Redesigned Mitsubishi Mirage Appears as Automakers Desert Cheap Subcompacts

Shoppers looking for a new car on a shoestring budget have to look harder for subcompact choices these days. Ford’s Fiesta is gone, for example, and the Nissan Versa — formerly the cheapest new car in the U.S. — has been redesigned with new features and a higher sticker price. But there still is the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback and Mirage G4 sedan, and Mitsu just teased a new face for what it says is an updated version of the low-price subcompact.

Related: Solid Safety Ratings Make 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross a Little More Likeable

The 2020 Mirage models now buttress the bottom rung of the U.S. new-car market in pricing, starting at $14,990 for the hatchback and $15,990 for the G4 sedan, which is sold as the Attrage in some world markets (all prices include a $995 destination charge). Both are powered in the U.S. by a 78-horsepower, 1.2-liter three-cylinder paired with a five-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission.

There were no details on the updated models, but the teaser photo shows a much needed and more modern front end for the cars that gets them in line with the grille, bumper and headlight configuration now worn by the brand’s Outlander, Outlander Sport and Eclipse Cross SUVs. The shadowy image also seems to show some tweaking to the side and taillights.

There also was no word on when the updated hatchback and sedan might make it to the U.S. — the global product is being unveiled in Thailand (where it is built) on Nov. 18 and not at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show taking place at the same time.

More From Cars.com:

  • 2020 Nissan Versa Not the Cheapest New Car, But It’s a Helluva Better Value
  • Sans Sedans: R.I.P. Fiesta, Fusion, Taurus As Ford Kills Off Cars
  • Sans Snowboard Box, This May Be Next Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In
  • 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport to Stop in Geneva on Way to U.S.
  • Rio, Bravo: 2018 Kia Rio Is Actually Good

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

Source: Read Full Article