Mitsubishi Mirage's Production to Cease by 2025

author: FutureCar Staff    

The current generation of the Mirage exists primarily to comply with emissions regulations in Thailand, where it is manufactured. This allows Mitsubishi to tap into one of its biggest markets and take advantage of cheap labor, making the Mirage a competitively priced global product.

While the Mirage may not be considered a great car, it has developed a reputation that it may not entirely deserve. Nevertheless, some people appreciate its existence.

According to Cox, the Mirage was the only vehicle to sell below $20,000 in July. This suggests that either dealerships are marking up other base model cars or not receiving shipments of those cars. Regardless, the Mirage has long been known as a budget-friendly mode of transportation.

Mitsubishi had plans to abandon the sedan market entirely by the middle of the decade. Despite this, the brand's focus on value and its strong presence in developing markets led many to believe that it would continue offering microcars with low price tags. However, with the shift towards electric and larger vehicles, Mitsubishi has decided to discontinue the Mirage to make room for more crossovers and EVs.

Unfortunately, the United States will be losing another value-focused car as Mitsubishi plans to discontinue the Mirage by 2025. The Mirage used to be one of the best automotive bargains in North America, but the price of micro compacts has been steadily increasing, leading manufacturers to prioritize higher-profit-margin vehicles.

Despite its aging design, the Mirage still offers an impressive warranty and excellent fuel economy. However, its starting price has increased to $16,245 (before fees) and is expected to rise further as the brand introduces more advanced safety technology.

While the Mirage may be the cheapest car on the market, it lacks performance and character. It is best suited for running errands or navigating densely packed cities, but struggles on expressways and steep hills. Its value proposition diminishes as you move up from the base trim, as competitors like the Kia Rio and Nissan Versa offer more modern features and power without sacrificing fuel economy.

The Mirage's sales have been declining, with volumes dropping below 10,000 units this year. This is not solely due to the waning popularity of the car, but also reflects the overall decline of the economy car segment. The Nissan Versa, for example, has experienced a significant decrease in sales over the years.

It is uncertain how long the Mirage will remain in the market, but sources suggest it is not expected to continue beyond 2025. Mitsubishi has not provided a specific timeline for the Mirage's departure from North America, but it currently serves as an entry-level vehicle in the brand's portfolio.

FutureCar Staff