Mitsubishi Mirage G4

Mirage G4 Overview

The Japanese automotive marque, Mitsubishi, has long been regarded as one of the best car manufacturers when it comes to reliability. Especially in the Philippines, as driving around the streets here, to begin with, is quite harsh coupled with the worst traffic imaginable due to the lack of quality infrastructure. Most are also aware of how harsh the weather and environment can be, with regards to the frequent torrential rainstorms and scorching heatwaves. Filipinos are also most known to be practical consumers, which then gives the option to buy a sedan from a reputable car manufacturer worth the budget. This is why the majority prefer creditable rugged, and durable vehicles from the automaker.

Mitsubishi's Santa Rosa Plant manufactured the sixth-generation Mirage G4, which was introduced in 2013. During its release, it came in two body types — hatchback and sedan.
In fact, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is the brand's entry-level subcompact car, and it has not only proven to be one of the automaker's most successful debuts, but it is actually the reason that Mitsubishi has regained its long-lost reputation.

This model, as well as the Lancer, are two of the most fuel-efficient sedan vehicles from the carmaker. That said, the Mirage G4 is ideal for budget-conscious car enthusiasts looking for comfort and style when driving through Manila's bustling streets or on long vacations to the countryside. This makes the subcompact sedan suitable for both regular work commutes and family vacations. In addition, the Mirage G4's size also allows you to weave around traffic and narrow roads, which is great for freshly licensed drivers who may find it difficult to navigate the country's busy streets.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Interior & Features

The Mirage G4 boasts a capacious interior with an ample amount of both headroom and legroom space. Thanks to the longer wheelbase, this subcompact sedan can accommodate up to five passengers, but to consider comfort, only adults of average height are ideal. Hopping in, you will be greeted with a black theme with chrome accents surrounding the center console, door panels, steering wheel, and shifter knob. Apart from that, you will notice that the materials used inside are of poor quality. By way of illustration, the controls, buttons, and dashboard are made of hard plastic with a rough surface. Nothing particularly noteworthy stands out in terms of interior designing layout and contouring front. However, compared to its rivals, it does have the upper hand in terms of smart cabin design, such as contrasting two-tone trim and textured surfaces.

The Mirage G4 is equipped with a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, tachometer, electronic multi tripmeter, digital clock, and digital odometer. The top-spec variant is decked with a leather wheel, while the entry-level trims are cladded with urethane. Fabric upholstery is also available on the seats and headliners of this subcompact vehicle. Seat height adjusters are also included for added comfort.

Comfor & Entertainment

The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is well-equipped in terms of comfort. This sedan also did not forget to add tech-savvy features that its occupants would enjoy. The range-topper variant comes with a four-piece speaker system along with Bluetooth, USB, and Aux-in functionalities. Occupants can also enjoy connecting their smartphones using the Mirror Link feature. On top of that, users can link their iPods as well as have offline navigation.

The two GLX variants, on the other hand, are decked with a two-piece speaker system and a 2-DIN headunit that also comes with Bluetooth, USB, Aux-in, and iPod connectivity functionalities.

Mirage G4 Exterior

There are few changes made by the automaker to the design of the Mirage G4 to make it look distinct from its hatchback counterpart. What makes the design of the Mirage G4’s front fascia different from the hatchback is its chrome grille flanked by halogen multi-reflector headlights, along with the Mitsubishi logo in the center. In addition, the GLS trim has an additional feature of fog lights. Apart from those, the Mirage G4 comes with a centrally mounted fuel tank, outside rearview mirror turn indicator, integrated antenna, and adjustable headlights.

The Mirage G4 also comes with a standard feature of 15-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels along with dark chrome touches across the lineup. On top of that, the chrome embellished around the fog lights accentuates the looks of the bumper. The lines that run from the side to the back of the car add to its uniqueness. The taillights at the back are accompanied by horizontal chrome accents on the boot lid, which complements the whole design of the sedan. The small details, including the sloping roofline, creates a stylish yet modern look that would garner decent attention.

