Since 1978, Mitsubishi->ke58 has put the Mirage->ke4103 name on a huge variety of cars, from coupes to hatchbacks,->ke304 wagons->ke143 to sedans.->ke142 While the Mirage’s body style may have shifted depending on the model year and market, you can trace at least two common threads throughout the car’s history – small exterior dimensions, and an affordable price point. These days, stateside consumers know the Mirage as a subcompact five-door, while Mitsubishi’s corporate brass probably knows it better as the second biggest seller in the U.S. and an integral factor in keeping the brand afloat. To help bolster the Mirage’s success, Mitsubishi has announced a new sedan variant that promises the same value for money and interior tech as the hatch, plus a slightly revamped exterior appearance.

It’s called the G4, which stands for “global four-door.” Already on sale overseas, Mitsubishi hopes the G4 will attract customers looking for an affordable small car, but are left uninspired by the hatchback body style. In a press release, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Don Swearingen, called the dual Mirage offerings a “formidable one-two punch in the subcompact segment.” Read on to learn if it’s a knockout, or just a glancing blow.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4.

Exterior

Last year at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Mitsubishi unveiled the updated 2017 Mirage hatchback. Part of the refresh was new exterior styling, which included a tweaked fascia, headlights, taillights, bumpers, spoiler, and hood.

In many ways, the sedan variant takes after its five-door sibling’s aesthetics. It’s short, rounded, and bubbly, with uncluttered features and simple lines. However, there are a few notable differences, starting with the nose. The grille, for example, is larger, featuring three wide slats instead of the hatchback’s mesh insert. The lower bumper is also new, with a central intake bookended by bracket-shaped fog light surrounds, rather than the hatchback’s single lower intake cut in half by a strip of polished trim.

In profile, the sedan looks longer and lower, especially behind the rear axle, where the sedan’s trunk space significantly extends the overhang. The character lines, however, remain identical. Both models offer turn signals integrated with the side mirrors, and taillights that wrap into the sides, although the sedan’s taillights differ from the hatchback in design and shape.

The look is about right for the segment, and it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out with four-door fans.

Interior

Along with the exterior update, the Mirage got a revamped interior space for the 2017 model year, with new upholstery, a new steering wheel, new instrumentation, and a new shift surround. All of these improvements were brought in for the sedan, which looks to be a direct carryover from the hatchback in terms of interior appointment and layout.

Sit in the driver’s seat, and you’re met with a three-spoke steering wheel with a variety of controls placed on the sides at thumb’s length. The main cluster is a trio of gauges, while there are two rounded air vents in the corners of the dash, and two square air vents on top of the center console. A glossy black surround complements a centrally mounted infotainment touchscreen, while the same is used for the gear shifter plate. Brushed metal look trim is used throughout. The rearview mirror gets a garage door function.

Some of the biggest news is the addition of advanced smartphone integration, including support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both these systems should go a long way in enticing would-be buyers.

In back is seating for three additional passengers, bringing the capacity up to five passengers total. There’s a central fold-down cup holder and armrest if no one is sitting middle.

Drivetrain

Under the hood is the same recently updated drivetrain as the hatchback Mirage – an all-aluminum, 1.2-liter three-cylinder producing 78 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque, which is four more ponies than the previous Mirage. Routing the output to the front axle is a choice between either a five-speed manual gearbox, or a continuously variable automatic transmission.

The draw here is maximum efficiency, with upwards of 40 mpg combined when rocking the CVT. However, if must know, expect to hit the 60 mph mark in around 12 seconds, give or take.

Safety

As of this writing, Mitsubishi has yet to provide exact specifications on the Mirage sedan’s safety equipment, and the major national safety organizations have not yet posted test results. However, we can look to past Mirages to get a better idea how the 2017 model will perform.

The NHTSA, for example, rated the 2015 Mirage hatchback with four out of five stars overall, giving it four out of five stars in frontal crashes, five out of five stars in side crashes, and four out of five stars in rollovers. Meanwhile, the IIHS gave the 2015 Mirage hatchback its lowest “Poor” rating in the small overlap front test, but its highest “Good” rating in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints and seat tests.

Prices

Obviously, one of the sedan’s biggest selling points is its low price. Mitsubishi has yet to provide exact pricing for the 2017 Mirage G4, but considering the hatchback starts at $13,805, expect to pay around $15,000.

All things considered, that’s pretty darn good for a brand new sedan that’ll return 40 mpg. Sweetening the deal is Mitsubishi’s rock-solid warranty, which includes a 5-year/60,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty, 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, 7-year/100,000 anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty, and 5-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance.

Look for the 2017 Mirage G4 in dealers sometime this spring.

Competition

Chevrolet Sonic

The Bowtie just dropped the updated Sonic at the same show as the Mirage G4, and it should offer some stiff competition when it officially goes on sale. Offering new styling (both in a sedan and hatchback body style), a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4G Wi-Fi, and a 1.8-liter four cylinder engine, the Sonic will be hard to beat. Expect an MSRP slightly above that of the Mitsubishi.

Read the full review here.

Ford Fiesta

If you’re looking for a little more fun behind the wheel, give the Fiesta a drive. It’s got nippier handling and the option for a turbocharged three-cylinder engine good for 123 horsepower. Both a six-speed automatic and a five-speed manual are available. The updated 2017 model is expected soon, and when it’s finally revealed, be on the lookout for extra goodies in the cabin.

Read the full review here.

Conclusion

Mitsubishi hasn’t exactly been thriving the last few years, but the Mirage has buoyed it a bit with its exceptional value. The new sedan should capitalize on that by tapping into the American preference for sedans. Add in a more attractive technology package and spruced up interior, and things are looking up. However, Mitsubishi has to be wary when it comes to pricing. Slot the G4 too high, and its biggest strength is diluted, especially in the face of far more interesting options from the competition.