by Update for Mitsubishi Attrage: New Front-End Design
Mitsubishi has updated the Mirage sedan, giving it a cleaner and fresher look up front. This sedan continues to be sold in ASEAN markets under the name Attrage. Its hatchback counterpart, the Mirage, remains unchanged for now.
Loss for the US Market, Life for Others
After the 2024 model year, the US market lost the Mitsubishi Mirage, and along with it, the only new car in the country costing less than $20,000. Budget-conscious buyers are still upset about this. However, the rest of the world can still enjoy this subcompact model for a while longer. Thailand has just introduced the updated Attrage sedan, which is the local name for the Mirage, extending the life cycle of this small car.
Model History and Latest Update
The current generation of the Mirage first appeared in 2011, meaning the basic design is now 15 years old — an eternity in a segment where most competitors have been updated two or three times. Mitsubishi has tried to keep the model relevant with updates in 2015 and 2019, and has now introduced the 2026 version.
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Exterior Design Changes
The main change for the 2026 model is the front end, where a sportier radiator grille bears a slight hint of the long-discontinued Lancer Evolution. Designers have also reworked the Dynamic Shield elements, which are now thicker and finished in black instead of chrome. The bumper’s air intakes with integrated fog lights and the main headlights carry over from the 2019 update, as does the rest of the body.
Interestingly, the company has not paid the same attention to the Mirage hatchback, which continues to be produced with the old design for now.
Mitsubishi Thailand
Interior and Equipment
The interior remains unchanged: the center console still features the familiar 7-inch infotainment display next to an analog instrument cluster. Other amenities include a rear center armrest with cupholders, cruise control, a start-stop system, keyless entry, an immobilizer, a tire repair kit, and a spacious trunk.
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Safety Systems
The safety package is limited to a low-speed forward collision warning system and the RMS-Forward (Reverse Mistake Safety) system, which can detect obstacles up to 4 meters away. However, these features are only available in the high-end Smart trim.
Powertrain and Price
Under the hood is the familiar 1.2-liter MIVEC naturally aspirated engine, producing 78 hp (58 kW / 79 PS) and 100 Nm of torque. Power is sent exclusively to the front axle via a CVT transmission.
The updated Attrage starts at 564,000 Thai Baht (about $17,000 USD) in Thailand. The Mirage hatchback is cheaper, with a starting price of 509,000 Thai Baht (about $15,300 USD).
Mitsubishi Thailand
The update of the Mitsubishi Attrage for the Thai market demonstrates how the manufacturer is trying to extend the life of a model that has long passed the 15-year mark. Although the changes are mostly cosmetic and only affect the front end, this allows the car to remain competitive in the budget segment in developing markets. It is worth noting that the lack of updates for the hatchback may indicate a gradual phasing out of this model, while the sedan, which is more popular in the region, gets priority. Given that the base price of $17,000 is quite attractive for the local market, the Attrage will likely remain a popular choice among buyers looking for an affordable and economical car for some time to come.
