Mitsubishi Mirage Discontinued

author: FutureCar Staff    

The current generation of the Mitsubishi Mirage was primarily created to meet emissions regulations and cater to the Thai market, which is a significant market for the brand and offers cheap labor. While the Mirage may not be considered a great car, it has developed a reputation as a budget-friendly option.

Despite claims that the Mirage was the only vehicle selling below $20,000 in July, it is likely that dealerships either marked up other base models or did not have them in stock. Nevertheless, the Mirage has long been known for its affordability.

Mitsubishi had plans to abandon the sedan market and focus on value-focused vehicles in developing markets. However, with the shift towards electric and larger vehicles, the decision to discontinue the Mirage is not surprising. The brand intends to halt U.S. sales of the Mirage to make room for more crossovers and electric vehicles.

The Mirage, once considered an automotive bargain, is losing its appeal in the North American market. The price of micro compacts has been steadily increasing, and manufacturers have prioritized vehicles with higher profit margins.

Despite its low price, the Mirage is showing its age. It is slow, lacks character, and is primarily suited for basic transportation. While it may be suitable for errands or city driving, it struggles on steep hills and highways.

Mitsubishi's decision to incrementally raise the price of the Mirage has diminished its value proposition. The base model now competes with other models like the Kia Rio and Nissan Versa, which offer more modern features and additional power without sacrificing fuel economy.

The Mirage's sales have been declining, with volumes expected to be less than 10,000 units this year. The decline in popularity is not solely due to the waning interest in the car but also reflects the overall trend of increasing new vehicle prices.

The Nissan Versa has experienced a significant decline in sales, and the segment for economy cars is shrinking. It remains to be seen how long the Mirage will remain in the market, but sources suggest it may not extend beyond 2025.

Mitsubishi has not provided a specific timeline for the Mirage's departure from North America but maintains that it still serves as an entry-level vehicle in their portfolio.

FutureCar Staff