Mitsubishi has decided to discontinue the Mirage, which is known as one of the cheapest cars on the market in the United States, after announcing its retirement in Japan earlier this year.
By the middle of this decade, the Mirage will no longer be sold in the United States, according to insiders who spoke with Automotive News. Currently, the small car comes in both hatchback and sedan versions. According to sources, when it goes out of production, it will signal Mitsubishi’s complete withdrawal from the sedan market in the North American region.
Related: Mitsubishi Retires Mirage in Japan- Future Uncertain
A few vehicles have a manufacturer-suggested retail price under $20,000. One of these vehicles is the Mitsubishi Mirage. Along with the Nissan Versa, it competes in this segment with the Kia Rio, Forte, and Soul.
In terms of sales, the Mirage sold 15,816 units in 2022. It might not seem like much, but it accounted for 19% of Mitsubishi’s 85,810 vehicle sales in the U.S. last year. Sales of the Mirage were, nevertheless, down 31% from 2021. So far in 2023, it is currently struggling to leave the showroom floors and is predicted to sell fewer than half of its peak of 26,966 units in 2019.
Related: Mitsubishi Motors Shuts Down its Operations in China
Although Mitsubishi hasn’t officially revealed anything about the replacement of Mirage, it is possible that Mitsubishi may bring its subcompact Xforce crossover to the U.S. to fill out the bottom of its range in the future. The affordable model is set to go on sale in Southeast Asia this year. Today’s consumers, who gravitate to SUVs in considerably greater numbers than classic body designs like hatchbacks and sedans, may find the new Mitsubishi Xforce to be much more enticing.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
