It has been almost 12 years since Mitsubishi Motors Philippines introduced the Mirage G4 in the country. It has outlived its hatchback equivalent since the Dynamic Shield update, but the Japanese brand has yet to throw in the towel for the subcompact sedan.

The powertrain remains the 1.2-liter three-cylinder MIVEC engine, which has been in use for over a decade, delivering the same 77hp and 100Nm. The transmission choices are also between a five-speed manual and a CVT like before.

While the corporate grille stays, the GLX CVT and GLS CVT variants feature LED headlights and updated taillights that match units sold in other markets. Another aesthetic change is that the same 15-inch alloy wheels now have a two-tone finish and are fitted on all trim levels.

The interior features a familiar cockpit, complete with a seven-inch infotainment screen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Exclusive to the GLS model are an automatic climate control, a reverse camera, and keyless entry.

New for this model update, all trim levels are equipped with hill-start assist and active stability control, like in the Xpander and the Triton.

The refreshed Mirage G4 starts at P793,000 for the GLX MT, while the GLX CVT and the top-spec GLS CVT step up to P841,000 and P937,000, respectively. We might expect this to be the last facelift as the venerable nameplate has been slowly but surely discontinued globally.

Nevertheless, the locally made subcompact sedan still has its purpose in the market as it will ride into the sunset in the coming years.