Mitsubishi Mirage

The Mirage has a complicated marketing history, with a varied and much convoluted naming convention that differed substantially depending on the market. Mitsubishi used the Mirage name for all five generations in Japan, with all but the first series badged as such in the United States. However, other markets often utilized the name Mitsubishi Colt and sedan variants of the Mirage have been widely sold as the Mitsubishi Lancer—including in Japan where the two retailed alongside one another. In Japan, the Mirage was sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza. In the United States and Canada, the first four generations were sold through a venture with Chrysler as the Dodge Colt and the similar Plymouth-badged Champ and Colt. Later, the venture brought the Eagle Vista and Summit branded models which sold alongside the aforementioned. Confusingly, Chrysler has also offered an unrelated Dodge Lancer at various stages between the 1950s and 1980s. However, when DaimlerChrysler briefly controlled Mitsubishi through the DaimlerChrysler-Mitsubishi alliance from 2000 through to 2004, the license to the "Lancer" name was relinquished to Mitsubishi for usage in North America. Thus, after the fifth and final generation Mirage, replacement models in North America have adopted the new name. Mitsubishi introduced replacements for the fifth series of Mirage, starting in 2000 with a new generation of Lancer—now larger, having moved up to the compact segment. Then in 2002, a subcompact five-door hatchback badged Colt globally became available. By 2003, the Mirage and its derivatives had been completely phased out of mainstream Japanese production. For the 2002-era Colt's replacement in 2012, Mitsubishi decided to resurrect the Mirage name internationally for a new sixth generation model. With the rising popularity of boxy subcompact SUVs in Japan, the Mirage nameplate was used on a domestic market-only model called the Mirage Dingo, from 1999. The Dingo was facelifted in 2001 and canceled in 2003. However, New Zealand sold a very different Mirage from 2002—a rebadged Dutch-manufactured Mitsubishi Space Star labeled Mirage Space Star. This vehicle was not very popular and was discontinued in 2003. == First generation (1978) ==

Mitsubishi launched the Mirage as a front-wheel drive three-door hatchback in March 1978, as a response to the 1973 oil crisis. A five-door hatchback on a longer wheelbase arrived in September. Since most overseas markets did not have the Minica kei car, the Mirage was usually sold as Mitsubishi's entry-level model. Chassis codes were from A151 to 153 for the three-doors, with A155 and up used for the longer five-door version. Mirage featured four-wheel independent suspension, rack and pinion steering, plus front disc brakes. Power initially came from 1,244 and 1410 cc iterations of the familiar Orion engine, putting out , respectively. Of particular note, the 1410 cc variant featured "modulated displacement"—a system that could shut down cylinders under cruising or idle conditions to reduce fuel consumption. Mitsubishi added the moderately more powerful 1.6-liter Saturn engine to the range in March 1979, for the 1600 GT model. File:Mitsubishi-Mirage1600GTrear.JPG|Mitsubishi Mirage 3-door (pre-facelift; Japan) File:Wien Floridsdorf Mitsubishi Colt 2 (cropped).jpg|Mitsubishi Colt 3-door (pre-facelift; Europe) File:Colt Turbo A150.jpg|Colt Turbo A150 (Europe) The Mirage also debuted Mitsubishi's Super Shift transmission, a four-speed manual with a second lever for "low" and "high" range; effectively making the transmission an eight-speed unit. The Super Shift was not originally planned. However, Mitsubishi engineers had to make use of the existing Orion engine designed for rear-wheel drive applications making use of the longitudinal engine orientation. In the Mirage, sizing constraints as a result of the front-wheel drive layout required the engine to be mounted transversely, thus causing the carburetor to face forwards and run into icing issues. However, the primary implication of the Mirage's powertrain orientation — and the issue that demanded the unconventional transmission — was the mounting of the transmission beneath the engine. This required the gearbox to take power down from the clutch, an action not possible directly as this would have dictated that the gearbox rotate in the opposite direction to that required. To overcome this, the use of an extra "idle" transfer shaft was necessitated. The dashboard was also updated, with rotating "satellite" buttons mounted within fingertip reach for light and wiper functions. Another new version for the Japanese market was the 1600SX, a well-equipped five-door automatic fitted with the 1600GT's 88-PS engine. File:Mitsubishi Colt (1983) at Schaffen-Diest (2015).JPG|Colt hatchback (facelift) File:1981 Mitsubishi Colt 1400 GLX (cropped).jpg|Colt hatchback (facelift) File:1985 Mitsubishi Colt (RC) SE sedan (24187480105) (cropped).jpg|Colt sedan (facelift) File:1989 Mitsubishi Colt (RE) XL 5-door hatchback (14976570289).jpg|Interior At the same time as this facelift, Mitsubishi introduced a four-door sedan variant to Japan under the names Mirage Saloon and Lancer Fiore, which is not to be confused with the unrelated regular Lancer. The sedan's backseat folded in a 60/40 split, just as for the hatchback. With Mirage hatchback and sedan sales in Japan restricted to the Car Plaza dealerships, the Fiore was intended to duplicate the Mirage's success at the Galant Shop — Mitsubishi's second retail sales channel. Lancer Fiore received the same 1.2- and 1.4-liter engines, and as a Mirage-derived model line, was substantially smaller than the strict Lancer. Apart from the wider axle track dictated by the switch to front-wheel drive, the original 1973-era Lancer offered a similar dimensional footprint. A more sporting turbocharged version of the 1.4-liter engine was made available in Japan from the time of the facelift as the 1400 GT Turbo, originally only in the three-door hatchback. To handle the additional power, the suspension was made firmer, the brake servo was upgraded, and the driveshaft was changed to an equal-length design featuring a central bearing. The small turbocharger, of Mitsubishi's own manufacture, unusually sat between the intake and the twin-barrel carburetor. The engine was equipped with a knock sensor, enabling it to run on petrols of various octane ratings. The compression ratio was also unusual, fairly high for its time at 8.7 to 1. The Turbo also used the twin-range Super Shift transmission. In