Car Spots: Mitsubishi Mirage G4

Meet our new section in which new cars also join the fun: Car Spots. In this section, we would evaluate brand new cars if they could stack up initially with competitors and noteworthy of your consideration. This is not a full length review, just to be reminded.

Our first vehicle to be evaluated on Car Spots is the Mitsubishi Mirage G4, basically the sedan version of the Mirage hatchback. If the hatchback derivative sold well, we shall see if this would hold a candle against other sub-compacts in the market.

Pardon the photo quality as I used my cellphone camera for this. Mirage G4 (GLS variant) unit spotted in SM Megamall.


Exterior
Unlike the hatchback which offers funky colors (which has lime similar to the Picanto), the G4 is more of a guy presented in suit ready for the JS Prom. It has more formal styling which is geared for the young family than the bachelor readying for the corporate world. I can't help but to say the G4's styling is a mix of the Ford Fiesta/Mazda 2 sedan, Honda City, and Hyundai Accent sedan. Vehicle length plays 4,245mm which is longer than the Suzuki Swift Dzire (3,995mm), but it is smaller than the Ford Fiesta sedan (4,320mm), Kia Rio sedan (4,365mm), Hyundai Accent sedan (4,370mm), 2013 Toyota Vios (4,410mm), and Honda City (4,430mm). Do take note the Mirage G4 GLS which is being evaluated here wears 15 inch wheels while GLX has 14 inch steel rims with hubcaps. Oh, the rear badge includes a G4 name so people would not confuse you.

Interior
Since I came from school and had my hair raised up, sitting at the back didn't made my hair messy! I was very amazed at the back especially it rivals the Honda City, 2007-2013 Toyota Vios, and even the Hyundai i10 when it comes to headroom. Upfront, seating position was high and controls for the touchscreen radio and air-conditioning are within my reach. Quality, I was very impressed with the materials that were used. These items are exclusive to the GLS variant: power windows, touchscreen monitor with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, SD card and iPod ready, leather steering wheel with radio controls, and a push button ignition key. GLX models come with window cranks, 2-DIN radio minus the navigation, Bluetooth, and SD card and iPod connection, leather material on the tiller, automatic climate control, push button ignition, and ABS brakes. Dual airbags are standard with the Suzuki having none. Trunk space is large, impressive for such a small car.

Engine
Same with the hatchback, the Mirage G4 has a 1.2 3-cylinder gasoline engine which pumps out 78hp at 6,000rpm and 100Nm at 4,000rpm. If we compare it to the Suzuki Swift Dzire and Kia Rio which carries 86hp and 87hp respectively and with both having 4-cylinder engines, the Mirage is a bit less than the two. We just have to say that it is fuel friendly and the salesperson I talked to said "wala naman gaano kalaban na 1.2 engine". The Vios is too big to have competition with this. Let us wait for future reviews if this can deliver. Before I leave, available transmissions are a manual and a continuously variable transmission.

Price
Is the Mirage G4 sulit? Weirdly, the sedan's price is higher than the hatchback and priced above the Swift Dzire at P568,000. Since this is not yet listed in the website of Mitsubishi Philippines, CarGuide published them on their price guide for September. GLX variants are priced at P578,000 for the MT and P628,000 for the CVT while the GLS is pegged at P668,000 for the MT and P718,000 for the CVT. In that price range, it rivals low end models of the Toyota Vios, Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta, and Nissan Almera. The money can buy you more features (especially in the GLS) and space but those who want more room and power might find competitors better bargains. Those who are budget conscious and want more without spending more money and resources, this is the one to get.

Verdict
After the Lancer Cedia's lackluster sales performance, it was time for Mitsubishi to introduce the Mirage G4. You get a host of amenities for less coupled with a fuel efficient engine and roomy cabin. We would pick this over the Swift Dzire but if other rivals come to the picture, we'll check and test drive if they meet our needs. The salesperson said to me "Hindi ito kalaban ng Vios dahil maliit". 

Link to brochure:
http://www.mirageg4.ph/pdf/FAMitsubishiMirageG4Back.pdf

Many thanks to:
John Paul V. Recreo
Sales Executive, Diamond Motors Valle Verde
0917-970-3033/0929-260-5235