Alongside its Triton commercials and the ASX, Eclipse Cross, Outlander, Pajero and Pajero Sport line-up of SUVs, the Mitsubishi model family has included just a single traditional car design since the Lancer was discontinued.
That car is the small Mirage hatchback, first launched in 2013 and just updated for the second time with an exterior refresh, cabin upgrades and new some technology features which are designated as a Model Year 2021 update.
The Mirage is offered in XLS grade and the main news with the updated model is the addition of new active safety and driver assist features including Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM). A reversing camera also becomes standard.
"These significant upgrades, paired with a competitive launch price of $19,900, make this popular model a formidable contender in its field," said Reece Congdon, Mitsubishi Motors NZ Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs.
"More than ever, Kiwis want a compact vehicle that provides a combination of safety and excitement. The new Mirage delivers on both fronts, seamlessly blending smart new features to provide a modern product for discerning drivers."
The introduction of LDW, FCM and the reversing camera join the existing Mirage XLS safety equipment roster that includes driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags, four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Active Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist and Smartbrake technology.
The Mirage gets some immediately noticeable visual changes with a bold new frontal deign that incorporates the Dynamic Shield design theme first seen on the Triton utility and now also adopted on the latest ASX and Pajero Sport models.
The new design comprises new bumpers front and rear, a revised bonnet, new halogen headlights and daytime running lights and a chrome grille. The cosmetic changes have added 50mm to the overall length of the Mirage and there are new 15-inch alloy wheels with a machine-finished design.
There’s also a new Sand Yellow exterior colour – replacing Sunrise Orange – as the Mirage retains a choice of seven colours.
A significant update for the cabin includes a new black-on-black colour scheme with geometric designed black fabric upholstery, a new steering wheel, carbon print door trim and a soft-touch armrest create a blend of style and comfort.
Cruise control has become standard and the Mirage adopts the Mitsubishi Smartphone Link Display Audio — compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – controlled from a 7.0-inch touchscreen.
A new combination meter design displays the outside temperature, fuel usage and includes visual LDW and FCM warnings.
There are no changes to the Mirage powertrain which retains the economical 1198cc three-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission. The 1.2-litre triple develops 58kW at 6000rpm and peak torque of 102Nm at 4000rpm with a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 5.0 litres per 100km.
The full retail price for the facelift Mirage XLS is $21,990 with Mitsubishi launching at a special price of $19,990 with an introductory 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 finance offer of 0 per cent interest over 24 months.
Like most conventional car models Mirage sales have fallen significantly in recent years as new compact SUV models have risen in popularity.
The current generation of Mirage enjoyed its best year of sales with 846 units when it was launched in 2013. Since 2016 when 754 units were registered, Mirage volume has slipped to 605 units in 2017, 336 units in 2018 and only 199 units last year.