Japan, the Turbo was also available with the five-door hatchback bodywork, a version that was rarely exported (if at all). Mitsubishi distinguished the 1400GT with a hood mounted air intake, unique interior, uprated suspension and brakes, and the equalization of the drive shaft lengths to reduce torque steering. In October 1982, the 1200EX Special (hatchbacks) and 1200EL Special (saloons) were launched in Japan; these were well equipped low-cost versions with heated rear windshields and other extras. The 1400MD Super and Marie limited editions were launched in December 1982. Japanese manufacture of all body variants ended in October 1983. North America Chrysler imported this generation of Mirage to the North America as the Dodge Colt and Plymouth Champ from late-1978 for the 1979 model year, Then from the 1983 model year, Plymouth retired the Champ and adopted the name Colt as well. 0-60 time was over 12 seconds, and the top speed was 90 MPH. The Mirage Turbo was sold as the Plymouth Colt GTS Turbo, only as a two-door hatchback and fitted with a fuel-injected 1.6-litre 4G32T engine which reappeared in the next-generation Colt. Australia and New Zealand The facelifted model was also manufactured as the Colt by Mitsubishi Motors Australia to late 1989, with sufficient inventory stockpiled not exhausting until 1990. Initially offered with the 1.4- and 1.6-liter engines in five-door hatchback form, the sedan was produced from 1984. Australian Colts were given model codes RA (from November 1980), RB (October 1982), RC (April 1984), RD (October 1986), and RE (September 1988). The RE update was distinguished by revised wheel covers, body side projection mouldings, and grille, plus the addition of body colour bumpers. The SE model was dropped, with the range opening up with the fleet-focused XL hatchback with the 1.4-litre engine and a four-speed manual gearbox, stepping up to the 1.6-litre, GLX hatchback and sedan with five-speed manual or optional three-speed automatic. Some European markets also received the Turbo model, which arrived in late 1982. After the introduction of the second generation Mirage/Colt, the original model remained available in Belgium (at least) as the "Mitsubishi Magnum", only offered as a three-door with the smallest engine and bare-bones equipment. == Second generation (1983) ==

| 1983.10–1987.10 (hatchback) | 1983.10–1988.01 (sedan) | 1985.02–1992.05 (wagon/van) | 1983–1994 (Thailand) }} | Gasoline: | 1198 cc 4G16 I4 (C15) | 1298 cc 4G13 I4 (C11) | 1468 cc 4G15 I4 (C12) | 1499 cc G31B I4 (C18) | 1597 cc 4G32 I4 (C13) | 1597 cc 4G32T turbo I4 (C13) | 1755 cc 4G37 I4 (C37) | Diesel: | 1795 cc 4D65 I4 (C14/C34) }} }} Mitsubishi launched the second generation Mirage to Japan in 1983, again splitting the range into Mirage (three- and five-door hatchback, plus four-door sedan) and Lancer Fiore (four-door sedan) models. A station wagon version of the Mirage was added in 1985, with a four-wheel drive wagon available from the fall of 1986 with the 1.8-liter gasoline engine. Many export markets sold the hatchbacks as Mirage or Colt, with the sedan and wagon commonly badged Lancer. This wagon model went on to become very popular in both the commercial and private sectors overseas as well as in Japan. C10-series chassis numbers denote front-wheel-drive models, while C30-series numbers are for four-wheel-drive versions (only station wagons). File:Mitsubishi Colt rear 20080326.jpg|Colt 3-door (Europe) File:1987 Mitsubishi Mirage GLX (29251886015) (cropped).jpg|Mirage 5-door (New Zealand) File:Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5 EXE (cropped).jpg|Lancer sedan (Europe) File:Mitsubishi Lancer Kombi rear 20080312.jpg|Lancer Kombi (Europe) File:Mitsubishi Colt C10 1.5 GLX Automatik Innenraum.JPG|Interior Uprated engines were deployed into the series; 1.3- and 1.5-liter Orion gasoline engines replaced the previous 1.2- and 1.4-liter Orion units. Mitsubishi also released variants fitted with the 1.6 and 1.8-liter Sirius gasoline powerplants, and for the first time a 1.8-liter Sirius diesel was added. The 1.6-liter Sirius engine also included a turbocharged variant with between and , featuring the latest in computer control engine technology including electronic fuel injection. The X1 X featured an Italvolanti steering wheel and alloy wheels by Porsche Design. Also new was the competitively priced and comprehensively equipped Marion version, only available in the three-door body with the 1.3-liter engine, aimed specifically at young female buyers. Export ;Europe The Mirage was available in Europe as the Colt in 1200 L, EL, and GL trims (mostly three-door models only, but a five-door GL was sold in some markets), as the 1300 GL three- and five-door, 1500 GLX three- and five-door, and as the 1800 L/EL/GL (diesel) three- or five-door. The Lancer sedan was available in the same trim levels as the hatchback model (including the 1200 engine), while the wagon versions were available as 1500 GLX and 1800 GL diesel only. The three-door Colt Turbo was also sold in Europe, with the 1.6-liter ECI engine. The Colt Turbo fared badly in competition with its European GTi-class competitors, with period testers criticizing Mitsubishi for not doing much more than adding a turbocharger, spoilers, and fat tires. It was not a thorough engineering job and the car was not able to fully handle the ample power made available. Some markets also received the 4WD Wagon with the larger 1.8-liter engine, although the diesel-powered 4WD remained available to Japanese customers only. Versions equipped with catalytic converters first became available in Europe in 1985, at the same time as the wagon was introduced. ;North America The Mirage was not sold in the United States by Mitsubishi until the 1985 model year. As the usual export name Colt was already used by Dodge and Plymouth, while Lancer was in use by Dodge on an unrelated car, Mitsubishi stuck to Mirage for their own version of the car. Mitsubishi made a 25-year licensing deal to use the "Mirage" name with Grand Touring Cars, Inc. of Scottsdale, Arizona for use in the United States, as that company already owned the rights to the name for the Mirage race car series. While Dodge/Plymouth Colt-branded models were available with four-door sedan bodywork as well as a short-lived five-door hatchback - from model year 1988 also a station wagon - Mitsubishi originally marketed the Mirage only as a three-door hatch through its own American dealers, despite the five-door model having repeatedly been rejected by Chrysler's marketing organization in favor of the