2026 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 GLX CVT

The Bare Necessities

Simpler is better.

This phrase has stuck with me ever since Jamie Hyneman from the hit science show “Mythbusters” said it during one of their episodes. From cars to gadgets and even watches, sometimes, simpler designs can outperform more high-tech and sophisticated builds in the long term.

Perhaps one of the best examples of this philosophy is the Mitsubishi Mirage G4. Yes, it's over a decade old and is considered by some as outdated. What many fail to realize is that, despite the Mirage G4 using old tech, the humble sedan makes use of proven technologies that essentially helped cement the four-door's reputation as reliable and dependable. More importantly, it's still one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid vehicles thanks to its small three-cylinder engine.

We've already driven the top-of-the-line GLS last year, and while it is satisfactory for us, its price tag of PHP 937,000 was quite steep for such a small four-door sedan. We asked Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) if they have a GLX CVT variant available, and hey presto, they gave us the keys to one.

The GLX CVT is the mid-range model of the Mirage G4 lineup, and while it loses some key features inside and out, is it still a bargain? 

Let's first talk about the exterior changes. If you're having a hard time spotting the changes, don't worry, I also had difficulty looking for them. That's because the GLX looks relatively the same as the GLS. From the LED headlights to the chrome grille, as well as the eye-catching LED taillights and 15-inch alloy wheels, everything has been carried over.

So what exterior features have been removed? The LED foglights, the keyless entry button for the driver's side door, and the remote trunk release via the key fob. Yes, you do lose some of the niceties, but personally, these are features that you can live without. At least you still have remote keyless entry, which somehow brings me back to the first cars to have this kind of safety feature in the 1990s.

Mitsubishi could have made the Mirage G4 GLX look simpler by removing the LED headlights & taillights and swapping the 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels for a set of steelies. But I was more than surprised to find out the automaker kept those exterior bits while only removing some amenities for the sake of dropping its price tag, which we'll get to later.

Open the doors (which feel rather tinny in this day and age) and those who have owned a Mirage G4 since the 2010s will find a familiar-looking cabin. Yes, it's showing its age when compared to the screen-heavy dashboards of more modern cars, but if it ain't broke... well, you know the rest. At least everything feels familiar and ergonomic, which is always a good thing in my opinion.

What the Mirage G4 lacks in sheer screen display, it makes up for with tactile controls and buttons that one can operate even without looking at them directly. These include the hazard warning button, the audio controls on the steering wheel and beside the touchscreen display, and the dials for the air-conditioning. That's right, the GLX doesn't come with automatic climate control, but that's not an issue.

Despite not having climate control, the standard manual air-conditioning system is more than enough to keep the cabin cool during hot days. And since it's only a standard aircon, maintenance for such a system will be relatively simpler.

Like the GLS, the GLX Mirage G4 comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display. It has Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, but you need a cable to pair your smartphone. Some may complain it could do with a wireless version, but this is a budget vehicle that is specced to meet a price point. You can always swap it out for an aftermarket one if you so desire. Last but not least, the GLX only comes with two speakers instead of four and doesn't have a reverse camera display.

Don't expect to find a leather-wrapped steering wheel in the GLX, as it only comes with a regular one. Despite not having upholstery, the polyurethane steering wheel is nice to the touch and does its job. Also gone is the push-button start, which is replaced by a traditional key ignition in case you need a reminder of the good ol' days. Last but not least, the GLX doesn't have faux metal finishes on the aircon vents. Instead, it only has plain black trim to go with the rest of the cabin.

It may have fewer features than the range-topping GLS, but the Mirage G4 GLX still comes with plenty of cabin space, especially for the rear passengers. Mitsubishi even decided to keep the center armrest with integrated cupholders for extra comfort.

Behind the rear seats is exceptional trunk space, which Mitsubishi claims can hold up to 450 liters of cargo. But if you want to be more specific, the Mirage G4 can hold items as long as 36 inches, as wide as 52 inches, and as tall as 23 inches. Those who prefer a space-saver spare tire in the back will be happy to know it has one instead of a tire repair kit.

The GLX variant may be missing some niceties when compared to the GLS, but just like the exterior, it's something that you can live without.

Pop the hood, and out comes a familiar three-cylinder engine. Dubbed the 3A92, it has powered both the Mirage and Mirage G4 for over a decade and is still one of the most fuel-efficient engines in the market. The humble 1.2L inline-three makes a modest 78 PS at 6000 rpm and 100 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. Power is then sent to the front wheels via a CVT.

Despite making less than 80 PS and only having 100 Nm of torque to play with, the engine has sufficient grunt to motivate the humble four-door sedan. With just me driving the Mirage G4, the three-cylinder and CVT combo is great for city driving as it keeps the revs low while delivering just enough power to the road. It won't be setting up lap times any time soon, but that's not what the car is built for.

In case you have three other people with you inside the Mirage G4, you'll have to step a bit harder on the accelerator pedal because you only have 100 Nm of pull; to put that in perspective, the Vios is at 145 Nm. Once you reach highway speeds, however, maintaining momentum is easier, and you can keep a steady foot on the gas pedal. Despite its small engine, the Mirage G4 can be quick on its feet if you know what you're doing and know where the engine's powerband is.

Speaking of highway, the Mirage G4 can easily return up to 19.5 km/L at a steady 90 km/h. Throttle back your speed to around 80 km/h, and the engine can even average beyond 20 km/L. If your daily drive involves mostly highway driving with little to no traffic, don't be surprised if the 42-liter tank of the Mirage lasts for more than a week before needing a refill.

Stroll around town at an average speed of 20 to 30 km/h, and you'll be easily averaging between 11 and 12 km/L if you're easy on the accelerator. Keep an even lighter foot, and it can sip fuel at 13 km/L, which is something other cars can only wish to do while in the city. In heavier traffic conditions, the Mirage G4 can still return around 8 km/L, which is impressive to say the least.

When it comes to ride comfort, the Mirage G4 is average at best. It's neither too soft nor too harsh, but it's acceptable. Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) deadening is not exactly the best, but then again, this is a budget sedan that's supposed to meet a price point. Handling is also average, but thanks to its subcompact size, the Mirage G4 is fun to chuck around. Don't expect it to grip like a sports sedan, however, since it's still a four-door that's geared towards comfort.

The Mitsubishi Mirage platform is already celebrating its sweet sixteen in the Philippines, but despite its age, the Mirage G4 sedan from Mitsubishi continues to be a favorite among fleet customers, buyers who are looking at a budget sedan, and those who need an extra runaround to add to their garage without breaking the bank.

Those who want something slightly cheaper than the GLS variant can get the GLX CVT model for just PHP 841,000. That's PHP 96,000 off the top-of-the-range version, which retails for PHP 937,000. Yes, you do lose some features here and there, but they aren't exactly deal breakers. In fact, a simpler list of features is something I wouldn't mind if it translates to simpler maintenance in the long run.

The challenge for the Mirage, however, is age and change. It's dated, and there are plenty of other choices in the market that are gradually creeping towards its price bracket. 

We have no doubt that it will continue to win over new car buyers with its bulletproof reliability, uber-efficient engine, and ease of ownership, but the time has already come for a much more modern replacement.