Mitsubishi Motors South Africa has confirmed the return of the Mirage hatchback has been delayed, saying “at this stage, there is no date for the launch”.

Soon after the refreshed Mirage was unveiled in Thailand in November 2019, Mitsubishi Motors SA made the surprise announcement it intended to bring the budget hatchback back to local roads (the Mirage quietly left SA in 2017).

At the time, the Japanese firm’s local brand said it planned to introduce the vehicle at some point in 2020, with the “launch date, product line-up and specification levels” set to be confirmed early in the year. Of course, the world has changed plenty since then.

Nic Campbell, general manager of Mitsubishi Motors SA, told CARmag.co.za “many plans have changed and been altered” thanks to the impact of COVID-19.

“Unfortunately, Mirage is one that may be delayed,” he said.

“We are working with our OEM [original equipment manufacturer] to reintroduce Mirage as soon as possible, all things considered and [when] all economic conditions are met.

“At this stage, there is no date for the launch,” Campbell told us.

The updated Mirage gained fresh styling (most noticeable up front), new exterior paint colours, revised wheel options and a handful of changes to the cabin (including the addition of a seven-inch display).

From what we understand, the naturally aspirated 1,2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 58 kW and 100 N.m to the front wheels, has been carried over.

Original article from Car