Dodge Omni. The 1985 Mirage's equipment levels were Base, L, LS, and Turbo, with prices set a few hundred dollars beneath those of its Dodge/Plymouth equivalents. The well-equipped LS model was dropped after the first model year, and in 1987 a four-door sedan was added to the lineup. For 1988, only the Turbo Sport hatchback and naturally aspirated standard 4-door sedan remained in price listings, as the new Mitsubishi Precis supplanted the basic hatchback Mirage. As with the Colts sold by Chrysler, the turbo gained a few horsepower for a total of . ;New Zealand A commercial version of the wagon was sold in New Zealand as the Mitsubishi Express, replacing an earlier model based on the Galant Sigma. The second generation Mirage range was also assembled in New Zealand, but was never sold in Australia, where the original version was kept in production until the third generation replaced it in 1988. ;Southeast Asia Mitsubishi in Thailand released the three-door hatchback and four-door sedan models with 1.3- and 1.5-liter engine as the Mitsubishi Champ in 1983. Later the series was renamed Mitsubishi Champ II and Champ III, with the hatchback and 1.5-liter versions discontinued. This was also exported to Canada from January 1988 until the end of Champ production in 1994. In Indonesia, both the sedan and the 5-door hatchback were sold under the Lancer nameplate. Available in two trim levels, SL with 1.4-liter engine and GLX with 1.6-liter engine. The four-door sedan formed the basis of the Proton Saga, Malaysia's first locally built car and manufactured between 1985 and 2008. Proton would later spin the Saga off into its own five-door hatchback called the Saga Aeroback in 1987 (longer, and styled differently from Mitsubishi's own five-door hatchback version). == Third generation (1987) ==

| 1987–1991 (hatchback) | 1988–1991 (sedan) | 1988–1996 (liftback)}} | Japan: Okazaki, Aichi (Nagoya Plant) | New Zealand: Porirua, Wellington (Todd Motors) | Indonesia: Pademangan, North Jakarta (PT. Krama Yudha Kesuma Motor) | Philippines: Cainta (Philippine Automotive Manufacturing Corporation) | Thailand: Laem Chabang (MMTh) | United States: Normal, IL (DSM)}} 1597 cc 4G92 SOHC 16V I4 |1755 cc 4G37 SOHC 8V I4 | 1836 cc 4G67 DOHC 16V I4 | 1834 cc 4G93 DOHC 16V I4 | Diesel: | 1795 cc 4D65 8V I4 | 1795 cc 4D65T 8V turbo-diesel I4 (Japan)}} }} Mitsubishi introduced the more rounded, third-generation Mirage to Japan in October 1987. Masaru Furukawa headed the vehicle design, with Yasukichi Akamatsu given the role of chief engineer. The basic model, a three-door hatchback with upright tailgate and large glasshouse arrived first. The sedan, released to Japan in January 1988 was stylistically distinct with almost vertical rear glass, influenced by the larger Galant. The range was complemented by a five-door liftback in June 1988, but without a station wagon variant, Mitsubishi persevered with the previous model until the release of a new wagon on the fourth generation chassis. As before, Mirage, Colt, and Lancer naming varied between markets with different body shapes often having different titles in the same market. In Japan, sedans were available with the Mirage and Lancer nameplates, while the three-door was sold only as Mirage, and the liftback only as Lancer. Japanese Mirage sedans usually featured the "Vie Saloon" suffix. File:Clonskeagh, Co. Dublin - Ireland (9738366093) (cropped).jpg|Lancer Sedan (Europe; pre-facelift) File:Mitsubishi Lancer (1988) IMG 4922.jpg|Lancer 5-door liftback (Europe; pre-facelift) File:1991 Mitsubishi Colt 1.3 GL Cabri - 53156880795 (cropped).jpg|Colt 3-door hatchback (Europe; pre-facelift) Engines available were 1.3- and 1.5-liter Orion gasoline inline-fours and 1.8-liter Saturn gasoline inline-four. For Greece only, a 1.2-liter version of Orion engine available in the entry-level models outputted . The 1.8-liter Sirius diesel carried over from the previous shape. In Japan, four-wheel-drive versions were also available, fitted with the carbureted 1.5 and fuel-injected 1.6-liter gasoline engines, or 1.8-liter diesel. The top Mirages in Japan were called the "Cyborg", featuring the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine developing — the same unit as fitted to the Lancer GSR sedan. Lancer GSR File:1991 Mitsubishi Lancer (CB) GSR 3-door hatchback (2015-07-10) 01.jpg|Pre-facelift Lancer GSR 3-door (Australia) File:1991 Mitsubishi Lancer (CB) GSR 3-door hatchback (2015-07-10) 02.jpg|Pre-facelift Lancer GSR 3-door (Australia) Facelift The third generation received a minor facelift in September 1989, with late models receiving the same modernized engines as were seen in the subsequent generation. In its most potent turbocharged variant, the new 4G61 engine produced at 6000 rpm. File:1992-1996 Mitsubishi Lancer (CC) GL 5-door hatchback 03.jpg|5-door liftback (Australia; facelift) File:Mitsubishi Lancer hatchback 1.8 GTi-16V (cropped).jpg|5-door (4G93) 1.8 GTi-16V liftback (Europe; facelift) File:Mitsubishi Lancer GLX (27413796535) (cropped).jpg|Sedan (Indonesia; facelift) Markets European versions were available as the 1300 GL, 1500 GLX, 1600 and 1800 GTi-16V, and 1800 diesels, with the three-door labelled Colt and the sedan and liftback called Lancer. Mitsubishi retailed a Colt "van" in select European markets, being the three-door body without rear side windows and therefore attracting reduced taxation in these jurisdictions. German buyers were also offered a lower-powered version of the catalyzed 1.3-litre engine, producing at 5,500 rpm, to qualify for lower insurance premiums. In March 1990, the , catalyzed 1600 GTi-16V was replaced by a 1.8-liter version with . A few months later, this version also became available with a non-catalyzed engine for those European markets that still eschewed emissions controls. The 8-valve, 1.3-litre engine was replaced by a somewhat more powerful, 12-valve version in June 1990; it was still carburetted, however. The next generation Lancer did not include a five-door hatchback; since this was a popular bodystyle in Europe Mitsubishi kept offering this model until mid-1994. Beginning in June 1992, the higher line models were fitted with the new 1.6 and 1.8-litre engines from the 4G9 engine family; a fuel injected version of the 12-valve 1.3 replaced the carburetted model used hitherto. Since first generation Mirages were still under Australian production as the Colt, all three third generation body types were imported from Japan and sold under the Lancer name in that market. Initially, the Australian-specification models were designated as