Mitsubishi Motors North America, (or is it Nissubishi now?) announced that the Mitsubishi Mirage has been recognized by IHS Automotive for having the highest model loyalty in the Sub-Compact category for the 2015 model year. So for some reason, owners of the Mirage decided that when it was time to get a new car, they really needed another Mirage.
The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the few cars I enjoyed having growing up. It was one of my first cars actually, I owned a 93 and to this day I still own a few. But when I went and looked at the new generation of them I wasn’t as impressed as I’d hoped to be. Don’t get me wrong, I am excited that the Mirage is back and still has a manual transmission. However, there’s something about the neon color and tiny engine that just depresses me. These cars were based on the lancer platform in the old versions of the Mirage, but this new one looks as though a Versa and a Yaris had a baby. It is refreshing to know people are still interested in Mitsubishi even though it’s a sinking ship. Let’s hope Nissan can give Mitsubishi the boost it needs to stay relevant, and maybe even enough cash flow for new models (like a new EVO).
On a positive note, sales increased nearly 30-percent from last year and the next Mirage will be all new for the 2017 model year with a restyled exterior, more performance, and some new gadgets on the inside.
Here’s to the next generation Mirage and hoping for the improvements it needs will be met. This marks the second year in a row that the Mirage has won the loyalty reward, perhaps the improved 2017 model will continue that trend.
Mitsubishi Pictures Gallery
Written by: Trevor Dunlap
