Mitsubishi’s budget-beating hatchback, the Mirage, is set to enter 2016 with a revised look. We tested the Mirage last December and felt that despite it being almost fully equipped for a decent price it had a lot of dynamic shortcomings.
The Mirage will undergo some structural improvements and it will feature an upgraded engine and brake system. The facelift, however, predominantly consists of visual enhancements such as a new fascia, wheels and a revised rear design.
Mitsubishi claims to have used higher quality of materials for the new panels and with the redesigned front the Mirage is now lighter and now has a drag coefficient of 0,27 to aid its claimed fuel consumption of 4,9 L/100 km. Aerodynamic improvements consist of an optimised front tyre air dam with the addition of a rear tyre air dam, a reshaped rear bumper for better air flow, a revised rear spoiler that has been changed to reduce lift and new side surfaces to reduce drag.
In terms of performance the Mirage’s 1,2-litre three-cylinder engine pushes 58 kW and 100 N.m of torque, basically unchanged from the current model. In terms of handling the Mirage has received an optimised spring rate and damping from the shock absorbers and has been given a stiffer front. Bigger diameter brakes are used in the front discs and the rear drums.
Interior improvements in the Mirage consist of new seat fabrics, gauge clusters, steering wheel and shift panel. A 300-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system with EcoPunch will also be available with smartphone link display audio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (for American models only at this point).
Local pricing and information for this revised Mirage are yet to be announced.