The new Mitsubishi Mirage G4 gets in on the brand’s Dynamic Shield fun — and more
THE IMPOSITION of the enhanced community quarantine following an upsurge of COVID-19 cases pushed the media launch from Aug. 12 to Aug. 26, and the public reveal to last Saturday. But surely, that postponement merely served to heighten the excitement over the local unveiling (albeit digitally) of the refreshed Mirage G4 — one of the best-sellers of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC).
The current (sixth) generation of the storied Mirage nameplate has not only proven popular (with an excess of 92,000 units sold) here since its 2013 launch, but additionally plays an important role in helping spur the local economy. In 2017, MMPC commenced producing the Mirage G4 locally. The company reported in a release that “more than 54,000 cars” have rolled out of its 23-hectare Sta. Rosa, Laguna plant since.
It is significant to note that MMPC is one of only two car makers (the other being Toyota Motor Philippines) participating in the government’s Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) seeking to spur the growth of the local manufacturing industry. Among the salient points of the commitment is the production of a minimum of 200,000 vehicles over six years (ending in 2023 for MMPC). The program is envisioned to create “direct and indirect jobs in auto manufacturing, parts making, distribution, and ancillary services,” as well as serve as an impetus for corollary industries.
Of course, the pandemic, which has dragged on for a year and a half now, has negatively impacted businesses and industries — including all things automotive. The Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) on Automotive Industry Development is said to be lobbying to extend CARS for another three years, without prejudice to the original 200,000 unit output each for the two manufacturers. MMPC enrolled the Mirage under the program.
A recent BusinessWorld article penned by Jenina P. Ibañez reported that the two car companies “have manufactured just over a third (or a total of about 147,000) of their target as of May,” according to the Department of Trade and Industry. Again, Mitsubishi presently has until 2023 to meet its Mirage production target.
Replying to a question from “Velocity” during the Mirage G4 media launch, MMPC Vice-President for Planning and Development Xavier Eyadan said that the company “cannot disclose yet the current situation with CARS,” but conceded that the pandemic “had an effect on (the company’s) performance.” He added, “However, we are continuously (asserting) our commitment to reviving our auto industry.”
Although MMPC officials were reluctant to share sales projections, the unveiling of the new Mirage G4 is certainly expected to boost sales in this affordable segment.
The most significant update to the G4 was undoubtedly the one done to its front fascia. It now sports the familiar Dynamic Shield — better aligning it with the rest of the Mitsubishi portfolio. Mitsubishi Motors Corp. Head of Design Division Seiji Watanabe said that this imbues a wide and bold character to the vehicle, “with a certain coolness.” A sense of greater width is also lent by the arrangement of lamps and a larger grille — also giving it what he called a “game face.” An edge-to-edge rear bumper also serves to enhance the illusion of width, as well as facilitate airflow in aid of aerodynamics.
Mr. Watanabe asserted that the Dynamic Shield “unifies the Mitsubishi design identity across the lineup.” The grille is fringed by new sporty headlights; the taillights are also new, as are 15-inch alloy wheels and foglamps.
The G4 instrumentation has been made more legible, and receives a carbon fiber motif. The fabric-covered seats, on the other hand, feature dynamic geometric shapes. The trunk still boasts a 450-liter capacity.
Powering the vehicle is the familiar 1.2-liter L MIVEC engine mated to an INVECS-III CVT transmission for “dependable power and exceptional fuel efficiency.” The top-spec GLS gets “convenient features such as keyless operation system, push start button, electric power steering, auto climate control, audio mounted controls and seven-inch Smart Phone Link Display Audio (SDA) touchscreen multimedia system.” Its infotainment system is now Apple CarPlay- and Android Auto-compatible.
Anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, reverse camera, and foglamps are standard fitments on the GLS CVT trim. Across all three variants, the Mirage G4 gets a Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body, dual SRS air bags, and Isofix tethers, and automatic-off headlights.
Still assembled at Santa Rosa, the new Mirage G4 comes in the following colors: Red Metallic (for GLX CVT and GLS variants), Titanium Gray Metallic, Cool Silver Metallic, and White Gold (for advance order of GLX CVT and GLS CVT variants only).
The new Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is priced as follows: P769,000 (GLX MT), P819,000 (GLX CVT), and P899,000 (GLS CVT), and is available in all 57 MMPC dealerships nationwide. Buyers until Nov. 30 get two years/25,000-km free preventive maintenance service. For more information, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.ph or contact a dealership.
