2021 Mitsubishi Mirage G4: Efficient Drive

Launched in 2013, Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is the Japanese automaker’s entry into the subcompact sedan segment. It shares the same platform with its hatchback counterpart and they are both proudly made in the Philippines at the MMPC Plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Interestingly, the biggest sales contributor of MMPC last year is the Mirage G4 with 8,638 units sold, accounting for 23 percent of the total sales. Surely, there are many reasons why the Mirage G4 is consistently a part of the top 10 list of best selling cars locally. That’s something that the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 looks to improve on.

Starting with the external features, the Mirage G4 and Mirage hatchback are identical except for the trunk and grille. Features include halogen headlamps, halogen taillights, front fog lamps, and a side mirror with side repeaters. Every Mirage G4 comes with a set of 15-inch alloy wheels in a dark chrome finish.

Moving on to the interior of the 2021 Mirage G4, everything inside is simple and uncomplicated. Function over form is the name of the game here. It’s not surprising that seats are made of fabric and the panels are plain-black plastic. The 2-DIN 6.75-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes with iPod compatibility, Aux-in, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, and a MirrorLink feature, although it is only available in the GLS CVT variant. As for space, the Mirage G4 can comfortably seat 5 passengers while still having a trunk space with 450L of capacity.

Powering the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is a 1.2-liter 3A92 gasoline engine. The 1.2-liter 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine produces 77hp and 100 Nm of torque. The engine comes with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The car has McPherson struts with coil springs for the front suspension and a torsion beam for the rear suspension. Braking power comes from 14-inch ventilated discs up front and 8-inch leading and trailing drums in the rear. To further enhance braking, the car is equipped with an 8-inch master vacuum brake booster.

For safety, the Mirage G4 comes with SRS airbags for both the driver and passenger. It also comes with 3-point seatbelts with ELR and pre-tensioners. Unfortunately, ABS is only available for the GLS CVT variant hence the GLX does not have it equipped as a standard. In addition, the GLS CVT variant has Brake Override System and ISOFIX anchors. Although there is no ASEAN NCAP rating for the Mirage G4, its hatchback counterpart has a 4-star rating in adult occupancy protection and a 43% compliance in child occupancy protection.

To sum it up, the Mirage G4 is an adequate car for daily commutes. Mitsubishi claims it can do 23.1km/L based on Fuel Eco Run supervised by the Automobile Association of the Philippines. This is a strong selling point for the Mirage G4 as this is exactly what most commuters want in a car. Moreover, the car can accommodate five passengers despite the size, which is also important as Filipinos love company, be it family or friends. Lastly, the sedan is very affordable with a price tag starting at P735,000. As a bonus point, you also get to help the Philippine economy with every purchase as every Mitsubishi Mirage is locally made in the Philippines.