Mitsubishi Motors Small Cars Still Pack a Big Punch
Mitsubishi Motors may have reduced their midsize car and sedans lineup in North America to focus on crossovers while they start their expansion of a new lineup with the Nissan-Renault Alliance, but there is one non-crossover that still has a lot going for it. It’s the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback. With only three trims, the fully-loaded 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage GT has a starting MSRP of $16,595, which makes it one of the most affordable fully-loaded vehicle’s in its class.
We already know the Mitsubishi Mirage is a great road trip vehicle, and the Mirage helps save the environment in these times where fighting pollution and being environmentally friendly is a big deal. However, there’s more reason to love the Mirage aside from its affordability and “big picture” benefits. It’s also a great vehicle for the average driver, especially if used.
Entertainment
A few years ago, vehicles didn’t have many smartphone capabilities aside from Bluetooth wireless technology with voice command. Even if really bargain shopping, although the 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage GT is already pretty affordable, and if getting a used vehicle, there’s still a good chance of great technology. If going for a used 2017 Mirage for example, consumers can still find a 6.5-inch display, a 5-speaker audio system, and smartphone link connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If buying or leasing a new 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage GT, consumers will get a 6.5-inch smartphone link display audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, a four speaker system, and Bluetooth wireless technology.
Comfortable
A vehicle today just isn’t the same with amenities we take for granted. Automatic climate control is still a feature saved for high-end trims of many cars, and the Mitsubishi Mirage is no different. The SE and GT trims come with automatic climate control for a constant comfortable interior temperature. If needing to heat up a bit, heated front seats are definitely a GT trim standard, and rear heated ducts are a lineup standard.
Convenience
The 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage also offers some convenient features throughout the lineup. For instance, all trims come with a rearview camera for visibility when backing up or driving in reverse, and for those that like a little luxury, the SE and GT trims come with FAST-Key passive entry, or the ability to enter one’s vehicle as long as the key is on their person. Push-button start also comes with the Fast-key, so an ignition key is no longer necessary for the new 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage. That’s real convenience.
Peace of Mind
No vehicle would be complete without safety features. Back in the old days, traction and stability control systems had not yet been invented or mandatory. Today, they are government mandated for the production and sell of a vehicle, and consumers can drive knowing their vehicle was built for safety. Heck, even the construction used on all Mitsubishi vehicles, R.I.S.E., was specifically designed to increase the safety of the driver and passengers with better crumple zones and energy absorption.
Great First Car
Have a teenager revving up to get behind the wheel but low on spare cash? Hey, not everyone can drop $30k+ on a new or even used vehicle, even if we love our kids and think they deserve the best. We also know they may be irresponsible for the first time driving their own car. Raise your hand if your first car was a pile of junk after a few years.
To combat this, get a car that’s low on horsepower. Can’t feed the speed demon itch with a 78hp 1.2-liter DOHC 3-cylinder engine optimized with MIVEC. And no, the optimization with MIVEC is just a process altered by Mitsubishi Motors to make the engine more efficient, not necessarily more powerful. A fuel economy of 37 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway (with the automatic continuously variable transmission transmission) will surely save some cash too. A five-speed manual transmission is the standard for the base Mitsubishi Mirage trim (ES), with a fuel economy of 33/41 mpg city/highway. Not a huge difference, but if you can splurge the extra $1200 for an automatic CVT, the upgrade is worth the fuel efficiency.
We’re not just holding a candle for the small Mitsubishi vehicles. We know they have a few gems they’re ignoring for the crossover gold rush. What do you think? Small cars can still jam right? Tell us your thoughts on University Mitsubishi social media or come drive a 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage for yourself.