Mitsubishi Mirage to End Production by 2025

author: FutureCar Staff    

While the Mirage of the 1990s was known for its reliability and affordability, the current generation serves a different purpose. It was primarily designed to meet emissions regulations in Thailand, where it is manufactured. Thailand is one of Mitsubishi's largest markets and offers cheap labor, allowing the Mirage to be competitively priced worldwide.

Although the Mirage may not be considered a great car, it has developed a reputation that it may not entirely deserve. However, its existence is something that I appreciate.

According to Cox, the Mirage was the only vehicle sold below $20,000 in July. This suggests that either base model Kia Rios and Nissan Versas were marked up by dealerships or they were not available for shipment. Regardless, this demonstrates the Mirage's long-standing role as an affordable transportation option.

Automotive News reported that Mitsubishi planned to abandon the sedan market by the middle of the decade. While this has been a trend for the brand since the early 2000s, it was expected that Mitsubishi would continue offering microcars with low MSRPs due to its focus on value and presence in developing markets.

Mitsubishi's decision to discontinue the Mirage is predictable, considering the market shift towards electrified products and larger vehicles with higher profit margins. The brand plans to halt U.S. sales of the Mirage four-door hatchback and sedan to make room for more crossovers and electric vehicles.

Despite the current fuel prices and an economy that favors value-focused cars, the United States is losing another affordable option. Mitsubishi is reportedly discontinuing the Mirage by 2025.

In the past, the Mirage represented one of the best automotive bargains in North America. However, the days of a $13,000 economy car are over. Manufacturers have consistently increased the prices of micro compacts since the early 2010s, prioritizing vehicles with higher profit margins.

While the Mirage still offers an impressive warranty and excellent fuel economy, its starting MSRP has increased to $16,245 (before fees) for the basic model. As the brand introduces more advanced safety technology, the price is expected to rise even further.

Although the Mirage is the cheapest car on the market, it is aging poorly. With a weight just over 2,000 pounds, the Mirage is slow and lacks character. Its primary appeal lies in its utilitarian nature, making it a suitable choice for secondary transportation or city driving.

However, the Mirage is not enjoyable to drive on expressways or hilly terrains. It struggles with steep hills, limiting its performance in certain conditions.

Personal experience has shown that the Mirage is ill-equipped for anything other than leisurely driving on flat ground. While it reliably gets you to your destination and offers decent cargo space with the rear seats folded, it is not a car for those who value the driving experience.

The Mirage's value proposition diminishes as you move up from the base trim. Mitsubishi's incremental price increases have contributed to its decline. The base model Mirage is now priced similarly to the Kia Rio and Nissan Versa, which offer more modern features and additional power without sacrificing fuel economy.

These factors have impacted Mirage sales. While it was never a top-selling car, it typically sold over 20,000 units annually in the United States, with a few thousand more in Canada. However, sales started declining in 2019, and this year, the hatchback is projected to sell less than 10,000 units. The decline in popularity is not solely due to the Mirage but reflects larger trends in the market.

The Nissan Versa has also seen a significant decrease in sales volume in recent years, going from 144,528 units in 2015 to just 13,399 units in 2022. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including Nissan's failure to prioritize a product with lower margins and production issues. The shrinking segment suggests that only the Kia Rio may remain until Korean manufacturers realize the potential of selling hybrid crossovers at higher prices.

The future of the Mirage remains uncertain. While sources suggest it may not last beyond 2025, Mitsubishi Motors spokesperson Jeremy Barnes declined to comment on the exact timeline or the possibility of discontinuing the Mirage in North America. He emphasized that the Mirage still serves as an entry-level vehicle in their portfolio.

FutureCar Staff