All of the Mirage G4’s variants measure 4,305 mm in length, 1,670 mm in width, and 1,515 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,550 mm and ground clearance of 170 mm. This subcompact sedan comes in various colors, namely Majestic Red, Mystic Black, Savanna White, Medium Blue Mica, Cool Silver, Virgil Gray, Sundance Orange, Pyrenees Black, and Wine Red Pearl for the GLS variants. For the GLX variants, on the other hand, it is up for grabs in all color options, excluding the Medium Blue Mica and Sundance Orange.

Passenger & Boot Space

The Mirage G4 can accommodate five passengers of average height. It has enough headroom and legroom to be comfortable. However, passengers in the back seats may be concerned by the limited headroom spaces due to the swoopy roofline. This sedan has a spacious boot space of 450-liters thanks to its long dimensions. This then does the job and carries approximately five suitcases suited for the family weekend getaway.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Ride & Handling

Driving the Mirage G4 on the highway will give you a smooth ride and brisk drive-feel, although refrain from expecting a groundbreaking performance as it is a small 3-cylinder engine. This sedan makes use of a MacPherson Strut suspension setup at the front and coil spring at the back. The Mirage G4 subcompact sedan provides a pleasant driving experience since its debut; however, passengers in the back may not appreciate the bumpy ride when they encounter uneven roads.

When we talk about handling, the Mirage G4 is up to par. This sedan is built for the bustling city, so driving this around is as easy and comfortable as can be. For stopping power, the sedan makes use of its 14-inch ventilated discs on the front and 8-inch leading along with trailing drums in the back. An added stopping force of an 8-inch master vacuum brake booster is also provided.

Mirage G4 Engine & Fuel Consumption

At the heart of Mirage G4 lies a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder, petrol engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control System (MIVEC). It has the capacity to spark a max power of 77 PS at 6,000 revs and generates 100 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 revs.

You can either choose a 5-speed manual gearbox or go for CVT. The less power of the engine is compensated by an aerodynamic design and lighter weight, allowing it to achieve a top speed of 172 kmph. 

The Mirage G4 is claimed to have a fuel efficiency of 21 kmpl, according to Mitsubishi. As the sedan has a lightweight and aerodynamic design, this then aids in getting the most mileage per liter of fuel. As per the EPA, with the optional CVT, the Mirage G4 renders 35/41 mpg city/highway. However, for the standard manual transmission, its fuel economy drops to 33/40 mpg.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Braking & Safety

When it comes to its ability to provide safety, the Mirage G4 does a good job. For maximum safety, the sedan rides on the automaker’s patented safety body construction system called Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution, otherwise known as RISE. In addition, it has energy absorption incorporated into the front, back, and sides in the case of a collision, which improves protection.

To name a few standard features, it comes with dual front airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), driver and passenger seatbelts, and a brake override system (BOS). On the flip side, the range-topper variant comes with an electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and ISOFIX child anchors as an added feature. In addition, the top variant’s infotainment system also serves as a rearview monitor upon shifting the gear into reverse. The G4 has also won the ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Award for Adult Occupant Protection in the Mini Car category.

Mirage G4 Verdict

Value for Money

Filipinos are practical consumers, and the capacity of a car to provide and deliver is usually what draws them in. Because this vehicle is primarily designed for everyday usage, persons interested in purchasing it places a premium on the cost-effectiveness of its capabilities. The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 has a price range of PHP 735,000 - PHP 869,000. Despite its shortcomings in some areas, for a brand new sedan below a million pesos, it indeed is a great barter considering its flexible use. Not only is it made affordable, but trusted automakers like Mitsubishi also provides low-cost maintenance cost.

Final Words

Due to its tiny structure, this vehicle delivers ease of handling and a comfortable driving experience if you find driving in tight areas or on crowded city highways to be tedious. The Mirage G4 is great for people looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle that can be used on a daily basis. This car is also packed with decent looks, and it will surely exceed your expectations due to its attractive price range. One thing to keep in mind is that while the Mirage G4 comes standard with airbags, a rearview camera, RISE, and other features, it lacks blind spot detection and lane warning sensors, which are standard on most of its competitors.