Toyota Vios vs Mitsubishi Mirage G4

So you’re looking for your next daily car that is efficient, reliable, and already has a track record here in the country. The Toyota Vios and Mirage G4 both come to mind, but which of the two should you get? Let’s take a look at the two best-selling sub-compact sedans in the Philippines.

Comparison:

1. Engine and Performance:

The Toyota Vios lineup offers two engine options: a 1.3L and a 1.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine, while the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 gets a 1.2L 3-cylinder as a sole option.

The Vios’ 1.3L makes 99 PS, and 123 Nm of torque, the 1.5L 107 PS, and 140 Nm of torque, while the Mirage G4 gets a measly 78 PS, and 100 Nm of torque. While at first glance, the 1.3L Vios with 99 PS only has a difference of 21 PS, this represents a massive 27% increase over the Mirage G4.

While others may argue that the Toyota Vios is heavier than the Mirage G4, hence the increase in power, the Toyota Vios 1.3L is only about 6% heavier than the Mirage G4.

The Vios is the clear winner when it comes to engine and performance.

2. Transmission:

Both vehicles are available with manual and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) options, and so this is a tie.

3. Fuel Efficiency:

The Vios 1.3L does 10.2 km/L in the city, and 22 km/L on the highway. Its 1.5L version does 10 km/L in the city, and 15 km/L on the highway. The Mirage G4, on the other hand manages an impressive 14.8 Km/L in the city, and 22.8 Km/L on the highway.

Having a smaller displacement with less cylinders to match, in theory, the Mirage G4 offers better fuel economy. Take note however, that if you will often be carrying plenty of passengers, and/or cargo, the added weight will require the Mirage G4’s engine to work harder, and rev higher. This significantly increases fuel consumption.

Nonetheless, for day-to-day drives with at most 1-2 passengers on board, the Mirage G4 is the winner.

4. Features:

It’s no secret that both vehicles are no-nonsense economy cars, and so in terms of features, they are about as barebones as it can get. Despite this, the two vehicles have received various equipment upgrades over the course of their lifespan.

Depending on the trim, the Toyota Vios can be equipped with LED headlights, day-time running lights (DRLs), a 6.75” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 7 airbags.

The Mirage G4 can also be equipped with a 7" touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but only comes with 2 airbags.

5. Prices:

Toyota Vios:

1. Vios 1.3 Base MT - P706,000
2. Vios 1.3 J MT - P732,000
3. Vios 1.3 XE CVT - P769,000
4. Vios 1.3 XLE MT - P831,000
5. Vios 1.3 XLE CVT - P882,000
6. Vios 1.3 E MT - P886,000
7. Vios 1.3 E CVT - P936,000
8. Vios 1.5 G MT - P946,000
9. Vios 1.5 GR-S CVT - 1,055,000

Mitsubishi Mirage G4:

1. Mirage G4 GLX 1.2 MT - P769,000
2. Mirage G4 GLX 1.2 CVT - P819,000
3. Mirage G4 GLS 1.2 CVT - P899,000
4. Mirage G4 GLS Black Series 1.2 CVT - P899,000
5. Mirage G4 GLS Sport 1.2 CVT - P929,000

Looking at the prices for both these vehicles' lineups,  the base Vios can be purchased for much cheaper than the base model Mirage G4. In fact, you can already have a Vios 1.3 XE CVT (automatic) for the exact same price as a base model Mirage G4 GLX 1.2 manual. A Vios 1.3 E CVT with much more features than a top-of-the-line Mirage G4 GLS Sport 1.2 CVT is also still more affordable.

Verdict

Based on all of the above, the Toyota Vios is the clear winner, with the exception of fuel economy. If you are extremely concious about saving money on fuel, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 may be an option to consider. Otherwise, the Toyota Vios, no matter the trim wins in all aspects.