the CA series when introduced in 1988, adopting the CB designation for the 1990 facelift. The liftback continued to be sold in Australia alongside the fourth generation (CC) Mirage-derived Lancer from 1992 through to 1996. Confusingly, the carry-over liftback was also given this CC model designation. North American three-door and sedan sales occurred under the Mitsubishi Mirage name for the 1989 to 1992 model years. Badge engineered variants were also sold in the US as the Dodge/Plymouth Colt (three-door only), and Eagle Summit. In Canada, a Dodge/Plymouth sedan was also offered as the Mitsubishi brand did not operate in the market until the 2003 model year. For the Mitsubishi-badged versions, the top hatchback carried a 1.6-liter 4G61T turbocharged inline-four engine rated at . This was also available with Dodge Colt badging; the Colt also received power windows. Only about 900 Mirage Turbos were sold for the one model year they were available, and even fewer Dodge Colt Turbos. For the 1991 model year, the 1.5-liter 4G15 engine's new twelve valve heads (three valves per cylinder) boosted power from , and a new GS sedan offered the 1.6-liter 4G61 with and a standard four-speed automatic transmission. ;Specifications == Fourth generation (1991; CA/CB/CC/CD) ==

| October 1991–1995 | 1992–2003 (wagon)}} | Japan: Okazaki (Nagoya Plant) | Indonesia: Pademangan, North Jakarta (PT. Krama Yudha Kesuma Motor) | New Zealand: Wellington | Philippines: Cainta (Philippine Automotive Manufacturing Corporation) | Taiwan: Yangmei (China Motor) | Thailand: Laem Chabang (MMTh) | United States: Normal, IL (DSM) }} | 2-door coupé (CA) | 3-door hatchback (CA/CC) | 4-door sedan (four-window; CB/CD) | 4-door sedan (six-window; CB/CD) | 5-door station wagon/van (CB/CD) }} | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive | Front-engine, four-wheel-drive}} }} In October 1991, the fourth generation Mirage made its debut for the Japanese market alongside the related Lancer. Departing from the previous series, the new Mirage adopted a much rounder body shape — a change duplicated by much of the automotive industry in the early-1990s. As before, the Japanese Mirage lineup comprised the three-door hatchback (now called Mirage Cyborg) and sedan (now with a six-window glasshouse), plus a new coupé body type suffixed Asti. Lancer variants sold in Japan offered unique body variants — a four-windowed sedan and, from May 1992, a station wagon simply named Mitsubishi Libero. A turbocharged model named Libero GT was also available. The Libero was sold as the Lancer Wagon in most export markets, where its introduction coincided with a small update for 1993, featuring new bumpers and adjustments to the engine lineup. The Lancer wagon was sold until 2003 in the Australian and New Zealand markets, primarily for fleet buyers. The wagon was still listed on a dealer website until 2012 in Belize. The US specification with longer bumpers has drag coefficient of (coupe) and (sedan) respectively. Unlike prior generations, the Japanese market Lancer range co-existed with greater differentiation when compared to the Mirage. The Mirage with its sportier appearance and tapered hood, featured elliptical headlamps with a very narrow single-port grille. Lancer variants diverged with more angular styling characterized by the more upright design. The Lancer also featured re-shaped fenders, less rounded headlamps, and a larger dual-port grille. Although both were built on the same platform, the Japanese-specification Lancer sedan received different sheet metal than the Mirage equivalent. More traditional in silhouette, the Lancer sedan (suffixed Vie Saloon) featured a simple four-window glasshouse, whereas the Mirage sedan adopted a more modern six-window glasshouse with abbreviated trunk. Hatchback / Coupé File:1995-1996 Mitsubishi Lancer (CC) GLXi coupe 01.jpg|Lancer coupé File:1995-1996 Mitsubishi Lancer (CC) GLXi coupe 02.jpg|Lancer coupé File:Mitsubishi Colt - 54093430412 (cropped).jpg|Colt hatchback Station wagon File:2001 Mitsubishi Lancer (CE2) GLXi station wagon (21546169761) (cropped).jpg|Lancer station wagon File:2001 Mitsubishi Lancer (CE2) GLXi station wagon (21537500545) (cropped).jpg|Rear view File:1995 Mitsubishi Libero GT in Mystic Black, front left.jpg|Libero GT (Japan) Sedan File:1993-1996 Mitsubishi Lancer (CC) Executive sedan 01.jpg|Lancer sedan (4-windowed) File:Mirage cb sedan.jpg|Mirage sedan (6-windowed) File:1994 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6 GL i (cropped).jpg|Lancer sedan (4-windowed) Naming of the various models for export was many and varied. As a Mitsubishi, the three-door was restricted to the Mirage and Colt names, but the Mirage Asti coupé was often badged Lancer as well. With the sedan, export markets only retailed the four-window variation as a Mitsubishi, although this occurred under both the Lancer and Mirage names. Mitsubishi's powertrain choices were vast with this new platform. Front-wheel drive was most common, with all-wheel drive available for some models. Engines ranged from 1.3- to 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline inline-fours, 1.8 and 2.0-liter turbocharged versions of the same, plus 1.8 and 2.0-liter diesels. Notably, a gasoline V6 engine variant displacing just 1.6-liters was also offered, making it the smallest ever mass-produced V6. Many performance models were offered in this generation. The entry-level model is powered with 1.6-liter DOHC inline-four engine producing was sold as "Mirage R, RS, Super R, Cyborg or Cyborg R" and "Lancer MR" in Japan. For export model, the car was badged as "Colt or Lancer GTi", powered with 1.8-liter DOHC naturally aspirated engine rated at . The 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing , was sold as a "Lancer GSR or RS" and from September 1993, formed the basis of the Lancer Evolution I that used the 2.0-liter 4G63 engine from the successful Galant VR-4 rally car. An electric version of the wagon was released to Japan named the "Lancer Libero EV" and utilizing a nickel–cadmium battery. Export markets ;Australia Australian market versions of this generation were released in late 1992 and were officially referred to as the CC series Lancer. Buyers had the choice of the Lancer coupé (available in GL and GLXi equipment levels), sedan (GL, Executive, and GSR), and wagon (Executive). Five-speed manual transmission came fitted as standard, with all variants except the GSR available with automatic—three gears for the base coupé and sedan—and a four-speed unit for the remainder of the lineup. The GL coupé and sedan featured the 1.5-liter carbureted motor, with the 1.8-liter fuel-injected engine reserved for the rest of the series. All engines except in the GSR are single overhead camshaft design; the GSR featured double overhead camshafts, plus a turbocharger and intercooler. ;Proton versions Mitsubishi granted Proton in Malaysia a license to the fourth generation design from 1993 — it remained in produced in a distant form until 2010. The first variant produced, the sedan was badged Proton Wira (1993–2007) and was complemented by a Proton-designed five-door Wira hatchback (1993–2004). Malaysian manufacture of other variants commenced later, with the three-door Satria (1994–2005) and Putra coupé (1996–2000; and 2004–2005). Proton then developed a coupé utility variant which came to fruition in 2002 as the Arena, lasting until 2010. == Fifth generation (1995; CK) ==

| Gasoline: | 1.3 L 4G13 I4 (CJ/CK1A) | 1.5 L 4A91 I4(China; Soueast Lingyue) | 1.5 L 4G15 SOHC/DOHC I4 (CJ/CK/CL/CM2A) | 1.6 L 4G18 I4(China; Lancer Classic and Soueast Lioncel) | 1.6 L 4G92 SOHC/DOHC I4 (CJ/CK4A) | 1.8 L 4G93 I4 (CK5A) | 1.8 L 4G93T turbo I4 (CM5A) | 1.8 L 6A11 V6 (CK6A) | Diesel: | 2.0 L 4D68 I4 (India; CK8A) | 2.0 L 4D68T turbo-diesel I4 (CK/CM8A)}} }} The release of the fifth generation Mirage to Japan in October 1995 introduced a rationalized lineup as a result of the fragile post-bubble economy in Japan. Three body types were issued: first, the three-door hatchback and sedan, then in December 1995, the two-door coupé (Asti). While the sedan grew slightly in size, the coupé shrunk modestly. It was bumped from the subcompact class to compact in the United States. Whereas the previous Mirage sedan sold in Japan featured a six-window profile, the 1995 redesign shared its styling with the Lancer except for minor differences in trim. File:Mitsubishi Colt - 48725465606 (cropped).jpg|Colt 3-door hatchback (pre-facelift) File:2002 Mitsubishi Mirage (CE2 MY02) 3-door hatchback (2016-01-04) 01.jpg|Mirage 3-door hatchback (facelift) File:2002 Mitsubishi Mirage (CE2 MY02) 3-door hatchback (2016-01-04) 02.jpg|Mirage 3-door hatchback (facelift) File:2003 Mitsubishi Lancer (CE2 MY02.5) MR coupe (2011-12-06) 02.jpg|Lancer coupe (facelift) For the Lancer, these included a different trunk lid, amber front turn signal lamps, and a restyled grille garnish. No station wagon of this generation was offered, although the previous generation wagon continued over the entire fifth generation production run. While only the sedan formed part of the Lancer range in Japan, both the coupé and sedan were labeled as Mirage and Lancer in export markets. Between 1995 and 2004, the Mitsubishi Carisma supplanted the sedan in some European markets. A minor facelift arrived in 1997. Of note, the Lancer sedan featured a new grille and reshaped inner-portions of the headlamps to better differentiate it from the Mirage donor model. Both the coupé and sedan benefited from redesigned tail lamps, whereas the three-door only received a redesigned front bumper incorporating a larger grille. In 1997, a classically styled version of the Mirage three-door hatchback became available in Japan, badged Mirage Modarc. The Modarc featured chrome for the grille, side mirrors, door handles, and bumper strips; it also included fog lights and optional alloy wheels. In 2001, the Mirage-based models gained a chrome-trimmed grille insert in limited markets. Although a new, substantially larger and more expensive generation of Lancer sedan arrived in 2000, many export markets retained the Mirage-derived model up until 2003 when Japanese manufacture concluded and Mitsubishi retired the "Mirage" nameplate worldwide. This is especially true of the hatchback and coupé which were not redesigned due to Mitsubishi's financial troubles. In other markets, the newer sedan often co-existed with the old as a more premium offering. Mitsubishi eventually replaced the three-door in 2005 for Europe only with the three-door Colt—the name previously used in many export markets to denote the Mirage from 1978 onwards. A five-door variant of the Colt had earlier been released in 2002. By 2003, the only Mirage sold in Japan was the coupé, now without the Asti designation. Mitsubishi did not tender a replacement for the coupé. European three-door CJO series models of this generation were sold between 1995 and 2001 as the Colt. Sedans and wagons sold as Lancers. Australia This generation was sold in Australia between 1996 and 2003, designated the CE series. Like the previous generation, this model was available as a coupé and sedan (badged Lancer), and as the three-door titled Mirage. The Lancer wagon lingered on as a CE model, despite being a facelifted remnant of the previous generation. Towards the end of its model run, Mitsubishi introduced several limited editions (based on the GLi) to remain competitive with its rivals. These extras such as sports interiors, alloy wheels, and body kits. Despite the introduction of the new generation Lancer sedan to Australia in 2002, the CE continued alongside it until production ended in 2003, including the sedan which remained as the basic GLi. The coupé was now only available in GLi and MR trims. File:1997 Mitsubishi Lancer (CE) GLi sedan (2015-07-14) 01.jpg|Pre-facelift Mitsubishi Lancer sedan (Australia) File:1997 Mitsubishi Lancer (CE) GLi sedan (2015-07-14) 02.jpg|Pre-facelift Mitsubishi Lancer sedan (Australia) File:2001-2003 Mitsubishi Lancer (CE2 MY02.5) GLXi sedan (2009-12-20).jpg|Facelift Mitsubishi Lancer GLXi sedan (Australia) File:2001 Mitsubishi Lancer (CE2) GLXi sedan (2009-09-17) 02.jpg|Facelift Mitsubishi Lancer sedan (Australia) United States In the United States, the fifth generation Mirage arrived for the 1997 model year and was again available in sedan and coupé versions. The 1.5- 4G15 and 1.8-liter engines from the previous iteration returned in DE and LS trims, respectively. The 1998 model year brought a stronger starter and battery; 1999 introduced a minor facelift, plainer seat fabric; and for the LS coupé, white-faced gauges and a tachometer with either transmission (it was formerly exclusive to the manual). For 2000, Mitsubishi added further standard equipment, plus the standardization of the 1.8-liter engine for the DE sedan; anti-lock brakes were deleted from the options list. Mitsubishi renamed the DE sedan as ES for model year 2001. Mirage sedans were replaced with the next generation Lancer for 2002, although the coupé lingered on for 2002 in North America. The production of the model year 1999 Mirage sedans was greatly