant, going up to Php 819,000 for the GLX CVT. Topping the range is the GLS CVT trim that retails for Php 899,000. Available colors are Red Metallic, Cool Silver Metallic, Titanium Gray Metallic, and White Solid.
>> RELATED: Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Financing: How much do you need to buy one?
Early customers can get up to two years of free periodic maintenance
Early buyers who get the new Mirage G4 will also be entitled to a free periodic maintenance package of up to two years or 25,000 kilometers, whichever comes first, with MMPC also including sanitation services as well. The introductory promo is being offered from August 28 to November 30, 2021.
You can check out the updated Mitsubishi Mirage G4 at your nearest Mitsubishi dealer, or by visiting the official MMPC website.
Get wind of more new automotive releases at Philkotse.com.