FYI: Mitsubishi Discontinuing the Mirage, Ending Production of One of America’s Most Affordable Cars
In a significant shakeup to the small, affordable car market, Mitsubishi has announced that its Mirage, one of the least expensive new cars available, will be discontinued. Both the Mirage G4 sedan and the Mirage hatchback will see the end of production after 2024, confirmed a Mitsubishi spokesperson.
Mitsubishi’s North American representative, Jeremy Barnes, provided further details, stating, “The Mirage will be discontinued in the U.S. market and will not be available for the 2025 model year. Production will end later this year, with dealer inventory expected to remain adequate through the summer of 2025.”
### Affordable Yet Discontinued
The Mirage stands out as the most budget-friendly option in Mitsubishi’s lineup and one of the cheapest new cars in the U.S. market. Currently, the Mirage hatchback is priced at $17,840, while the Mirage G4 sedan starts at $18,940. Earlier in 2023, Mitsubishi announced the end of the compact car in Japan, assuring at the time that there were no immediate plans to cancel it in the United States, until now.
### Strategic Shift Towards Crossovers
Analysts suggest that Mitsubishi’s decision to discontinue the Mirage is part of a broader strategy to pivot away from sedans entirely. The company is reportedly focusing on developing smaller, more affordable crossovers, aligning with current consumer preferences. This move mirrors similar strategies by other automakers, such as Hyundai, which replaced the Accent with the Venue.
### Impact on the Small Car Market
The cessation of the Mirage’s production marks a significant loss for consumers seeking new, affordable small cars. Currently, the only comparable vehicle is the Nissan Versa, which starts just under $18,000. However, with the decreasing availability of such options, the market for new cars priced below $20,000 is shrinking rapidly.
### Conclusion
Mitsubishi’s decision to phase out the Mirage highlights a broader industry trend shifting towards crossovers and SUVs, at the expense of affordable small cars. This development may complicate matters for budget-conscious consumers seeking new vehicles. Only time will tell if new options will emerge to fill the gap left by the departure of the Mirage.
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
