There is Solely One Automobile Remaining In the United States With Less Than 100 Horsepower

Salient Points

• The decline in sub-100 hp cars can be credited to advancements in technology and shifting consumer preferences throughout the years.
• The Mitsubishi Mirage, one of the few underpowered vehicles remaining, faces obsolescence in a market gravitating towards more robust and fuel-efficient automobiles.
• Mitsubishi’s choice to cease production of the Mirage underscores broader issues within the brand, prompting a strategic revamp for the future.

Where have all the underpowered cars vanished to? We are not talking about the Toyota Corollas or the Hyundai Elantras of the automotive world, but the genuinely underpowered cars – the sub-100 horsepower autos. About ten years ago, you had numerous choices on the market if you were in search of something that would struggle up a slight incline, but in 2024, there are merely two remaining on the market. Indeed, the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback and its sedan counterpart are the only mass-produced automobiles procurable in the US today with under 100 hp, but how did we arrive at this point? And does this suggest that we will eventually bid farewell to low-powered cars forever?

It might appear to be a clear-cut answer, yet there is more complexity to it than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. We are not implying that we will miss automobiles that struggle to accelerate from one traffic light to the next, but it is noteworthy that you may not need as much horsepower as presumed for everyday commuting. Nevertheless, it’s intriguing to scrutinize the evolution of slow vehicles over time, considering governmental regulations, consumer preferences, and how the automotive sector has innovated over the years. Start preparing your farewells to the sluggish ones now, as it will take them some time to reach this point.

Horsepower Has Risen Over Time

There are various reasons for the increase in horsepower over time, with technology and enhanced production methods being the primary ones. Many tend to consider the ’60s and early ’70s as a prime period of performance when street cars were not hindered by stringent emissions controls. While it is accurate that cars from that era were subject to fewer regulations, the accounts of their performance may have been exaggerateda tad.

Back in the ’60s, car manufacturers utilized the gross rating for horsepower calculation. This overestimated the vehicle’s performance significantly. Subsequently, there were substantial discrepancies when testing a car’s power on the dynamometer. In the ’70s, a transition was made to SAE net ratings, providing consumers with a more precise understanding of their car’s power output. This shift coincided with the introduction of catalytic converters in the early ’70s, leading to a severe performance decline for car manufacturers universally.

The methodologies that had been in use for many years were rendered obsolete, marking the onset of the Malaise period characterized by large vehicles, powerful engines, and lackluster performance. Manufacturers were compelled to reevaluate their strategies, coinciding with the rapid advancements in computer technology during that era. The ’80s brought about the introduction of Electronic Fuel Injection, enhanced production methods owing to increased automation, and more refined and reliable designs. While there was still room for improvement in vehicles, the transition from the late ’80s to the ’90s signaled a resurgence in power. With engines becoming more dependable, power made a comeback, now not solely for the sake of fuel efficiency, thanks to innovations like Variable Valve Timing (VVT).

Automobiles also witnessed an increase in weight due to modern manufacturing techniques and newly mandated safety standards. The existing engines gradually lost their effectiveness. Computers played a crucial role in enhancing timing precision, design innovations, and overall engine reliability, enabling a wide array of vehicles to provide satisfactory performance levels while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency. The advent of turbocharging in the ’90s and early ’00s essentially spelled the end for underperforming engines.

Mirage: A Deception

When it boils down to the Mitsubishi Mirage, two positive attributes stand out. Firstly, it achieves commendable fuel efficiency.fuel efficiency, and secondly, it’s an automobile. Aside from that, even its budget-friendly starting price doesn’t position it as a highly attractive choice, as vehicles like the Nissan Versa have been available offering superior standard features, greater power, and an overall enhanced construction. When cruising in a Mirage, it’s hard not to feel dwarfed by almost every other vehicle on the road, indicating a lack of quality in the vehicle.

The Mirage G4 marginally improves upon this by providing added room, but it would be wiser to opt for a Versa, or even a pre-owned Kia Rio. The Mirage aptly reflects its name at this stage because each time you witness one trying to keep pace with traffic, you’re left pondering its existence.

Consequently, the most significant concern of the vehicle in 2024 arises: it has become obsolete. What may have been effective 15 years ago is no longer practical in the present era. Buyers no longer need to compromise with an underpowered car for affordability and fuel efficiency. Today, you have the option to purchase a Toyota Corolla Hybrid for $23,000, featuring 138 horsepower and achieving up to 53/46/50 mpg. With its meager 78 horsepower, 36/43/39 mpg fuel economy ratings, and over 12 seconds 0-60 mph time, the Mirage falls short – even with a $7,000 lower price tag. Once you experience sitting in and driving it, the reason for its low cost becomes apparent.

Despite automakers’ rush to eliminate compact vehicles being myopic, superior alternatives are available in the market for those looking for efficient, small cars. In fact, there are superior choices in the pre-owned car market. Consumers have become increasingly open to purchasing used cars due to vehicles that previously struggled to reach 100,000 miles now enduring beyond 150,000 miles with minimal upkeep costs. Although used car prices are decreasing, it is primarily due to the resurgence of automaker production to pre-pandemic levels, offering buyers more purchasing power at dealerships.

The Mirage Is Waning

A budget-friendly model like the Mirage is no longer a necessity, and Mitsubishi has finally acknowledged this fact. Reports indicate that both the hatchback and sedan variants will be halted by the year end to make way for a new flagship model. This development isn’t surprising, considering that the company only sold 13,220 units of this model in 2023, a decline from 15,814 in 2022. Although this year’s figures show some improvement, this isn’t a specialized sports car we’re discussing; it’s meant to be a high-volume seller for the company, but its sales figures don’t reflect that.

This also highlights broader issues in the Mitsubishi lineup, as conditions have deteriorated to the point where the company’s own dealers have filed a lawsuit asserting that it’s impossible to generate profits from the present product offerings. The brand currently markets six models, but five of those are simply variations of the Outlander and Mirage, restricting variety compared to what the company implies. Fortunately, Mitsubishi has outlined a strategy to revitalize its operations in the United States commencing in 2026. Dubbed ‘Momentum 2030,’ the plan involves an overhaul of the entire lineup by introducing a new model annually for five years. Focus will be on electrification along with enhancing sales practices and the dealer network. Every aspect the consumer interacts with is said to undergo transformation, signaling a serious commitment from the company.

Mitsubishi has hinted at the potential revival of the Delica nameplate in the US and is reportedly collaborating with Nissan on a pickup truck for the US market. This marks the most significant move by the company in the past ten years, with a lot at stake in its success – failure could spell the end for the brand post-2030. Bid farewell to the Mirage over saying goodbye to the entire company; fingers crossed for the strategy’s success.

Sources: Mitsubishi, FuelEconomy.gov, ConsumerReports.org, GoodCarBadCar.net