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2017 Mitsubishi Mirage: Hey, it sort of looks better

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. 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.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV faces longer delays, might not arrive until 2016

It seems every time the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV makes the news the information concerns a delay, and the reason always centers on its batteries. Four months ago the culprit was restricted battery supply from Lithium Energy Japan, pushing the arrival to 2015. This time it's no different, with Automotive News reporting that a battery-related request made by California state regulators will push the Outlander PHEV arrival back to "late 2015 or early 2016."
CA authorities want all plug-in hybrids to be fitted with a monitor for the lithium-ion batteries that will be on the lookout for degradation, the concern being that diminished batteries could change the vehicle's emissions. Getting the technology fitted and tested means something like a 16- to 22-month delay.
The extra time, however, should let Mitsubishi figure out what it's going to do about its battery supply since the current level of 4,000 per month isn't enough to support a US launch; the Automotive News article says Mitsubishi expects a volume of 63,000 plug-ins for 2016. The company hasn't said how it plans to make up the balance.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets major powertrain updates, Geneva reveal

Mitsubishi will put seven of its wares on display during press days at the Geneva Motor Show, the headliner being an updated 2019 Outlander PHEV. Engineers have upgraded the entire hybrid powertrain, starting with the switch from a 2.0-liter Otto cycle gas engine to a 2.4-liter Atkinson cycle gas engine. Mitsubishi hasn't revealed output numbers, but the carmaker promises "higher torque, smoother operation, and overall higher efficiency." Generator output, rear motor output, and lithium-ion drive battery output all go up by 10 percent, and battery capacity gets a 15 percent boost. Going off the specs on the Mitsubishi Cars site, that would take the rear motor up to 66 kWh and the battery capacity from 12 kWh to 13.8 kWh. Along with the extra battery output, the 2019 Outlander PHEV should be expected to switch into EV mode more often, and stay there longer. Two drive modes join the current programming, Sport and Snow sidling up with Normal and 4WD Lock. One must look closely to note the exterior revisions, almost all of which are up front: a new graphic on the front grille, new LED headlights, rectangular foglight bezels, and a more prominent front skid plate. A "more elaborate" two-tone, 18-inch wheel shakes things up along the flanks, a larger rear spoiler holds things down out back. We probably won't get a look at the interior until Geneva, but "new quilted fine leather upholstery, all-new hip-hugging front seats, revised switchgear, a new instrument panel, new trimming, rear A/C outlets, and more" await us. The new Outlander PHEV gets to Europe in late 2018, likely greeted with the same fever that's seen the SUV move 100,000 units there in three years. Related Video: