Mitsubishi’s affordable compact car, the 2024 Mirage, which starts at $17,840, will no longer be available in the U.S. after this year. This means the Nissan Versa will become the sole new car in America with a starting price below $20,000.
Jeremy Barnes, a spokesperson for Mitsubishi, confirmed to Car and Driver that the Mirage is officially being discontinued in the U.S. “Production will cease later this year, and we expect sufficient dealer stock to last into the summer of 2025,” he stated.
The 2024 Mirage offers five trim options, including a Ralliart version adorned with a distinctive graphics kit. Prices for the Mirage range from $16,695 to $18,895, not including destination charges and dealer fees. The pricing includes a competitive warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain, five years of unlimited roadside assistance, and a maintenance plan that covers three oil changes, three tire rotations, and one cabin filter replacement over two years or 30,000 miles.
The Mirage boasts a combined fuel economy of 39 mpg. Its specifications, reminiscent of the early ’90s, feature 15-inch wheels, a 1.2-liter engine, and a curb weight of 2,084 pounds. With 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque, the Mirage could have appealed to enthusiasts if it had been offered with a manual transmission rather than the continuously variable transmission (CVT).
While the Mirage may not evoke fond memories for many, its discontinuation symbolizes a broader trend in the automotive industry. Car manufacturers are increasingly focused on selling higher-priced vehicles, leaving consumers with fewer affordable options. Low-margin, low-option cars like the Mirage face significant challenges, making its relatively long tenure surprising.
As the Mirage exits the market, the 2024 Nissan Versa will fill the gap with a similar starting price of $17,820 including destination fees, standing as the last remaining new car under $20,000 in the U.S. market for the foreseeable future.
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