lowered due to the large demand for the Eclipse; there were only 4,783 Mirage DE (Deluxe Edition) units produced and 3,829 Mirage sedans exported for that model year. In Puerto Rico, the 1.8L Mirage was sold as the Mitsubishi Technica or Mirage Technica for both 2-door and 4-door variants. Venezuela Venezuela received this series in 1998 as a Lancer where it remained until 2001. After this, the next generation Lancer entered the market and local production of the old sedan recommenced between 2003 and 2010 under the Mitsubishi Signo name. Variants of the Signo comprise the base 1.3-liter GLi, and the 1.6-liter "Plus" and "Taxi" trims. Philippines In the Philippines, MMPC introduced it in 1996 as the Lancer sedan. Initially it was offered in three grades; EL, GL, and the top-spec GLXi which are locally assembled at MMPC's Cainta assembly plant. The EL & GL grades are powered by either a 1.3 or 1.5L carburated engine, while the GLXi is powered by a 1.6L inline-four engine all paired to a standard 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission (GL & GLXi only). In 1997, MMPC added the Limited Saloon & 2-door GSR coupe variants to the lineup. Both grades are still powered by the 1.6L inline-four engine with a choice of a standard 5-speed manual or INVECS 4-speed automatic transmission. The "Limited Saloon" featured redesigned grille, leather upholstery, JBL speakers, taillight garnish, power adjustable seats (driver side only), keyless entry among other features. In 1998, the 2-door Lancer known as the Lancer GSR received a facelift. It featured strut bar, leather steering wheel and seats, Dual airbags, and ABS. The Lancer GSR is powered by the same 1.6L four-cylinder engine found on the GLXi & Limited Saloon grades. It is paired to a INVECS 4-speed automatic transmission. In 1999, Mitsubishi added another trim the "MX" to compete with Nissan's "Sentra Exalta" & Toyota's "Corolla SE-G". The MX trim is powered by a 1.6L inline-four engine coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manu-matic shift mode respectively. It featured leather seats, automatic climate control and wood paneling. By mid-2000, Mitsubishi axed the EL & GL model trims in favor of the Lancer "1.6 GLS" trim which featured redesigned front-end & cloth seats. It was launched in 2001. Indian production This series also entered Indian production in June 1998 as the Lancer, assembled by Hindustan Motors. Available model variants were LX sedans with either the 1.5-liter gasoline engine or 2.0-liter diesel and a five-speed manual transmission. The gasoline option produces while the diesel only offered . In 2004, the 1.8-liter 4G93 gasoline engine was added, only in conjunction with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the power of the 1.5 was downgraded to . The Lancer was joined by the Lancer Cedia in 2006 and continued to be sold alongside that model until discontinued in 2012. Chinese version This generation Lancer entered production in the Chinese market as the Soueast Lioncel in March 2003 and was produced by Soueast Motors up to 2005. Pricing for the Lioncel ranged between 84,000 yuan and 159,800 yuan (12,150 to US$23,120) for the 2004 model year and 78,900 to 133,800 yuan (11,415 to US$19,360) for the 2005 model year. The Mitsubishi Lancer was also produced by the manufacturer with slightly different exterior styling compared to international markets featuring larger headlights and revised taillights. A modified version was known as Mitsubishi Lancer S-Design and was shown at the Guangzhou Auto Show in 2014. The standard engine for the Chinese market Lancer was the 1.6-litre 4G18 engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox for the Lancer Classic and Lioncel with an optional 4-speed automatic available on the Lancer. Trim levels for the Lancer were the 1.6 SEi (manual and automatic), 1.6 EXi (manual and automatic) and 1.6 EXi Sports (manual and automatic) with price ranging from 94,800 yuan to 122,800 yuan (15,020 to US$19,460). The Lioncel also shares these trim levels. Production for the Lancer started in May 2006 and ended in 2015. File:MITSUBISHI LANCER (CHINA) (cropped).jpg|Mitsubishi Lancer (China; 2006–2012) File:Mitsubishi Lancer V CN facelift Sanming 01 2022-11-17.jpg|Mitsubishi Lancer Sport (China; 2006–2012) File:Mitsubishi Lancer V CN facelift Sanming 02 2022-11-17.jpg|Mitsubishi Lancer Sport (China; 2006–2012) File:Mitsubishi Lancer V CN facelift China 2014-04-16.jpg|Mitsubishi Lancer (China; 2012–2015) File:SOUEAST LIONCEL (cropped).jpg|Soueast Lioncel (pre-facelift, China) File:Meter Taxi in Vientiane 01.jpg|Soueast Lioncel (facelift, Laos) Another variant called the Soueast Lingyue is a facelifted version of the Lancer and successor to the Lioncel and was produced by Soueast Motors from October 2008 to December 2019. The facelifted Lingyue was launched in August 2010. The Soueast Lingyue ran on a 1.5-litre 4G15 engine for the 2008 model year only where it was replaced by the 1.5-litre 4A91 engine for 2009 models onwards. The Lingyue comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard and a CVT option was available from 2010 to 2014. File:Soueast V3 Lingyue Style Edition 01 China 2012-05-20.jpg|Soueast V3 Lingyue front(China; 2008–2009) File:Soueast V3 Lingyue Style Edition 02 China 2012-05-20.jpg|Soueast V3 Lingyue rear(China; 2008–2009) File:Soueast V3 01 China 2012-04-15.JPG|Soueast V3 Lingyue front(China; 2010–2011) File:Soueast V3 02 China 2012-04-15.JPG|Soueast V3 Lingyue rear(China; 2010–2011) File:2012 SouEast (Mitsubishi) V3 Lingyue, front 8.7.18.jpg|Soueast V3 Lingyue front(China; 2012–2013) File:Soueast V3 Lingyue Facelift III Sanming 01 2022-07-19.jpg|Soueast V3 Lingyue front(China; 2013–2014) File:SOUEAST V3 (5).jpg|Soueast V3 Lingyue front(China; 2014–2019) File:SOUEAST V3 (6).jpg|Soueast V3 Lingyue rear(China; 2014–2019) Successor When Mitsubishi introduced a new independent generation of Lancer in 2000 (without a corresponding Mirage), the old Mirage-based sedan was discontinued in Japan, although production continued for export. The next phase in the Mirage's demise was the release of the Colt—a five-door hatchback—in 2002. The Colt replaced the Mirage hatchback, despite the latter being a three-door. Unlike its predecessor, the Colt featured a tall, upright design with a short engine compartment to maximize interior dimensions. Engines for the Colt comprised 1.1-liter three-cylinder, plus 1.3-, 1.5-, and 1.6-liter gasoline inline-fours with a standard five-speed manual and optional continuously variable transmission (automatic). Sales in export markets did not occur until 2004, with production in Japan no longer being the primary source. European models were instead sourced from Born, the Netherlands with a three-door body produced exclusively at this factory from 2004. Also in 2004, the Colt Plus was launched as a longer version of the standard five-door with greater luggage capacity. Then in 2006, the range expanded further with the release of the Colt CZC—a convertible with a retractable hardtop roof. Colt convertibles were produced only at the Netherlands facility, with final assembly taking part with Pininfarina at Turin, Italy. Manufacture of the Colt ended in 2012, with the successor model reverting to the Mirage name internationally. Unlike the Colt's expensive architecture shared with the Smart Forfour, the emphasis on the Mirage is low pricing to increase Mitsubishi's presence in emerging markets. == Sixth generation (A00/LA, A10; 2012) ==

