Mitsubishi announced a refresh for the Mirage, their surprise hit that’s been shattering sales projections since its introduction in 2014 (for the U.S. market). A light dusting of attention has been sprinkled across the small hatchback, including a new look shared across the portfolio and a few new tech features.
During the debut of the 2017 Mirage, Mitsubishi executive vice president Don Swearingen noted that the Mirage G4 (the sedan version) would be officially announced in the spring at the New York International Auto Show along with the Outlander PHEV variant. Powertrain offerings for the Mirage G4 will likely mirror those for the hatchback, and Mitsubishi promises room for five passengers and space for three golf bags in the trunk. If Mitsubishi prices the G4 significantly below the current hatchback, they could take the crown for least expensive new car in America.
Under the hood the 2017 Mirage changes to a roller-type camshaft for the 1.2-liter I-3, which nets an additional 4 hp, bringing the output up to a simmering 78 hp, though toque is unchanged at 74 lb-ft. A five-speed manual is standard on all but the GT trim, while the CVT remains the optional transmission for all models and is standard on the GT. The CVT didn’t do the pre-refresh Mirage any favors, so we expect the best option will be the stick shift, which should allow the driver to take better advantage of every one of those 78 horses.
The 2015 Mirage manages an EPA-estimated 37/44 mpg when equipped with the CVT and 34/42 mpg with the five-speed manual. We anticipate the 2017 Mirage hatchback, and G4 sedan, to come in right around the same ballpark, with perhaps incremental gains at most.
A new corporate grille makes its way onto the 2017 Mirage, which takes cues from the recently introduced 2016 Lancer, and helps give the Mirage a more modern look. It’s also, perhaps not surprisingly, very similar to the non-U.S.-market Attrage. Out back the Mirage gets new LED taillights, which clean up the silhouette and should contribute to better safety through enhanced visibility. Also optionally available on the GT trim level are HID headlights, which are not available on the current Mirage.
Inside, the Mirage gets a few small changes, with a new seat fabric, updated gauge cluster, steering wheel, and shift panel. The biggest news is that the new 300-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system will support Smartphone Link Display Audio in addition to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. No word on pricing for the upgraded infotainment system, but we think it’ll help the value proposition.
Pricing for the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage has not been confirmed, but we don’t expect it to stray much from the $12,995 starting MSRP of the current Mirage DE. Mitsubishi says the 2017 models will be available at dealers by Spring 2016.
The post Refreshed 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage Debuts in L.A., Sedan Model Coming appeared first on Motor Trend.
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