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2017 Mitsubishi Mirage: Hey, it sort of looks better

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I've never really been too kind to the Mitsubishi Mirage. Sure, its bargain-basement MSRP is appealing, and there's plenty of content within. But in the end, it's just sort of a dumpy little thing. Thankfully, Mitsubishi is offering a number of updates for the 2017 model year, and the redone Mirage shows its freshened face to the world at the 2015 LA Auto Show.

First and foremost, it looks better. There's some more assertive styling baked into the nose, including LED running lamps and a stylized lower grille. That said, it's the same ol' Mirage out back. Inside, a number of new fabrics and trim pieces are found throughout the cabin, and the infotainment system is updated to include the popular Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps.

Mitsubishi's wheezy little three-cylinder still resides underhood, making 78 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. That's actually four more horsepower than last year's car, but I'm sure the Mirage will continue to sprint at its usual, glacial pace. Overall drivability might see an improvement, too, as Mitsubishi is fitting larger brakes and a retuned suspension.

I'll be sure to give the Mirage a fair shake next year. Until then, I'll just gaze lovingly into the purple hatch's new eyes, in the gallery above.
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THE 2017 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE: NEW EXTERIOR DESIGN AND ADDED PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENTS

- The new Mitsubishi Mirage continues to deliver outstanding fuel economy
- 2017 Mirage will feature Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™
- Attractive pricing and 10-year warranty distances the competition

CYPRESS, Calif. Nov. 18, 2015 – Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today announced details for the fuel-efficient 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage featuring a new exterior design, improved performance and enhanced interior appeal. Despite all that is new for Mirage in 2017, a few things didn't change at all—Mirage still offers impressive fuel economy, attractive pricing and industry leading new vehicle and powertrain warranties. The Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback will be available at dealers in spring 2016.

"Mirage has gained popularity with its affordable and practical appeal," said Don Swearingen, executive vice president, MNNA. "Mirage owners are looking for a vehicle that does its job well and is reliable. The Mirage continues to deliver all of those attributes, and the improvements to the 2017 model year will expand the Mirage's appeal even more."

The changes for the 2017 model year are led with the new exterior design. Mirage receives a fresh new look with redesigned hood, grille, front and rear bumper, fog and headlamps, rear spoiler and wheels. The exterior styling was given purpose, with an aerodynamic design to maximize fuel-efficiency and a simple, restrained form to help reduce weight, creating a car in which form and function come together.

Inside, Mirage receives a design update with new seat fabrics, gauge cluster, steering wheel and shift panel. In addition, a new 300-watt Rockford-Fosgate™ audio system with EcoPunch™ is available, as is an in-car display audio supporting Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, the first Mitsubishi vehicle to get these popular infotainment systems in the U.S.

The 2017 Mirage continues to utilize a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder DOHC engine featuring the latest version of Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) variable valve-timing system that maximizes fuel efficiency and power output while greatly minimizing exhaust emissions. With the addition of a roller-type camshaft, Mirage increases its horsepower to 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft torque.

Mirage's handling and brakes are improved for 2017 as well. Optimizing the spring rate and damping force of the shock absorbers while adding stiffness to the front end achieve handling and stability improvements. In addition, bigger diameter brake discs (251 mm) are used in the front and the rear brake drums (203 mm) have increased 23 millimeters. The brake pad/shoe material has also been changed for even better stopping performance.

Every 2017 Mirage comes equipped with a wide array of safety features and technologies. These include a seven air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) comprised of dual front air bags, dual front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, dual side-impact curtain air bags, and a driver's knee air bag; 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); and Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL). Mirage models equipped with the continuously-variable transmission-equipped (CVT) also include Hill Start Assist (HSA).

Mitsubishi Mirage Information

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