The compact car segment is arguably one of the hottest categories in today’s automotive scene. Not only are these automobiles easy to drive, they are also relatively easy to own with affordable price tags.
Two of the most popular cars in the segment are the Nissan Almera and the Mitsubishi Mirage G4. Interested to see which of these would make for a better compact car? Join us to find out.
The refreshed Nissan Almera measures 4,495 millimeters (mm) long 1,740mm wide, and 1,460mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,620mm.
As for the Mitsubishi Mirage G4, it has an overall length of 4,305mm, an overall width of 1,670mm, and an overall height of 1,515mm. Its wheelbase is 2,550mm.
Outside, the Nissan Almera wears a new look thanks to its updated front grille that dropped the old V-motion design for a more modern one with plenty of horizontal lines. Flanking the elegant fascia are LED reflector-type headlamps, daytime running lights with LED signature lines, and LED front fog lamps.
To its sides are a pair of black side mirrors with repeaters and cameras, body-colored door handles, and a set of 15 or 16-inch wheels.
Its rear end is decorated by new LED taillamps and a sporty-looking diffuser.
Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 offers a more aggressive look compared to the elegant and minimalist vibe found on the Nissan Almera.
At its fore is a grille wearing the brand’s Dynamic Shield design, multi-reflector halogen headlamps, and foglamps with sporty-looking housing.
Its side profile is highlighted by 15-inch wheels, power-folding side mirrors, and body-colored door handles.
The rear of the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is adorned by two cute bulb-type taillamps and a high-mount stop lamp.
Both city cars offer different styles with one having a more elegant design while the latter banks on a more aggressive look. On that note, we call this round a tie.
Inside, the range-topping Nissan Almera packs leather seats, a leather steering wheel, and a dashboard lined with soft-touch material.
In the area of technology, the Nissan Almera comes with a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and an eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is fitted with fabric seats, a multi-functional steering wheel, and interior appointments that lean towards durability and longevity.
Further, it offers its would-be owners an analog instrument panel and a seven-inch infotainment system, also with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
With a better interior package, we give this round to the Nissan Almera.
Under the Nissan Almera’s hood is a 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup makes 98 horsepower with torque ranging from 152 to 160 Newton-meters (Nm).
On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is equipped with a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated powerplant married to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. Together, this powertrain arrangement makes as much as 76 horses with 100Nm of torque.
With a more powerful setup, we give this round to the Nissan Almera.
In terms of safety, the Nissan Almera is offered with features like a host of airbags and seatbelts, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), vehicle dynamic control, cruise control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Further, the top-of-the-line Nissan Almera benefits from the Nissan Intelligent Mobility, which includes a blind sport monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist, an around view monitor, forward emergency braking, and hill start assist.
Not to be outdone, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is offered with safety amenities like airbags and seatbelts, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, and Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body structure that can efficiently absorb impact and maintain high cabin integrity in the event of a collision.
Proving that it has a more robust list of safety features to offer, we give this round to the Nissan Almera.
Nissan Almera
Almera 1.0 EL Turbo MT – P839,000
Almera 1.0 VE Turbo CVT – P1.059 million
Almera 10. VL Turbo CVT – P1.149 million
Mitsubishi Mirage G4
Mirage G4 GLX 1.2G M/T – P769,000
Mirage G4 GLX 1.2G CVT – P819,000
Mirage G4 GLS 1.2G CVT – P899,000
Mirage G4 GLS Black Series 1.2G CVT – P899,000
The winner of this compact car clash is the Nissan Almera. Thanks to its better interior, engine, and safety features, the latest iteration of the compact sedan is the better choice for many Filipino families looking for a daily commuter or a weekend family car.
Nevertheless, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 still makes for a strong choice given its affordable price tag, which makes it a great pick for those looking for a first car.
Photos from Ruben Manahan IV, Roy Robles, Nissan, and Mitsubishi
Also read:
Nissan Almera vs. the competition
PH-spec Almera gets refreshed, now with NissanConnect Services
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