Market Segment:
Subcompact hatchback and sedan, positioned as an affordable and fuel-efficient option.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Selling Points:
Affordability, good fuel economy, compact size for urban maneuverability, practical hatchback utility (on some models).
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, timing belt/chain, piston rings, cylinder head, crankshaft, camshafts, oil pump, cooling system, lubrication system.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system (MPI/GDI depending on variant), ignition system, emissions control system, turbocharging (if applicable).
Transmission:
Manual transmission (5-speed), Automatic transmission (4-speed INVECS-II), clutch system, driveline, axles, differential.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (common), rear disc brakes (optional/performance trims), ABS system (if equipped), hydraulic system, parking brake.
Suspension Steering:
Front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam (common), independent rear suspension (some variants), power steering system, steering linkage, wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), fuses and relays, wiring diagrams, ECU diagnosis.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control operation and diagnosis.
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, structural components, corrosion protection.
Safety Features:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, child restraint systems, passive safety component diagnosis.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, spark plug replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement, tire rotation, belt inspection/replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), on-board diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II), component testing.
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Technical Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic flowcharts and wiring diagrams.
Engine Options:
1.5L (4G15) SOHC I4, 1.8L (4G93) DOHC I4 (performance trims), 1.6L (4G92) DOHC I4 (some markets), 1.3L (4G13) SOHC I4 (some markets).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 90-125 hp depending on engine and market.
Torque Range:
Approximately 95-120 lb-ft depending on engine and market.
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI).
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (check specific vehicle requirements).
Common Engine Code:
4G15 (1.5L)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission.
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (INVECS-II).
Automatic Transmission Features:
INVECS-II (Intelligent and Innovative Control Expert System II) with adaptive shift logic.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (check manual for exact specification and capacity).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
DIA-Queen ATF-II or equivalent (check manual for exact specification and capacity).
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan.
Length:
Approximately 3980-4200 mm (depending on body style).
Width:
Approximately 1680-1710 mm (depending on model).
Height:
Approximately 1395-1420 mm (depending on body style).
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 950-1100 kg (depending on trim and body style).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2440-2500 mm (depending on model variant).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (refer to manual for specific interval and oil type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Critical due to interference engine design on some variants.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (verify with owner's manual, depending on climate).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Check for Mopar, Dex-Cool, or specific Mitsubishi coolant type.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine Reliability:
Generally reliable, but timing belt maintenance is critical. Some reports of oil consumption on higher mileage engines.
Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission fluid changes are important. Manual transmissions generally robust.
Electrical Issues:
Failing alternators, starter motors, and window regulators can occur with age and mileage.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and strut mounts can wear over time, leading to noise and handling issues.
Oil Filter Example:
Mitsubishi: MD069782, Fram: PH7317, Bosch: 3323 (verify for specific engine).
Timing Belt Kit Example:
Gates TCK151 (includes belt, tensioner, idler pulley - verify for specific engine).
Mitsubishi Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for reliable and accessible vehicles. The Mirage nameplate has been used across several generations of their compact cars.
Sixth Generation Introduction:
The Mirage underwent significant redesign for the 1995 model year, often referred to as the 'CJ' generation globally, with regional variations in designation (CK, CM, CN). It was based on the Mitsubishi platform shared with the Colt.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan, with production also occurring in other global facilities depending on market demand.