Spec Check: Suzuki Dzire vs Mitsubishi Mirage G4

We compare the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 against its closest competitor, the Suzuki Dzire

Crossovers and SUVs may be the more popular choice nowadays, but the sedan continues to be a favorite amongst car buyers. But with the prices of some four-doors now competing against B-segment crossovers, some automakers have decided to make even smaller sedans, for less.

The result? We now have cars that are as small as hatchbacks, but offer the comforts of a four-door sedan. We like to call this segment the mini sedan, and there are two models populating this particularly niche segment; the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 and the Suzuki Dzire.

Both cars were recently updated and feature a refreshed exterior and interior, as well as new and upgraded features. But which of the two offers more bang for the buck? To find out, we compare the Mitsubishi against the Suzuki in a spec check.

Sizing them up

Since the two cars are essentially stretched hatchbacks (the Dzire based on the Swift and the G4 based on the Mirage Hatch), it's no wonder both are very compact. But which sedan is the bigger vehicle?

Measuring 4305mm long, the Mirage G4 is 310mm longer than the Dzire which only comes in at 3995mm long. When it comes to width, however, the Dzire's 1735mm girth beats the G4's 1670mm width. Surprisingly, both sedans stand at 1515mm tall.

With the G4 being the longer vehicle, it also has a longer wheelbase at 2550mm long. But despite measuring less than 4 meters in length, the Dzire has a respectable 2450mm wheelbase.

When it comes to cargo capacity, the Dzire can carry 378 liters worth of luggage. Not bad, but it's easily beaten by the G4's more generous trunk space rated at 450 liters.

The Mirage G4 may be the longer vehicle, but the Dzire is wider which means it could (technically) fit three people at the back with ease. Both have equally impressive trunk space, but the Mirage offers more.

Available features and extras

While both the Mirage G4 and Dzire are marketed as budget sedans, that doesn't mean they are bare bones.

The GL and GL+ variants of the Dzire come with a touchscreen infotainment system. It supports AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, USB, and Aux. It can also come with satellite navigation which is available on the GL+. As for the base model GA, it only has a 1-DIN head unit that comes with AM/FM radio, and USB connectivity.

As for the G4, all variants are equipped with a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Aside from the usual AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity, the G4 also comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Another advantage the Mirage G4 has over the Dzire is that it's available with automatic climate control on the top-spec GLS. Meanwhile, the Dzire only comes with manual air conditioning.

But unlike the G4, the Dzire has the added benefit of rear A/C vents on the GL and GL+ versions. Last but not least, it comes with an extra 12V power socket to help rear passengers charge their mobile devices with ease.

Fuel-efficient engines

The Mirage G4 and the Dzire are both powered by 1.2-liter, naturally-aspirated engines. Both are DOHC and come with four valves per cylinder. However, the Mitsubishi only comes with three cylinders while the Dzire has the added benefit of having four cylinders. So which one has more power and torque?

The G4 gets the 3A92 three-cylinder with MIVEC. It puts out 78 PS along with 100 Nm of torque. Available transmissions include a five-speed manual and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Over to the Dzire, it has the K12M four-cylinder MPI engine. It makes slightly more power at 82 PS and produces more pulling power at 113 Nm. Aside from the standard five-speed manual, the Dzire can be paired to a five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) called Auto Gear Shift (AGS). It combines the benefit of an automatic transmission, with the fuel efficiency of a manual gearbox.

Both engines promise to deliver fuel-efficient performance, with both claiming over 20km/l average on the highway. The Mirage has an ace up its sleeve, however, it has a bigger 42-liter tank while the Dzire only has a 37-liter tank. We're curious if we can set up a drive soon and test out which is more efficient on a road trip.

Safety is key

When it comes to safety features, the Dzire beats the Mirage G4.

All variants of the Dzire come with anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), and dual front airbags.

Opt for the GL and GL+ versions, and the Dzire will also come with rear parking sensors, and an electronic stability program (ESP). There's also hill-hold control (HHC) although that's reserved only for the GL+.

The Mirage G4 also comes with ABS with EBD but it's only available for the range-topping GLS. It has no rear parking sensors but it does come with a reverse camera that is also reserved for the top-of-the-line model.

The G4 also gets dual front airbags, but it lacks ESP and HHC on all variants.

The Dzire may be the smaller car, but it packs more safety equipment compared to the Mirage G4.

Value For Money

So both cars have their own strengths and drawbacks. The Mirage G4 is the longer vehicle, but the Dzire has more girth. Both sedans come with plenty of features, but the Mirage is the only one to come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. When it comes to safety, the Dzire has more across the range, while the Mirage reserves it for the GLS.

So which of the two offer more value for money?

The Dzire starts at PHP 549,000 for the GA M/T. It is then followed by the mid-range GL M/T which retails for PHP 648,000. At the top of the range is the GL+ AGS which is selling for PHP 708,000. The Mirage G4, meanwhile, begins at PHP 769,000 with the GLX M/T. If you prefer the GLX with a CVT, the price goes up to PHP 819,000. But if you really want a fully-loaded Mirage G4, the GLS CVT has a sticker price of PHP 899,000.

Which one would you pick? The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 or the Suzuki Dzire? Let us know in the comments.