}} | Gasoline: | 1.0 L 3A90 I3 | 1.2 L 3A92 I3 }} }} The Colt was renamed back to Mirage in 2012. The sixth generation was previewed as a concept car at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show, with series production cars unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. For some European markets, the name Mitsubishi Space Star is used. The model code is A00, although in Australia it is referred to as the LA. The Mirage is built at Mitsubishi Thailand's Laem Chabang plant, facility number three since 19 April 2012. The car is mainly developed as a response to the Eco Car policy endorsed by the Thailand government. The car effectively doubled Mitsubishi sales figures in the country. Shipments to Japan began in July, with the Australian hitting the market in January 2013. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines began manufacturing both the hatchback and G4 sedan variants of the Mirage for the country's market in January 2017. To aid efficiency, minimizing vehicle mass was one engineering focus. "Painstaking efforts to reduce weight", including the use of high-tensile steel in the body, In North America, it is the lightest 4-door car available (only the 2-passenger Smart Fortwo is lighter). Reducing aerodynamic drag was another primary design goal. One of the car's aerodynamic features resulted in a new patent application. The result is the lowest drag coefficient (Cd) in its class. File:2013 Mitsubishi Mirage 2 1.2 Rear.jpg|Rear File:Mitsubishi MIRAGE G (DBA-A03A-XTHX) interior.jpg|Interior Markets Japan Early Japanese models has 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine with Auto Stop & Go (AS&G), CVT and 165/65 R14 tires. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder car for the Japanese market achieves in the JC08 cycle and will have a sub-1 million yen price tag. From December 2014, the larger 1.2-litre engine was available on the G model. In Japan, the first facelift went on sale in January 2016, at which time the 1.0 was also discontinued and replaced by the 1.2 across the board. The second facelift arrived in April 2020. Because of complications with gaining type approval for the electric power steering and slow sales, Mitsubishi stopped importing the Mirage to Japan at the end of March 2023. The car's effective successor in the Japanese market is the Delica D:2. Thailand The Thai market model was unveiled at the 2012 Bangkok International Motor Show on 28 March 2012. The Thai model features the 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine with start-stop, fitted with a CVT or manual transmission. Philippines In the Philippines, the Mirage was launched in mid-2012 and was initially offered in GLX and GLS grade levels. Both variants were available with either 5-speed manual transmission or CVT. All models are powered by the 1.2-litre engine. In late 2013, the sedan version called G4 was added to the lineup and was also available in the same 2 grades as the hatchback. In its first full year of sales (2013), the Mirage reached a place as the sixth best selling hatchback. The refreshed Mirage hatch launched in the country in April 2016 while the refreshed G4 launched in April 2018. In February 2021, the grade badges for the hatch were removed. Instead, the hatchback's variants are now simply dubbed Mirage MT and Mirage CVT Indonesia In Indonesia, the Mirage was launched on 17 September 2012 and is imported from Thailand. It is offered in GLX, GLS and Exceed grade levels. The GLX grade is available with 5-speed manual transmission, while GLS and Exceed grades are available with CVT. All models are powered by the 1.2-litre engine. On January 19, 2015, the updated Mirage was launched alongside the launch of the Mirage Sport. The updated Mirage has a 15-inch rim size, which is larger than the previous Mirage's 14-inch rim size. The Mirage Sport is based on a GLS grade with a body kit and DRLs. The facelifted Mirage was released on 26 July 2016. The Mirage was discontinued in the Indonesian market in 2018. North America The North American edition was unveiled at the 2013 Salon International de l'auto de Montreal. Despite previous speculation, the car was marketed as the Mirage in the United States and Canada for the 2014 model year. Canada/U.S. models include 1.2-litre three-cylinder MIVEC engine, five-speed manual transmission or CVT, choice of eight body colors (Kiwi Green, Thunder Gray, Sapphire Blue, InfraRed, Cloud White, Starlight Silver, Plasma Purple and Mystic Black). There was no 2016 model year in the North American market. In August 2024, Mitsubishi Motors North America confirmed that production of the Mirage would cease later in 2024, expecting inventory to last through the summer of 2025. Its discontinuation left the Nissan Versa as the only new automobile in the United States to have a price tag of under $20,000 after destination charge; Nissan will discontinue the Versa after 2025. First facelift At the 2015 LA Auto Show, Mitsubishi previewed the Mirage's 2017 facelift. The car received a new front end design, projector headlights with LED daytime running lights, and LED tail lights. The facelift results in a drag coefficient of 0.27cd. In addition, engine output was increased from , the suspension was improved through better shock absorbers, revised spring rates, and upgraded brakes (larger discs on front, drums on rear, and different friction material). The interior also saw numerous aesthetic changes from the steering wheel to the HVAC system and a new optional touchscreen infotainment system using Apple's CarPlay interface and a 300W Rockford Fosgate audio setup. A Rockford Fosgate