Meet the 414,000 Mile Mitsubishi Mirage

 

People criticize the Mitsubishi Mirage for being inexpensive, having three cylinders, and being basic. But guess what? The Mirage is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid gasoline-powered vehicle in the U.S. Oh, and guess what? It's one heck of a runner. 

Installing a Mitsubishi Mirage Throttle Controller

We know the Mitsubishi Mirage isn't a performance car. But there are certain things you can do to make it more fun to drive and peppier. We've already modified the suspension and put on an intake. But one thing the Mirage suffers from greatly is poor throttle response. After a lot of searching, I found a throttle controller for the Mitsubishi Mirage. In fact, I've made a video all about it. 

Is Toyota Racing an AWD Prius Rally Car at Olympus Rally?

 

We at Subcompact Culture are rally fans. We participate in TSD rally, we go to stage rally, and have always had a thing for the WRC. This weekend is the 2020 Olyumps Rally in Washington. While looking at the entry list something caught my eye. Specifically, car #871 driven by racer Jamie Bestwick. The entry? A 2020 Toyota Prius—in the NA4WD class. Could this be an AWD Prius Rally Car?

We're Still Enjoying Small Cars

To be honest, I'm tired of writing about how small cars are disappearing in the U.S. and Canada. I originally started this post with yet another glum note about the disappearance of small cars on the North American market—a screed about the woefully small amount of subcompact car choices. But I'm done griping. The bottom line is this: Times change, buyer's tastes change, and life moves on. However, doesn't mean we have to stop enjoying small cars. In fact, I'd say it's the opposite. 

Redesigned 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage Coming to North America

News just came in from Mitsubishi Motors North America that the reskinned 2021 Mirage and Mirage G4 will be coming to the U.S. and Canada. Despite the company talking about pulling back in certain markets, Mitsubishi has plans for North America and it includes the strong-selling Mirage.

You're Witnessing the Small Car Die-Off

Twelve years ago when we started Subcompact Culture on January 23, 2008, we were witnessing the growth of the small car segment in the U.S.—something that many thought would never happen. After all, it was long thought that Americans didn't buy small cars. But 12 years, 5 months, and 27 days after starting Subcompact Culture, we're witnessing the segment's extinction. As much as I try not to sound fatalist here, we are witnessing the small car die-off.

Run What You Brung: Subaru Justy Rally Car

There's just something about getting out there with the car you got, having a blast, and going racing! As you may have seen with the recent Fiat 126p post, you don't have to be fast to slide it into the corners and go rallying.

Will COVID-19 Change Automotive Buying Trends?

The Great Recession of 2007–2009 changed the automotive landscape. For a time, people's cash flow was lower and many traded in their big SUVs and trucks for smaller, more compact cars. Although the true impact the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to be seen on North American economies, it's not looking great.

The Fiat 126p is the Best Rally Car.

We love rally cars. But I have to say that my favorite rally car in the world may be the little Fiat 126p. These were produced under licence by Fabryka Samochodów Małolitrażowych (FSM) under Polski Fiat (Polish Fiat) from 1973 to 2000—yes, nearly 30 years.

As you might guess, they were slow (24 hp from the larger 652cc engine), basic, and by the way, rear engined. Global production of the car was 4,673,655 units: 1,352,912 in Italy, 2,069 in Austria by Fiat-Steyr and 3,318,674 in Poland, so to say there are a few around would be a gross understatement. 

As you well know, people will race anything, and that is doubly true with regards to rally. And sure enough, the 126p has become a great little (and slow) rally car, but it is my favorite rally car. They can be driven flat out, can be easily flung around, and you know they can't be terribly cheap. They all seem to sound identical. In the video below, I'm certain you could just have one audio track that goes nonstop. They are so entertaining to watch. 

I completely and utterly love these. Have you ever owned one? We'd love to hear about it in the comments section. 

Confirmed: U.S. market Honda Fit to be dropped after current model year

Well, we just got the official word from Honda: the Fit will be dropped from the U.S. lineup after the current generation.