Ralliart Mitsubishi Mirage Is A Showstopping City Car

Tuning / 8 Comments

Sadly, the powertrain has been left untouched.

Recently, Mitsubishi has been getting a bit of hate mainly because it has been using its iconic Ralliart moniker to add some flair to its fairly bland crossover range. Worse still, all of the packages so far have been purely cosmetic, with no performance-minded upgrades being present at all. This can be seen as a strategy to add some excitement to the range of high-riding family cars but we'd argue that there's little to get excited over Ralliart-fettled offerings include a still-slow Mitsubishi Outlander that's been riced up.

Over in Thailand however, customers are being treated to a Ralliart offering of the Mitsubishi Mirage that is arguably just as bad as its peers, although we have to admit that it bears a jovial resemblance to the brand's rally heroes of yore.

Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi

Before you get too excited, the Mirage doesn't get any increases in performance as it retains its naturally aspirated 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine capable of producing 76 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. Like the other Ralliart cars, it is strictly a cosmetic package as it adds an abstract sticker pack to the sides and red mudguards. The most distinctive element is the faux-carbon fiber wheel arches that complement a black roof and chrome exhaust tailpipe.

The special Mirage can only be had in White Diamond and Red Metallic, as is reminiscent of older Mitsubishi rally cars. The cabin is treated to a series of Ralliart-themed cues as well, such as carbon elements for the dashboard, and red and upholstery for the seats and door cards. Ralliart-branded floormats round off the competition-inspired cabin.

Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi
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It's clear as day that this is not a rally-inspired hot hatch that can compete with the likes of the Toyota GR Yaris. Regardless, Mitsubishi claims that its little eco-hatch is "racetrack-ready" despite it housing a CVT and rear torsion beam without a stability bar. Those drum brakes on the rear axle also won't be well-equipped to provide late braking just before the apex.

All things considered, we can't help but feel that there is a bit of a cheeky charm attached to this unapologetic sheep in wolf's clothing. After all, the Mirage moniker at least has a history of performance variants, unlike the other current offerings from the brand. Still, we wish Mitsubishi would find its mojo, just as Toyota has.

Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi

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