Darin's test drive review notes: 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan 1.2L CVT

[Daox]

While it does seem to drop like a brick, that is still very respectable for the Mirage. Over 45 mpg at 65 mph sounds pretty great for a very inexpensive car (used ones are so cheap for only a few year old car).

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by sdtundra

So the Mitsubishi dealer in town has an ES Hatchback model for $9960

Nice - that's the same price as the base Mirage hatch in Canada, where it has to compete with the $10k MSRP on the Spark and the Micra.

But here we don't get A/C standard on those base model cars (not that I want it, but most buyers obviously do).

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

The 78 hp 2017 engine gets a roller cam setup and a 4 hp bump compared to the 2014/15. Torque doesn't change.

I couldn't tell any difference.

The 2014 was 1,973 to 1,996 lbs and the 2017 is 2,018 to 2,117 lbs. The added power is a wash in the power/weight ratio. Not that under 2000 lbs and 78hp would make it ready for the track!

[samwichse]

They need to make a turbo option for that 3-pot , stat! Even something very mild, bumping the HP to 100-110 HP would make this car tossably fun.

[MetroMPG]

I read several articles that Mitsu seriously considered adding a turbo for the sedan.

Then apparently they did focus groups with existing Mirage owners in the States, and nobody really complained about engine power. They (Mitsu) admitted some surprise at that.

I also asked Mitsu Canada's PR person if there was any chance we'd ever see a turbo and he said "nope".

Sadface.

It would be better for the Mirage community if one were available. Maybe for sales too - they didn't ask people who DIDN'T buy the car if it needed more power.

Oh, the paucity of choice! Back in the day, even the Metro/Suzukiclone lineup had 5 (FIVE!) distinct engines to choose from at various points, including a turbo triple.

There have been a few aftermarket turbos slapped on some Mirages by owners though - even an EVO drivetrain swap.

[niky]

If the Mirage didn't handle like a Jack-in-the-Box...

Just wondering, do your base Mirages there come with the rear anti-roll bar fitted, already?

What about the G4?

-

Also, we've done something utterly stupid in this household.

We traded away a perfectly useable (though ratty) old CR-V and bought a brand new Mirage.



Cheapest model off the lot. Used to be you could get them here without alloy wheels, airbags or ABS.

Now the base model comes with all of the above plus an (assumingly) cheap touchscreen that has surprisingly decent sound (old base unit had two speakers... this sounds like four, with some decent midrange punch).

[Daox]

The US model comes with a front sway bar. The rear just has the torsion beam suspension.

Congrats on the new wheels Niky!

[MetroMPG]

Congrats, Niky!

Is there an OEM rear anti-roll bar option available in PH? That would be a first. It's still not offered here.

(Nissan fitted both front rear bars to all trims of the Canadian market Micra -- the only market to do so -- and it is considerably more engaging to drive. It consistently gets picked as the most "fun" car between Micra, Mirage and Spark.)

Everybody I know of who has fitted one to a Mirage has gone aftermarket.

[MetroMPG]

Overall fuel consumption after 2 fills:

- 1277 km = 793 miles
- 4.7 L/100 km = 49.6 mpg US

Close enough to say 50 MPG.

Not bad for a car with no mods, and tires inflated to manufacturer's specs.

Driving style was "eco", not "hyper". Gentle, but going the speed limit or a couple over. Usually with the cruise control engaged on the highway.

Though note: the highest speed limit on the highways around here is 100 km/h = 62 mph.

An accurate fuel economy gauge??

2 fills aren't enough to say this conclusively, but the gauge was surprisingly accurate to my at-the-pump calcs.

On the other hand, the gauge in the 2014 Mirage hatch I drove was 4-5% optimistic.

The 5-speed hatch is more efficient, despite the ratings.

For comparison, the 2014 base 5-speed hatchback I drove got me 55 mpg, and I drove it faster and harder, and it had winter tires on (not the LRR Enasaves). Again, eco-driving style. (With the exception of taking it in the SMCC Economy Run.)

[niky]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Congrats, Niky!

Is there an OEM rear anti-roll bar option available in PH? That would be a first. It's still not offered here.

(Nissan fitted both front rear to all trims of the Canadian market Micra -- the only market to do so -- and it is considerably more engaging to drive. It consistently gets picked as the most "fun" car between Micra, Mirage and Spark.)

Everybody I know of who has fitted one to a Mirage has gone aftermarket.

Trying to recall... I think there's a front anti-roll as standard... but no rear yet.

There's also a strut brace available (Ralliart), but given the front mounts are tied into the firewall already, I doubt it makes much difference.