Edition of the ES trim, fitted with a 300-watt premium stereo, was sometimes available beginning in late 2015. It is typically referred to as the Mirage RF and is fitted with a small Rockford Fosgate sticker. File:2016-2020 Mitsubishi Mirage M in Cool Silver Metallic, front right.jpg|Mirage M (Japan; first facelift) File:2017 Mitsubishi Mirage ES in Pearl White, Rear Left, 05-22-2022.jpg|Mirage ES (Canada; first facelift) Second facelift The second facelift of the Mirage was launched in November 2019, with new front end styling to match the company's new design language and allowed for a collision avoidance system to be added. The interior also received updated styling and all models received new touchscreen audio system with support for Apple CarPlay. In June 2021, an off-road look Space Star Cross is launched in Portugal. File:Mitsubishi Space Star (2019) Auto Zuerich 2021 IMG 0244.jpg|Mitsubishi Space Star Intense (Europe) File:Mitsubishi Space Star (2019) IMG 3141.jpg|Mitsubishi Space Star (Europe) Sedan (A10) The four-door sedan version of the Mirage, known as Mitsubishi Attrage or Mitsubishi Mirage G4 in some markets, has been manufactured at Mitsubishi's Laem Chabang plant in Thailand since June 2013. The sedan was first introduced as a concept car at the 2013 Bangkok International Motor Show called the Concept G4 sedan. The sedan is only offered with the 1.2-liter engine. Markets The Attrage is sold in few Western European markets such as Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg. The engine is available as a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 59 kW (80 hp). A continuously variable transmission is available as an option. The Attrage is also sold in Singapore, Turkey, Malaysia, and the Middle East. Philippines According to Masaaki Yamada, senior adviser for Mitsubishi Motors Philippines, the company used the Mirage G4 name in the Philippine market, as they claimed the "Attrage" nameplate has a negative connotation in the Filipino language. "Attrage" sounds too much like atrás, Filipino or Spanish for "going backwards". In the Philippines, the Mirage G4 received its facelift on 28 August 2021. It is offered in the same trim models as the pre-facelift model: GLX (manual & CVT) and GLS (CVT only). In January 2022, a limited-edition GLS Sport was introduced. Based on the GLS trim, the GLS Sport featured sideskirts, grille garnish, and rear lip spoiler. Only 300 units were produced. The limited-edition Black Series was introduced in November 2022. Only 150 units were produced. On 31 May 2025, the Mirage G4 received LED projector headlamps and taillights as standard for the CVT variants, while all grades received 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels as standard. Safety features such as Active Stability Control (ASC), Hill-start assist (HSA) and Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) became standard on all grades. Mexico In Mexico, the Attrage is sold as the Dodge Attitude, replacing the Hyundai Accent (RB) from January 2015 model after Hyundai's arrival in the Mexican market. Starting on 1 February 2019, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 has been sold in Mexico alongside the return of Mitsubishi in the Mexican market, coexisting with the Dodge Attitude. It was facelifted in August 2020. North America For the US market, the Mirage G4 sedan was available from spring 2016 as a 2017 model. It is available in ES and SE trims, with 7 airbags available as standard. In Canada, sales of the G4 sedan ran 3 model years, from 2017 to 2019. It was cancelled owing to low sales relative to the hatchback (the G4 made up less than 20% of total Mirage sales in 2018). Thailand The Attrage received its facelift in Thailand on 18 November 2019 with the same front fascia as the second facelift Mirage hatchback. Peter Anderson of The Motor Report gave it two-and-a-half out of five stars. What Car? magazine rated the Mirage 3 out of 5 stars for "cost and verdict." Matt Jones of Top Gear magazine gave the Mirage an Overall Verdict of 3 out of 10. Sam Wollaston of The Guardian gave the car a Cool Factor rating of 3 out of 10. Consumer Reports placed the Mirage among the 10 Worst Cars of 2013 and Top Gear magazine placed the Mirage on its list of "The worst cars you can buy right now." Jason Torchinsky of Jalopnik rated the 2014 Mirage an 8 out of 10 for Value and argued that other journalists gave it excessive criticism, saying "''I get the appeal of writing a bad review — they're a hell of a lot more fun to write than a good review... But you have to keep that critic-lust in check, sometimes, and try and really get to the truth of things.''" On the positive side, Kelley Blue Book gave the Mirage an overall rating of 6.2 (with a Consumer Rating of 9.4/10), quoting that "If the most important thing to you is getting the cheapest new car you can find with the most equipment and best possible fuel economy, you'll like the 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage." The Mirage was named one of Forbes magazine's 12 Greenest Cars of 2014, and was one of two non-hybrid vehicles on the list. In the Philippines, the Mirage was awarded the "2012–2013 Car of the Year" by the Car Awards Group. Top Gear Philippines rated the car 18 out of 20, and stated, "For the single person or young couple on a budget, the Mirage is still the sweetest deal in town." In Denmark, the Space Star received largely positive reviews, and was the fifth most sold car in January–February 2015. The Hispanic Motor Press awarded the Mirage as Best Subcompact in 2014 and recognized the Mirage G4 as Best Subcompact in 2017. Company Vehicle of New Zealand praises the Mirage, calling it "an ideal city commuter which is absolutely effortless to slip into even the tightest of parking spaces". The Automotive Science Group has recognized the Mirage for Best All-Around Performance and Best Economic Performance. Patrick Rall of Torque News praised the 2018 Mirage GT, noting it as a "great winter commuter car" with "lots of features". Brian Wong of Cars.com called the Mirage GT "fun to drive" and praised its light-weight design. Erik Shilling notes that after eight years on the market, "the Mirage is probably the best kind of car there is: a cheap car that functions, and isn't pretending otherwise." Safety ASEAN NCAP test results for a right-hand-drive, five-door hatchback variant on a 2013 registration: == Production and sales ==

Production (Sources: Facts & Figures 2013 , Facts & Figures 2018, Facts & Figures 2019, Mitsubishi Motors website) Sales == References ==