North American Debut of Latest Mitsubishi Motors Sedan
Toronto, Feb. 11, 2016 – The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan has received the green light for sales in North America, signaling an expansion of the company’s subcompact line up. The distinctively-styled G4 sedan, based on the popular Mirage hatchback, made its official debut at the Canadian International Auto Show today and goes on sale this spring.
Mirage G4 was introduced by company vice president, Sales & Marketing, Tony Laframboise with the help of players and cheerleaders from the Toronto Rock, six-time past champions of the National Lacrosse League.
He noted Mirage G4 is the first of two new models that will arrive in Mitsubishi Motors dealer showrooms this year. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – the world’s first twin-motor, plug-in hybrid electric compact sport utility – will be available across Canada this fall.
Add to this the just-announced makeovers of Mitsubishi Lancer, RVR and Mirage hatchback models, along with a nearly new Outlander launched last summer, and the company’s renewed product momentum continues for 2016.
“Mitsubishi Motors is laying the foundation for continued growth in Canada. Our recent unprecedented wave of new or rejuvenated products underscores a commitment to our customers and our dealerships,” said Laframboise.
Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay
Back in 2013, the arrival of Mirage hatchback offered top fuel economy, a superb entry-level price and the industry’s best warranty. The 2017 Mirage G4, and its refreshed 2017 Mirage hatchback sibling, adds a fourth buying proposition: Mitsubishi Motors’ new in-car display audio works with smartphones via Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay which are unexpected and rare features for entry-level models.
“Our expanded Mirage line up improves upon an already compelling value proposition for subcompact customers in Canada. You would be hard pressed to find Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay in premium vehicles, yet they’re standard on SEL price lines of the 2017 Mirage G4 and Mirage hatchback,” he added.
More Horsepower, Enhanced Handling, Braking
Mirage G4 sedan will have two price lines, ES and SEL – both featuring the 1.2-litre DOHC 3-cylinder MIVEC engine with a starting MSRP of $14,398 and, for the fully loaded model, $18,198. For 2017, the addition of a roller-type camshaft, improves Mirage output to 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft torque.
Mirage’s handling and brakes are improved for 2017 as well. Optimizing the spring rates and damping force of the shock absorbers, while adding stiffness to the front end, achieves handling and stability improvements. In addition, bigger diameter brake discs (251 mm) are used in the front and the rear brake drums (203 mm) have increased 23 mm. The brake pad/shoe material has also been changed for improved stopping performance.
The ES price line is available with either five-speed manual or CVT auto transmission, while SEL comes with the CVT.
Array of Standard Safety Technologies
Every 2017 Mirage comes equipped with a wide array of safety features and technologies. These include a seven air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) comprised of dual front air bags, dual front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, dual side-impact curtain air bags, and a driver’s knee air bag; 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).
Mirage ES has standard air conditioning, remote keyless entry, power windows, Bluetooth 2.0® hands-free cellular interface with streaming audio and USB input with voice control, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, variable intermittent wipers, tilt steering and more. A move up to Mirage SEL adds 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, heated front seats, front fog lamps, heated side-view mirrors with integrated turn signal, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, rear view camera and display audio with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay.
Larger than the hatchback, the Mirage G4 sedan’s overall dimensions are 4,305 mm length, 1,670 mm width, 1,505 mm height and 2,550 mm wheelbase and is available in seven exterior colours, including the new Wine Red colour on display at the CIAS. A Mirage G4 prototype was shown two years ago at the CIAS in a test of consumer, dealer and media reaction – with responses received by Ryan Geary, marketing manager, at Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada.
Consumer Feedback
“The consumer survey information along with anecdotal comments from all major auto shows in Canada confirmed our assumptions that Canada wants the Mirage G4! Our product planning team took this information, expanded their research and brought to market the G4 launched here today,” he noted.
Mitsubishi Mirage is backed by the best warranty in the world – lending itself to the company’s Canadian brand statement: Built Better, Backed Better – including a 10-year or 160,000-km limited powertrain warranty and a five-year or 100,000-km limited new vehicle warranty along with five years, unlimited mileage roadside assistance.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada is the sales, service, parts and marketing arm for Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors with 91 dealerships across Canada. With a product range consisting of Lancer sedan and Sportback, Mirage hatchback, RVR compact crossover, Outlander compact sport utility and the all-electric i-MiEV hatchback, MMSCAN supports its dealerships with a head office team and parts distribution centre -- both located in Mississauga, Ontario. Established in 2002, MMSCAN and its dealerships employ over 1,200 people in communities large and small. In 2015, MMSCAN was named an AON Best Employer, earning "gold" status among Canada's small and medium organizations.
