2017 Mitsubishi Mirage Bares Its New Face With More Kit Plus Improvements Inside And Out

Mitsubishi is keen to offer more kit for their customer’s cash for the 2017 model year Mirage, their nippy, compact, and affordable supermini. Also on the list of newness is its updated styling and, as Mitsubishi themselves are touting - performance enhancements. 

The first thing you’d notice is that redesigned front end. It carries a new hood, grille, front and rear bumpers, fog lamps, head lamps, spoiler, and wheels. Mitsubishi says that while there is more bits on the outside, the additions were considered carefully to maximise fuel efficiency and complement its lighter body - though I’m doubting anyone complained about it’s heft in the first place. 

There are also improvements to suspension components as well, with shock absorber spring rate and damping force being revised while adding stiffness to the front end for better handling chops. It also receives larger brakes. 

Inside, the changes become more apparent during everyday driving with new seat fabrics, gauge cluster, steering wheel and gear shift panel. Additionally, there’s an in-car infotainment system with centre LCD display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that’s linked to a new 300-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system with - wait for it - EcoPunch. No clue why such a silly name was chosen, perhaps it’s what Captain Planet uses in a fist fight. 

The 2017 Mirage continues to utilize a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder DOHC engine featuring the latest version of Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) variable valve-timing system. With the addition of a roller-type camshaft, Mirage increases its horsepower to 78 horsepower and 74 100Nm torque. 

The 2017 Mirage also comes with seven air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, tyre monitoring system, active stability control, and hill start assist. 

While these specifications are can be expected in the North American version of the small Mitsubishi hatch, we do hope all these improvements make it to units sold in Malaysia too when the time comes. We’re especially looking forward to some EcoPunching, and we’re not afraid to admit it.