2017 Mitsubishi Mirage: First Look
Competes with: Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, Kia Soul
Looks like: The Mirage finally found a mirror. Its styling update marks a big improvement over the old Mirage.
Drivetrain: 78-horsepower, 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine; five-speed manual transmission or CVT; front-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Spring 2016
More 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Coverage
One of the most affordable cars on sale today gets an extensive update for the 2017 model year. The updated Mitsubishi Mirage is making its debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show after sitting out 2016 altogether. The update adds new styling inside and out, powertrain improvements and more technology features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Exterior
The Mirage’s new exterior design is an overhaul, front to back, with updates to the hood, grille, front and rear bumpers, fog and headlights, rear spoiler and the wheels. Replacing the old slitlike front grille is a larger opening, with available chrome accents adding some needed spice to what used to be a rather mundane front end.
Fog lights are now surrounded by black plastic, which blends into the lower air intake and gives the Mirage a wider, more stylish appearance. New LED daytime running light accents are now available as well. Mitsubishi claims that the changes also make the Mirage lighter, which should help fuel economy.
Interior
Inside, the 2017 Mirage also gets an update with new seat fabrics, a new steering wheel and a restyled instrument panel. Technology options now include a 300-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is the first time those systems will be offered by Mitsubishi in the U.S.
Under the Hood
Returning is the same 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, but it does get mechanical upgrades (including a new camshaft) that bumps horsepower to 78, 4 more hp than last year. Transmission options include a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission. Mitsubishi says updates to the steering along with added stiffness to the front suspension should provide better handling and stability. Larger brake discs up front and larger drums in the rear should also improve the Mirage’s braking.
Safety
Seven airbags are standard (including dual front, side-impact, side curtain and driver’s knee) along with the federally mandated antilock brakes and an electronic stability control system. CVT-equipped models also come with hill start assist to prevent rollback on inclines.
Pricing information has not yet been released, but we do know the 2017 Mirage will hit dealerships in spring 2016.
