Mitsubishi Mirage G4

Overview

Mitsubishi Mirage G4 was first showcased as a concept car in 2013 at the Bangkok Auto Show. It was then called the Concept G4 Sedan. It was not much later when Mitsubishi went ahead and launched the Mirage G4.

The G4 is based on the Mitsubishi Mirage, which is a hatchback. So, it wouldn't be wrong to say that the G4 is an extended version of the Mirage. However, Mitsubishi did change the aesthetics of the G4 to help us to differentiate between the sedan and the hatchback.

The whole point of launching the Mirage G4 was to be a part of the growing compact sedan segment. People tend to buy a compact sedan over a hatchback because they would get more space, same or better features, at a reasonable price. The Mirage G4 price starts at Php 584,000 for the base model, and its top-end model costs Php 867,000. Mitsubishi has provided only a single engine option with the G4 - a 1.2-litre unit.

Interior & Features

Since the Mirage G4 has got a longer wheelbase than the original Mirage, it has got a slightly spacious cabin. Mitsubishi has utilized the extra wheelbase to make sure that even five people can be easily accommodated in the Mirage G4 without compromising on comfort. However, the quality of materials used isn’t that great.

The color combination of the interior of the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 makes it an interesting place to be in, but it fails to provide a sporty-feeling, not that it needs to. There’s a centre console box between the front two seats can be utilised to store some papers, eatables, or even your smartphone. It also doubles as an armrest. The car also features a 2-DIN single in-dash tuner and multimedia player with AUX, USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. All these are controlled via the 6.5-inch touchscreen which also serves as the GPS navigation display.

The steering wheel of the Mirage G4 is nice to hold and carries a few multimedia controls. Behind the wheel is an old-school instrument cluster which has got two dials - tachometer and speedometer - along with a few tell-tale lights. The Mirage G4 has a length of 4.245 meters which has allowed Mitsubishi to provide 450 litres of boot space.

Exterior

The changes on the outside that Mitsubishi did to make the Mirage G4 look different than its hatchback sibling worked wonders. The whole character of the car changes with the way it looks. While the Mirage appears to be sportier, energetic, and youthful, the Mirage G4 tends to give an impression of a much mature car with calm, bold, and composed looks.

The front end of the Mirage G4 has been done extremely well. Its bonnet has got these subtle lines that not only adds to the overall looks of the car but also helps in the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle. The big and nicely designed headlights complement the single-piece grille, which proudly holds the Mitsubishi logo in the centre. The bumper doesn’t have a lot going on in terms of design, but somehow it manages to gel right in, perhaps, because of the nice chrome touch around the fog lights.

The Mirage G4 looks handsome even from the side, thanks to the multi-spoke alloy wheels, and the mild character lines that run from the front to the rear. The sloping roofline of the G4 merges nicely with the rear, where things are not that interesting. There’s a pair of simple-looking taillights, and a horizontal chrome slat on the boot lid.

Ride & Handling

The engine of the Mirage G4 might not be the most powerful one out there, but it sure provides a decent ride quality. It is smooth and refined enough to make driving the G4 a pleasurable experience.

Equipped with MacPherson Strut suspension setup at the front, and coil spring at the back, the Mirage G4 provides a smooth ride as long as the roads are smooth. It can handle small undulations without any problem, but it doesn’t like going over big bumps. The handling of the G4 is pretty good, and it can take care of itself while going around some tight corners, but it isn’t meant to be driven enthusiastically all the time. It is primarily designed for city driving.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is available in only a single engine option. It is a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, petrol engine which comes with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control System (MIVEC). It has been tuned to produce a max power of 78 PS at 6,000 revs and generates 100 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 revs. Thankfully, Mitsubishi has provided two transmission options - you can either pick a 5-speed manual gearbox or go for CVT.

The less power of the engine is compensated by an aerodynamic design and lightweight (1,305 kg gross). This allows the Mirage G4 to achieve a top speed of 172 kmph. The lightweight and aerodynamic design of the car also helps it in extracting out the most from a litre of fuel. Mitsubishi claims that the Mirage G4 is capable to give a fuel efficiency of 21 kmpl.

Braking & Safety

The braking duties on the Mirage G4 are handled by ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. These are aided by ABS and EBD. Together they make sure that the car stops at the earliest without losing grip or control. Also, the lightweight and aerodynamic design of the G4 enhances its stopping capabilities.

There are a few safety features that you’ll find in the Mirage G4. They include front airbags, front seat belts with pre-tensioner, ISOFIX, reverse camera, ABS, and EBD. The G4 also got Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) Body, that ensures the safety of all passengers. The body structure’s crumple zones effectively absorb and disperse crash energy from all directions, ultimately protecting the cabin. The G4 has also won the ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Award for Adult Occupancy Protection in the Mini Car Category.

Verdict

If you’re looking for an affordable car with decent specs, but don’t want to settle for less cabin space, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 would be the vehicle for you. It offers a good amount of interior space thanks to its longer wheelbase. It looks good, has a great fuel efficiency, and is available at a price of Php 584,000 to Php 867,000. Many of its features that we mentioned don’t come as standard, and depend on the trim you pick.