2026 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 GLS 1.2 CVT | Your Definitive Philippine Road Test
Updated January 12, 2026
Still the benchmark for fuel-sipping reliability and smart city driving.
2026 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 GLS 1.2 CVT exterior
2026 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 GLS 1.2 CVT Review: Introduction
For nearly a decade, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 has been the undisputed king of the affordable sedan segment in the Philippines. It’s the car you see everywhere—on EDSA, navigating the narrow streets of Binondo, and taking families on weekend trips to Tagaytay. Why? Because Mitsubishi cracked the code: deliver bulletproof reliability, exceptional fuel economy, and just enough modern convenience to make daily driving enjoyable.
As a veteran of the Philippine automotive scene with over ten years of hands-on experience, I’ve seen countless cars come and go. But the Mirage G4 endures. It’s the quintessential first-time car buyer’s choice and a small family’s best friend. It doesn’t pretend to be a luxury vehicle; it simply works. It works hard, it works efficiently, and it works for the Filipino budget.
For 2026, Mitsubishi hasn’t thrown the baby out with the bathwater. Instead, they’ve refined the formula, adding subtle but significant touches that keep the Mirage G4 feeling fresh, relevant, and highly competitive in a market that’s increasingly crowded with budget-friendly imports. We’re here to give you the full breakdown of what makes this updated model tick, what’s new, what’s improved, and whether it still holds its crown as the best value sedan you can buy.
2026 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 GLS 1.2 CVT Review: Exterior Design
On the outside, the 2026 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 GLS maintains the familiar silhouette that has become iconic on Philippine roads. Mitsubishi has wisely resisted the urge to drastically alter a design that clearly resonates with buyers. However, ‘familiar’ doesn’t mean ‘stagnant.’ The engineers have managed to inject a dose of sportiness and sharpness that elevates the car’s road presence.
The most striking changes are at the front. The headlights have undergone a significant transformation, featuring a much more aggressive and angular cutaway that seamlessly integrates with the grille. This isn’t just an aesthetic tweak; Mitsubishi has upgraded the lighting technology across the range. Both the GLX and GLS variants now come standard with LED projector headlights and taillights. For those of us who spend countless hours commuting during the evening or driving through well-lit city centers like Makati, this is a game-changer. The improved visibility provided by LED technology enhances safety and reduces driver fatigue.
Another element that catches the eye is the refreshed wheel design. The 2026 model sports new two-tone 15-inch alloy wheels. This adds a layer of visual sophistication that was previously missing, making the car look more premium than its price tag might suggest. In a segment where wheel covers are common, this alloy upgrade is a welcome touch.
Overall, the exterior evolution for 2026 is a masterclass in smart design. It retains the character that Filipinos love while adding touches of modernity and sportiness that keep it competitive against rivals like the Toyota Wigo sedan and the Hyundai Eon. It’s a look that’s both familiar and exciting—a delicate balance that Mitsubishi has nailed.
2026 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 GLS 1.2 CVT Review: Interior Experience
Stepping inside the 2026 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 GLS, the first impression is one of purposeful simplicity. This is a cabin designed to facilitate driving, not distract from it. For the top-spec GLS variant, Mitsubishi has equipped it with a comprehensive suite of convenience features that genuinely enhance the ownership experience.
The Keyless Operation System (KOS) with a push-start button is a feature that quickly becomes indispensable. No more fumbling for keys in the dark or juggling grocery bags while trying to unlock the door. The remote key with a trunk opener adds another layer of convenience, especially for those who frequently access the cargo area.
Climate control is handled by an automatic system, ensuring that the cabin temperature remains comfortable during long drives through the Metro Manila heat. The centerpiece of the dashboard is the 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. This unit supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone for navigation, music, and hands-free calls. Crucially, it also incorporates a display for the reverse camera, a vital tool for maneuvering in tight parking spaces—a common challenge in cities like Cebu or Davao.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the interior still looks pretty basic. The materials used are predominantly hard plastics, which is to be expected in this price bracket. However, what truly matters is how these materials are used and how the cabin feels in daily use. And here, the Mirage G4 excels.
