Despite the increasing demand in crossovers and
SUVs, Mitsubishi continues to sell the Mirage city car in
global markets. In production since 2012, it’s expected to be replaced next year by
an entirely new model, Japan’s Response reports. Only its successor will
supposedly grow in size and become a subcompact crossover.
Slotting under the Eclipse Cross, the next Mirage
(if it indeed retains the same moniker) will rival vehicles such as the Hyundai
Kona and Peugeot 2008. Inevitably, it will become a challenger to the likes of
the second-gen Nissan Juke and Renault Captur, with which it will share the
same platform and probably most technologies.
Power wise, the subcompact crossover is said to
benefit from a small turbocharged 0.9-liter petrol engine,which should produce
95 PS. Mitsubishi isn’t apparently ready to ditch oil burners,
thus, the next Mirage might gain a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel,
too.
The powertrain family will very likely grow, and
with the vehicle remaining on sale for a good chunk of the next decade, it will
allegedly be offered with an electric powertrain as well, although the
publication doesn’t give any details about it.
Mitsubishi will reportedly go a step beyond
transforming the Mirage into a crossover, as they’re apparently interested in a
sporty supermini, too, to go after the Suzuki Swift, though it’s doubtful if
it’ll make it to the U.S. market.
