Mitsubishi Mirage's Production to Cease by 2025

author: FutureCar Staff    

The current generation of the Mitsubishi Mirage exists primarily to comply with emissions regulations in Thailand, one of the brand's largest markets. It is also manufactured there due to the availability of cheap labor, allowing Mitsubishi to offer the Mirage at a competitive price globally.

While the Mirage may not be considered a great car, it has developed a reputation it may not entirely deserve. Nevertheless, there is something appealing about its existence.

Despite claims that the Mirage was the only vehicle priced below $20,000 in July, it is likely that dealerships either marked up base model Kia Rios and Nissan Versas or did not have them in stock. Nonetheless, the Mirage has long been known as an affordable transportation option.

Mitsubishi had plans to abandon the sedan market altogether by the middle of the decade, aligning with its focus on value and presence in developing markets. However, with the shift towards electrified products and larger vehicles, the decision to discontinue the Mirage is predictable. Mitsubishi intends to prioritize crossovers and electric vehicles in the future.

Despite fuel prices and an economy that would seemingly support value-focused cars, the Mirage is being discontinued in the United States by 2025. It was once considered one of the best bargains in the automotive market, but the price of micro compacts has steadily increased, leading manufacturers to prioritize higher-profit-margin vehicles.

While the Mirage still offers an impressive warranty and excellent fuel economy, its starting price has increased to $16,245 (before fees) for the basic model. The car's affordability is diminishing as Mitsubishi introduces more advanced safety technology.

Although the Mirage may be the cheapest car on the market, it is aging poorly. It lacks power and character, making it a utilitarian choice. It may be suitable for running errands or in a densely packed city, but it struggles on expressways and steep hills.

As the Mirage's price has increased, its value proposition has diminished. It now competes with 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 declined in recent years. While it used to sell over 20,000 units annually in the United States, it is now on track to sell less than 10,000 units this year. The decline in sales is not solely due to the waning popularity of the Mirage but also reflects the overall decline of the economy car segment.

The Nissan Versa has also experienced a significant drop in sales, going from 144,528 units in 2015 to just 13,399 units in 2022. This decline is attributed to various factors, including Nissan's failure to prioritize lower-margin vehicles and supply chain issues. The future of the economy car segment appears uncertain.

It is unclear how long the Mirage will remain in production, but sources suggest that it will likely be discontinued by 2025. Mitsubishi has not provided specific details regarding the Mirage's future in North America.

According to a Mitsubishi Motors spokesperson, the Mirage still serves as an entry-level vehicle and has a role in the brand's portfolio for now.

FutureCar Staff