Whenever car manufacturers announce that they will be unveiling a new version of your favorite model, let's say the 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage G4, what changes do you expect it to have? Do you look for the latest tech features? Do you expect it to come with an improved powertrain to be more efficient on the road? How about more safety features than before? Or maybe you are looking forward to its updated aesthetics? 

A bolder face

After a decade of existence, the Mirage G4 undergoes another substantial nip and tuck to get it up with the times. Mitsubishi Philippines aims to not only lift its locally produced sedan's popularity this year but also to keep it in line with the look and design of other Mitsubishi cars such as the Montero Sport and Xpander. This is a good and necessary move by the company to keep the Mirage at part with its competitors in the market. Of course, yet another reason to excite car buyers to the nameplate.  

Since the highlight of the Mirage G4's updates this year is mainly on aesthetics, let's focus on the exterior changes. Up front, you will recognize the familiar Mitsubishi design language adopted on the Mirage G4. It now sports the classiert looking Mitsubishi Dynamic Shield design similar to the Montero Sport and Xpander. A new headlamp design, as well as updated foglamps, complete this round of aesthetic enhancements. You'll also notice that the stance of the Mirage G4 has improved with optional accessories such as an undergrille garnish along with front, side and rear airdams. A body kit, if you will.

It's in the details

The 15-inch wheels now have an asterisk-like design. This makes it more appealing, especially when in motion. Aside from that, the side mirrors in the GLS trim now have LED signal lights and are powered for convenient operation. At the back, another noticeable change is that the bumper reflectors and the area housing them on the bumper are now vertical. And opening up the tailgate will not be difficult anymore. As long as you are holding the key, you just need to press the trunk release button twice for it to pop open automatically.

Status quo

There are some changes inside the cabin, but not as many as the changes done on the exterior. One of the few is the updated numerical display on the instrument cluster. Now in white, it should be brighter and easier to read when lit at night. Another, the armrests are now gone for the 2022 Mirage G4.  This is disappointing if you have gotten used to having them before. The infotainment touchscreen was also updated to a 7-inch display with built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Other than that, the all-new Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is pretty much the same as before on the inside.

Still proudly Philippine-made, the 2022 Mirage G4 continues to champion its renowned fuel efficiency and easy drivability in the city. Nothing much has changed in the engine. It still has the same 1.2-liter 3-cylinder MIVEC engine and the accompanying CVT. And that can be a good thing if you're after a reliable and fuel-efficient ride in the Metro.

So, do you think the 2022 Mirage G4 has what it takes to go against other budget subcompact sedans in the market? 

Also Read: At less than Php 1M, is the 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage the budget car you should own?