Mirage Third generation (1987-1992)

Third generation

Production	1987–1992
Assembly	Assembly Nagoya plant, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan Normal, Illinois
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Engine(s)	1.5 L 81 hp I4
Transmission(s)	3-speed automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	Hatchback: 2,385 mm (93.9 in) Sedan: 2,455 mm (96.7 in)
Length	Hatchback: 4,030 mm (158.7 in) Sedan: 4,320 mm (170.1 in)
Width	1,670 mm (65.7 in)
Height	Hatchback: 1,320 mm (52.0 in) Sedan: 1,340 mm (52.8 in)
Curb weight	915 kg (2,020 lb)

The 1987 third-generation Mirage was stylistically distinct: Mitsubishi had scored well with its revamped Galant and transferred its styling to the smaller cars. The basic model was a three-door with an upright tailgate. The top Mirages in Japan were called the Mirage Cyborg, featuring a turbocharged 1600 cc engine developing 145 PS (107 kW).

Engines available were 1.3 and 1.5 12-valve 4-cylinder engines, and 1.6 and 1.8 16-valve 4-cylinder engines. European versions were available in 1300 GL, 1500 GLX, 1600 GTi, 1800 GTi 16v versions.

Four-door models were usually called Lancer overseas, but Mirage (usually Mirage Vie Saloon) inside Japan. In Australia, all the models in this range were badged Mitsubishi Lancer.

The 1989–92 model year Mirage was also sold as the Dodge/Plymouth Colt and the Eagle Summit in the US.

The Mirage Turbo was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1989.

The five-door hatchback and station wagon were carried over, though a five-door liftback was launched not long after the rest of the range on the new platform.

Facelift

The 1991 Mirage three-door was more rounded and sportier than its predecessor, and the range of engines grew to include a 1600 cc 24-valve V6. The standard engine was a 1600 cc 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder unit, but a 1400 cc engine was still available. This model launched in North America for the 1993 model year.

The four-door Mirage, with a six-window greenhouse and different sheetmetal to the Lancer, was sold as the Eagle Summit in the US. It was generally not offered in countries other than Japan, Canada and the United States. The Japanese models saw the Vie Saloon tag continue. (These were known as the 'CB' chassis in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the globe.)