It's back! Mitsubishi's refreshed Mirage heading for SA

Tokyo – Mitsubishi Motors has launched an updated Mirage hatchback and sedan model in Thailand. The automaker says sales will commence sequentially in other markets, including South Africa.

The automaker claims that the upgrades the compact models a sharper, and more dynamic look, as well as more elegant interior designs.

Mitsubishi sold about 140 000 units around the world in 2018, all manufactured in the Laem Chabang Plant in Thailand.

Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa, says: "The new city-smart Mirage is planned to be launched in SA in 2020 and we expect this fuel-efficient, compact vehicle to further enhance our commitment to a price sensitive, but fun seeking road user."

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Sharper design

Both guises adopt the new Dynamic Shield front design and the new styling sweeps around from the sides toward the middle of the nose in a protective embrace, says the automaker.

The square grille lines with its horizontal/vertical bar pattern helps give the front end a more powerful and sharper look.

The light layout has been revised and makes the front look wider and more stable on the road, while the styling of the multi-bulb LED combination lights connects them visually with the grille, and with the fog lights located at the bumper corners.

The rear is given a wider and more stable look with a squarish treatment for the bumper corners and with the L-signature horizontal LED combination lamps that stretch across the width of the car.

White Diamond is a new body colour, along with Sand Yellow.

Both hatchback and sedan models are offered with new 15-inch alloy wheels.; on the hatchback, the wheels use two-tone diamond-cut styling, while on the sedan has an elegant silver finish.

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More user-friendly

The inside of the Mirage has been upgraded with a new front arm rest design, and soft-feel materials.

Mitsubishi says the meter panel and power window switch panel now uses a sporty carbon pattern while upper-trim levels are offered with a special seat design. For the hatchback, these are upholstered in a sporty-look fabric/synthetic leather combination. For the sedan, they use an elegant monotone design with synthetic leather. The addition of piping and stitching to the seat sides on both models gives an added touch of elegance.

There's also a newly adopted Smartphone Display Audio (SDA) system with 7-inch display which improves legibility and clarity.

"The launch date, product line-up and specification levels for SA will be confirmed early next year," Campbell concluded.