The mid-life facelift for the littlest Mitsubishi model offered in North America is ready. We are talking about the 2017 Mirage, just revealed at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show together with the updated Outlander Sport.
Upon looking at the car, it's immediately obvious that the Mirage looks a whole lot better. Before, it was a cringe-worthy little box that you could only buy on price, but now it could even compete with a Fiat 500 over curb appeal.
The Japanese company took a long hard look at the front end and changed almost everything. High-end models now come with much-improved headlights that have a Hyundai-like LED brow and chromed projectors.
The changes made to the bumper are easy to spot, as they include two chrome inserts and a much larger upper grille. Of course, the Mirage doesn't need an upper grille because it has a small engine, but that doesn't mean it can't look good.
We also like that they've changed the hood by adding a bulge in the middle and moved the indicators from the fenders to the new mirrors.
2017 Mirage models will continue to be offered with a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder DOHC engine mated to a CVT gearbox. By installing a new Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) and a better roller-type camshaft, the company says it's increased the output from 74 to 78 horsepower.
But in our opinion, the biggest change sits in the middle of the dashboard, a 300-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system with EcoPunch that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is the first Mitsubishi model to do so.
“Mirage owners are looking for a vehicle that does its job well and is reliable,” commented Mitsubishi North America boss, Don Swearingen. “The Mirage continues to deliver all of those attributes, and the improvements to the 2017 model year will expand the Mirage's appeal even more.”
The new Mirage will arrive next summer, so pricing information isn't going to be available for some time.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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