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- Highs Affordable, fuel efficient, and backed by one of the lengthiest warranties in the biz.
- Lows Manual has been axed, less cargo space than its hatchback counterpart, anemic engine.
- Verdict The Mirage G4 is one of the cheapest cars currently available. It feels that way, too.
Overview
The 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 offers nearly the same affordability and efficiency as its five-door hatchback counterpart, known simply as the Mirage. Although, it’s worth noting that the base four-door Mirage G4 ES is $1,000 dearer than the entry-level five-door Mirage ES. There’s also less than 13 cubic feet of cargo space in the sedan compared to the hatch’s 17 cubic feet, which expands to 47 with the rear seats lowered. To be fair, the G4 does provide an extra three inches of rear-seat legroom. Even though Mitsubishi’s subcompact duo shares the same three-cylinder engine and CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission), the EPA rates the Mirage G4 1 mpg less in the city and 2 less on the highway. Despite those three demerits, the G4 is still a cost-effective mode of transportation for those who’d prefer the shape of a sedan to that of a bubble.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
What's New for 2023?
Changes to the Mirage G4 for the 2023 model year include the deletion of the five-speed manual transmission (meaning the CVT is now standard on every model), as well as the addition of a black roof option that’s available on select trim levels.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
To its credit, the Mirage G4 comes with some worthwhile standard features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and an automatic climate control system. We'd suggest sticking with the base model rather than upgrading to a more expensive trim, as those prices put the Mirage G4 in contention with better cars from the compact. For instance, the range-topping SE trim level starts at $20,150, or just $665 less than the roomier and more powerful all-wheel-drive 2023 Subaru Impreza sedan.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
There's no way around it: relative to rival models, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is dealing with a severe horsepower deficit. Mitsu equips the little Mirage G4 with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that generates just 78 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. You'll get a lot more muscle under the hood of the similarly sized Nissan Versa (122 hp and 114 lb-ft). All Mirage G4 models come with a CVT and front-wheel drive. In everyday driving, the pocket-sized sedan exhibits tepid acceleration. This is especially noticeable on the freeway, where heavy throttle inputs are necessary to muster the power needed for passing maneuvers. In addition to being underpowered, the engine sounds coarse and gets noisy at high speeds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Fuel efficiency is one of this sedan's key strengths. According to the EPA, the Mirage G4 achieves fuel economy figures of 35/41 mpg city/highway. With those numbers, this sedan gets better mileage than the Nissan Versa (up to 32/40 mpg). For more information about the Mirage G4's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
With some economy cars, the cabin design transcends the expectations that you might have for a vehicle that's modestly priced, but this isn't the case with the Mirage G4. In terms of its design and the quality of materials used, the Mirage G4’s cabin is unambitious. Relative to its hatchback sibling, the Mirage G4 sedan provides an extra three inches of rear-seat legroom. Of the two models, this is the one to get if you need to comfortably seat passengers in both rows. The Mirage G4’s trunk offers less than 13 cubic feet of cargo space. The Versa, on the other hand, offers up to 15 cubic feet of cargo space.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Mirage G4 comes with standard Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone calls. Base models feature a four-speaker audio system and HD radio, as well as a front USB port and an auxiliary audio-input jack. Additionally, a 7.0-inch display screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard. If you need a more premium sound system, you can upgrade to an available Rockford Fosgate setup.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
While the Mirage G4 comes standard with automated emergency braking, most advanced driver-assistance features are absent from the car's options sheet. For more information about the Mirage G4's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Available lane-departure warning
- Available automatic high-beam headlamps
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mitsubishi's warranty coverage matches beats the warranty protection offered for the Nissan Versa. Notably, the Mirage G4 does not provide complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
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