Mexico To Get Chrysler Badged Mitsubishi Mirage Sedan

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

It turns out that news of an Asian-market Chrysler sedan that was a re-badged Mitsubishi Mirage wasn’t entirely accurate.

The sedan in question is actually heading for Mexico, according to this announcement from Mitsubishi. Interestingly, a report by Just-Auto which denied the initial report also said that the Mirage sedan would be heading to Canada. Mitsubishi showed the car off at this year’s Toronto Auto Show, but had no firm plans for selling the car.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • TMA1 TMA1 on Jul 01, 2014

    I thought these were the gaps Fiat was supposed to be filling. They should be selling a Mexico-only stripped out 500 with manual transmissions, the base engine, and steel wheels. Isn't the 500 built there anyway?

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    • Marcelo de Vasconcellos Marcelo de Vasconcellos on Jul 02, 2014

      @Marcelo de Vasconcellos TMA1, don't know about Mexico, but here in Brazil (where the Beetle had the second longest life and the e Kombi (Bus) survived until last year) the 500 is what it is in Europe, but even more so. It appeals to an affluent high middle class that can have a car for use in the city and cut a good figure wherever they go. Everybody recognizes the car, it still turns heads and is the dream of many. I's more of a niche car that competes with much larger vehicles based on its charm, stylishness, equipment levels and driveability. As such, there are no strippo models. Fiat has many other cars that fill that role. It also appeals to auto enthusiasts with a sense of history and a taste for driving as well as many Fiat fans (of which there are many). There is a version equipped with a Brazilian made 1.4 8v engine that retails for close to 25k USD, but even that car has all the equipment that are considered luxury. In other words, if in the US it's just a stylish car and in Europe its a that plus practical and a hint of luxury, here it is a semi premium luxury car.

  • Marcus36 Marcus36 on Jul 01, 2014

    "even the Argentines compliment the organization’s set up" Wait! are tourists from Argentina complimenting something? I find that hard to believe Marcelo! Hahaha

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    • Marcus36 Marcus36 on Jul 02, 2014

      @Lorenzo Maybe my sarcasm was not that obvious, I was taliking about the image Argentine tourist have in other places in Latin America as always comparing to Argentina.

  • Jolgamazatlan Jolgamazatlan on Jul 01, 2014

    On August 19 2013 Dodge Mexico received catastrophic news. Hyundai has announced plans to cut ties with Chrysler and form its own dealer network in Mexico. Since 2000, Hyundai has imported vehicles to Mexico but sold them under Chrysler's Dodge banner. Read more: http://www.leftlanenews.com/hyundai-to-split-from-chrysler-establish-mexico-dealer-network.html#ixzz36H1yUW6Q This is probably the death knell for Dodge as their sales have since tanked even more than usual as they have lost some of their best cars. So in desperation they are now turning to Mexico's other red-headed step-child, Mitsubishi, in the hope of picking up some crumbs from under the table. Hyundai, as they are wont to do, will eat both of their lunches while taking substantial bites from the front runners too. Hmmm a joint Mitsubishi/Dodge Mexican deathwatch might be in order?

    • Marcelo de Vasconcellos Marcelo de Vasconcellos on Jul 02, 2014

      That is another good explanation. Chrysler now has its hands on an entry level car again that they will try to sell to those who bought their badge-engineered Hyundais. Let's hope it won't work so Chrysler and Fiat will look for a better alternative in their own stable (hint, Punto, Linea, Grand Siena).

  • Jimboy Jimboy on Jul 02, 2014

    This is a huge mistake for Chrysler Brand and Group. That ugly thing is going to be a lot of peoples first impression of Chrysler, especially where the brand isn't well known. If that were MY first introduction to Chrysler, I'd never look at another one. Since Chrysler was supposedly paired with Lancia, wouldn't it make much more sense to sell the Ypsilon or Delta as the entry level vehicle? It's part of FCA, in production, and would certainly help the Italian factories stay busy, as well as giving the customer a true taste of what to expect from Chrysler in the future, instead of that abortion. This is badge engineering taken to stupidity!

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