Mitsubishi upgrades the Lancer sedan and Mirage hatchback

AN UPDATED nose, cornering lamps and LED daytime running lights for the Lancer EX GT-A

MANY people considering Mitsubishis these days are zeroing in on the Montero Sport SUV and Strada pickup. These light trucks have been part of a spare-no-expense program by Mitsubishi to produce vehicles that can compete for best-in-class status.

For the Lancer sedan and Mirage hatchback, two of its other well-known nameplates, the brand has focused its attention on making them more attractive by upgrading the equipment.

The Lancer has always been a mainstay of the Mitsubishi lineup. When this Lancer bowed in 2008 as an all-new model, it had all the makings of an instant hit. The looks, angular and mean in the right places, are still quite decent today.

Mitsubishi has updated the styling by introducing metal-trim surrounds for the front grille and bumper. The foglamps are now surrounded by C-shaped daytime running lights. The rear has the distinctive circular lights under a beady-eyed clear cover.

A big rear spoiler juts up from the squarish trunk for the Evolution-light look. Completing the package are 18-inch alloy wheels with 45-series performance tires, with a full-size spare in the boot.

Inside, it’s an all-black affair, with some metal trim breaking up the monotony. The gauges are twin round analog units. A color display screen between them acts as trip computer and secondary indicators for fuel and temperature.

The infotainment system is a new touch screen unit with built-in navigation system. The navigation is detailed, with the screen showing exit and entry points, indicating clearly where to go. It even warns of merging roads and pedestrian crossings.

The Lancer is one of the most complete when it comes to equipment. It comes with keyless entry and start system, and a power moonroof.

THE NEW Mirage has a more attractive face, courtesy of a reshaped front fascia.

Safety includes seven airbags, including side curtain and driver’s knee bag, all with dual-stage deployment capability. This means that the airbags can deploy with less force in a moderate-speed collision.

Active safety includes cornering lamps and ABS on all four wheel disc brakes.

The 2.0-liter engine in the Lancer GT-A produces 150 ps and 197 Nm, with the aid of MIVEC variable valve timing. It’s mated to a CVT with override function.

You can pull on magnesium-alloy paddles behind the steering wheel to shift the transmission into six-speed manual mode.

With its low profile tires and four-wheel independent suspension, the Lancer delivers tight handling without losing its composure on rough roads. One limitation is that the steering wheel adjusts for tilt, but doesn’t telescope.

The fully-equipped Lancer EX GTA comes in at P1.235 million, while the GLS variant with a 1.6-liter engine and manual transmission is priced at P848,000.

When it was launched, the all-new Mitsubishi Mirage had one purpose: to introduce new owners to the Mitsubishi nameplate at the lowest possible cost. It was indeed attractively priced for a Japanese brand hatchback.

Now that the Mirage has found its audience, Mitsubishi is upgrading the nameplate and extending its appeal by adding premium-level features.

The new Mirage has a more attractive face, courtesy of a reshaped front fascia. Projector headlamps flank a chrome-outlined grille. Below the bumper is a large X-shaped metal trim piece to give the car a more upscale look. The 15-inch aluminum wheels fill out the wheel well and match the new appearance.

MAGNESIUM paddle shifters switch to 6-speed manual mode.

Inside, the Mirage adds some trim to simulate a more upscale experience.

There are shiny new surrounds for the gearshift, doors, and on the dashboard.

The infotainment system includes built-in satellite navigation and smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth.

The aircon has been upgraded to automatic climate control.

Seats feature new fabrics that help give a better feel. Best of all, the cabin no longer has the dizzying smell that you might find in poorly-built Chinese cars.

LARGE rear spoiler, inspired by its Evolution X sibling

The Mirage even comes with a keyless start system. The engine is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder unit giving out 78 ps and 100 Nm. That torque is just about enough to keep the Mirage moving smoothly in town.

Going about its business around town is easy, even when four passengers are on board.

It also sounds and feels smoother now, only betraying some roughness when revved near redline.

Mitsubishi has kept the Mirage’s weight down. The GLS tips the scales at just 850 kg. The driving feel is light but not unpleasant. There’s less of a rough edge when going over broken roads. Handling in town is tight, with the Mirage’s diminutive length making for a small turning circle.

The Mirage has a long list of standard equipment, including some that are not even standard on much more expensive vehicles, such as bi-xenon HID projector headlamps.

Fuel mileage hovers around 10 km/liter even in city traffic, while highway mileage goes up to 25 km/liter, which makes the Mirage GLS’s P713,000 list price very attractive.

Features plus price, the Mirage is certainly above many of its rivals in the A-segment. (The base Mirage starts at P553,000.) With the numerous upgrades, the Mirage becomes worthy of serious consideration.