Despite its compact body, the cabin offers surprisingly generous dimensions. Head, shoulder, and legroom are ample, even for taller passengers. I’ve personally ferried friends and family in the back seat on long drives, and no one has ever complained about feeling cramped. This sense of space is a testament to Mitsubishi’s clever interior packaging.
The seats, upholstered in fabric, are comfortable and supportive for long journeys. The driving position is upright, providing excellent visibility of the road ahead—a crucial factor for maintaining situational awareness in unpredictable traffic.
Perhaps the most underrated interior feature is the storage configuration. The G4 sedan offers a cavernous trunk that can swallow luggage, groceries, and even bulky items with ease. This practicality is a major selling point for families and small business owners who rely on their vehicle for more than just commuting.
In terms of refinement, Mitsubishi has made strides in reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). While it’s still a small-displacement engine, the insulation in the 2026 model is noticeably improved, making the cabin a quieter place to be at speed.
2026 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 GLS 1.2 CVT Review: Engine and Performance
Beneath the hood lies the heart of the Mirage G4’s success: the ever-dependable 1.2-liter three-cylinder MIVEC engine. This engine is a marvel of efficiency and durability. It produces 78 horsepower and 100 Nm of torque. Now, those numbers might not sound impressive on paper, especially when compared to the turbocharged imports flooding the market. But in the real world, the Mirage G4 performs admirably.
The key to its success isn’t outright power; it’s the optimal power-to-weight ratio and the brilliant engineering of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The GLS model we’re testing features this CVT, which has been refined over several generations to deliver a smooth, lag-free driving experience.
In city driving, the Mirage G4 feels surprisingly sprightly. The engine responds eagerly to throttle inputs, and the CVT ensures that the car is always in the optimal gear ratio. This makes navigating stop-and-go traffic in Metro Manila feel less stressful than it does in many larger, more powerful vehicles that struggle with their heavy transmissions.
For highway driving, the Mirage G4 holds its own. Cruising at speeds of 80-100 km/h is comfortable, though the engine does get a bit vocal when pushed harder for overtakes. However, the car remains stable and composed, thanks to its improved suspension tuning and the aerodynamic refinements made over the years. The car’s light weight makes it nimble and easy to maneuver, which is a huge advantage when navigating narrow provincial roads or congested city centers.
But let’s be honest: the star of the show is the fuel efficiency. The Mirage G4 is legendary for its frugality, and the 2026 model continues this tradition. We consistently achieved figures of 21 km/L on mixed driving conditions, and even in heavy traffic, we rarely saw numbers below 16 km/L. This level of efficiency translates directly into real savings for owners, making it an incredibly attractive proposition in a country where fuel prices remain a significant concern for most households.
For drivers who need a bit more control, the GLS variant also offers a manual mode for the CVT, allowing for more spirited driving when desired. However, for the vast majority of buyers, the default automatic mode will be the preferred choice, offering a perfect blend of convenience and efficiency.
2026 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 GLS 1.2 CVT Review: Safety and Technology
Safety is an area where Mitsubishi has made significant strides in recent years, and the 2026 Mirage G4 is a prime example of this commitment. For too long, entry-level cars were seen as compromised in terms of safety features. Mitsubishi is actively changing that perception.
The most notable addition to the 2026 model is the inclusion of Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Active Stability Control (ASC) as standard features across all variants. This is a game-changer for drivers in the Philippines. HSA prevents the car from rolling backward when starting on an incline, a common concern when navigating the hilly terrains of Baguio or the challenging gradients of Tagaytay during the rainy season. ASC helps maintain vehicle control during sudden maneuvers or slippery conditions, providing an invaluable layer of safety that was previously reserved for more expensive vehicles.
These active safety features are complemented by a robust suite of passive safety systems. All models come equipped with dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and a rear-view camera. The integration of these systems ensures that the Mirage G4 provides comprehensive protection
