2026 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 – The Little Sedan That Fooled SUVs

Learn that small sedans aren’t extinct. Check its new features, fuel efficiency, safety features, price in Southeast Asia, and why this humble car remains a smart purchase in 2026.

Once Upon a Time, a Sedan Refused to Retire

Trends in the car industry are as fleeting as the season. Boy-racer hatchbacks filled the 90s, family vans filled the 2000s, and the 2010s saw the SUV invasion. In 2020, everybody was certain small sedans were going extinct.

And yet, one persistent little car kept crying out, “Not so fast.”

That vehicle is the Mitsubishi Mirage G4. Since it rolled off the assembly lines in Southeast Asia for the first time in 2013, it has gone by many names: “a starter car,” “a budget commuter,” even “the Uber driver’s best friend.” But the truth is this — the Mirage G4 has quietly gained a devoted following because it doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s cheap, utilitarian, and fuel-efficient.

Now in 2026, defying all expectations, it’s back with a makeover and new updates. The SUV enthusiasts may mock it, but in Manila, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur, where traffic is nasty and parking is a contact sport, the Mirage G4 makes more sense than ever.

Inside the Mirage – Function Over Flash, But Smarter Now

Let’s not kid ourselves: diamond-stitched leather seats and glow-in-the-dark ambient mood lighting won’t be found here. But neither will you feel cheated.

Mitsubishi has refined the cabin for 2026 in small but significant ways. The plastics are more robust, the design feels more ergonomic, and nothing creaks when you bang the door shut (a significant improvement over early models).

Space Where It Counts: Though small on the outside, the back seats can easily accommodate two adults without knees meeting front seats.

Tech for Everyday Life: GLS variant now gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear camera, and smartphone integration. Lower-end trims are less equipped, which some consumers prefer.

Small Luxuries: Keyless entry, a remote trunk opener, and automatic climate control all combine to make the commute through sticky Southeast Asian weather much easier to bear.

It's not an Instagram-list impressing cabin. It's an everyday survival cabin. And at this price point, that's more valuable than piano-black gloss panels that scratch within a week.

The Drive – Efficiency Over Excitement

Pop the hood and you’ll find the same 1.2-liter 3-cylinder MIVEC engine. Output?A modest 78 horsepower and 100 Nm of torque. Not much, right? But here’s the thing: this engine isn’t about bragging rights, it’s about outsmarting fuel pumps.

City Driving: Light steering and compact dimensions make weaving through rush-hour traffic effortless.

Highway Runs: Not going to be passing SUVs like a hero in a Fast & Furious film, but you’ll be running steadily and inexpensively.

Fuel Economy: Owners have achieved over 22 km/L on highways — the sort of figures that will make price-sensitive buyers smile.

Imagine the Mirage G4 as that frugal friend who never spends money on lattes but somehow always has cash saved. Not glamorous, but smart.

Safety – No More Compromises

In the past years, safety was the Mirage G4’s weak point. Consumers commonly grumbled that budget-friendly trims skimped too much. Mitsubishi evidently listened.

For 2026, all models now come with:

Dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Active Stability Control (ASC)

That’s to say that no matter whether you opt for the standard model or the GLS, you get the same cutting-edge safety features. In a segment where some cheap cars still make airbags optional features, that’s a major victory.

What It Can Actually Do – Capabilities in the Real World

Let’s get things straight: the Mirage G4 is no mountain climber, and no luxury cruiser. But in the conditions it was designed for — the crowded cities of Southeast Asia — it excels.

Parking Master: Fitting into a cramped Makati basement parking space? No problem. Parallel parking on Bangkok side streets?Breeze.

Cargo Versatility: With a 450-liter trunk capacity, it can accommodate groceries, bags, or even a weekend’s haul of bali.

Low Cost of Ownership: Oil changes, brake pads, and replacement parts won’t break the bank. Add that to stingy fuel use, and it’s a car that’s easy on your wallet.

The Mirage G4’s secret strength is easy: it does its job without requiring you to change your habits or budget.

Price and Availability – Still a Budget Hero

Here’s where the Mirage G4 keeps punching above its weight. In 2026 Philippine prices this is what it looks like:

GLX 1.2 MT – 793,000

GLX 1.2 CVT – 841,000

GLS 1.2 CVT – 937,000

In Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, prices vary due to local taxes and trim configurations, but the G4 consistently sits at the affordable end of the new car spectrum. For buyers priced out of SUVs or crossovers, the Mirage remains a dependable entry point into car ownership.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

What We Love

Excellent fuel efficiency

Affordable to buy and maintain

Now safer across all trims

Generous trunk space

Easy to maneuver in cities

What Could Be Better

Moderate engine power (particularly on steep freeways)

Materials in the cabin still feel fundamental

Styling updates are evolutionary, not revolutionary

Not a car for an enthusiast

Verdict – Why the Mirage Still Matters in 2026

The 2026 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is evidence that no car needs to follow the trend. It does not attempt to be an SUV, it does not act as though it’s sporty, and it does not convince you with gimmicks. Rather, it presents you with precisely what many Southeast Asian drivers truly need: affordability, practicality, and peace of mind.

In a region where fuel prices fluctuate, traffic never ends, and parking spots are shrinking, the Mirage G4 is less a compromise and more a clever choice.

So if you’re a first-time buyer, a family looking for a second car, or just someone tired of watching your fuel bill climb, the Mirage G4 is a quiet little hero worth considering.