MMPC explains why 2022 Mirage G4 debuted before Hatchback

When will MMPC launch the updated 2022 Mirage Hatchback?

Nearly eight years after it was first introduced in the Philippines, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) launched the refreshed Mirage G4 last weekend.

Featuring a sharper look for the 2022 model year, the B-segment sedan looks sportier than ever. Not only that, but Mitsubishi also freshened up the G4's interior with an updated instrument panel, new touchscreen infotainment, and a new geometric pattern on the seats.

But there was one question that lingered in our minds after MMPC unveiled the 2022 Mirage G4, where was the facelifted Mirage Hatchback?

For reference, both models debuted at the same time during the 2019 Thailand International Motor Expo. However, it seems MMPC decided to launch the sedan first; a stark contrast to what Mitsubishi did in 2012 when they first introduced the Mirage Hatchback to the country with the Mirage G4 following a year later.

So why did MMPC decided to introduce the sedan first this time around? According to Xavier Eyadan, vice president for product planning & development at Mitsubishi, it's all about customer demand.

“We considered the current sales situation and the market demand. As a result, we prioritized first the G4,” said Eyadan.

Simply put, this means that there is more customer demand for the Mirage G4 compared to the Mirage Hatchback. During the first half of 2021 alone, the Mirage G4 outsold the Mirage Hatchback by the hundreds. This can be seen on MMPC's January to July sales for 2021. 

Does this mean we won't get the refreshed Mirage Hatchback in the future? MMPC did not say whether they'll introduce the updated Hatchback version right away. But given that it's still a relatively popular model in the lineup, perhaps they might launch it later this year or in early 2022.

Despite the prevalence of crossovers, pick-ups, SUVs, and even hatchbacks, it seems that there will always be room for sedans in the Philippine market. The 2022 Mirage G4 is one such proof of that.