Ask Nathan: Positive Nissan EV Pickup Plans, Mocking The Mitsubishi Mirage, And No Time to Die?

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October 3, 2021

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

Nissan EV pickup might actually happen?
You were just mocking the Mitsubishi Mirage!
No Time to Die?

The first question comes from a conversation I had with a Nissan fan, about a possible Nissan EV pickup, while I was at the dentist.

Q (Abridged via Dental Hygienist): I heard there’s been serious talk about a future Nissan EV pickup.

The timing could be perfect for an affordable, small Nissan EV pickup. There’s no way I can afford a Rivian or a Hummer, but I want an EV pickup. I have owned a Leaf for five years and I love it. I just need more cargo capacity; imagine something like a Nissan Leaf powertrain, but with a pickup bed in the back. It could be the size of a Hyundai Santa Cruz.

I bet it would sell.

Initial Nissan Gobi sketch by the talented Jerry Hirshberg.

A: I’ve covered this topic before, but there’s some new data about a (possible) future Nissan EV pickup.

Recently Automotive News, and Motor Trend reported on this very subject. There are folks at Nissan, including Judy Wheeler, Nissan Division Vice President of Sales and Regional Operations in the U.S. who made some interesting comments. She couldn’t confirm or deny the rumors, but she did say that she wouldn’t be surprised.

Other Nissan insiders are said to be mulling over the potential of using the Leaf and/or Ariya powertrains for this possible pickup.

Honestly, it makes a ton of sense. Smaller, lighter duty pickups are beginning to creep their way into the United States. The Ford Maverick hybrid is a HUGE value proposition, and the Hyundai Santa Cruz is a fun lifestyle vehicle – one that could get a hybrid, or even EV powertrain in the future.

The current Leaf + has a 62-kWh battery good for about 226 miles. It makes 214 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. That setup is for front wheel drive. The Ariya has a 90-kWh battery pack option and a maximum range of 300 mile. It makes 389 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque and can work with an AWD system. Could you imagine these powertrains hooked up to a tiny king-cab pickup?

If Nissan could produce a light duty EV that had about the same cargo capacity of either, they would be way ahead of the game. I think that, if it could tow a small 4×7 box trailer weighing 1,500-lbs about 100 miles on a charge. That would be outstanding. More importantly, if it could hold a few bikes, or a small palette in the bed – that would be great for urbanites.

There are real indications that Nissan is truly looking into this, which could be epic!

— N

The next question comes from a Mitsubishi Mirage owner, who feels that we mocked the little car in a recent video.

Q You guys are just like Doug mocking the Mitsubishi Mirage with no thought for its owners.

Have you ever understood what people are going through when they buy a car like this? Do you guys even care about people who make less than $50,000 per year? I bought my Mirage in 2015 and it was my first new car purchase. I know it’s slow but that is no problem in traffic. It parks anywhere and I never worry about it being a target. My 2016 Mirage has over 150,000 miles on it and I never had a major problem. It’s a five speed and my only warranty repair was for the air conditioning system. I paid it off last April and it just sips gas. Say what you want about poor people’s cars. But I am grateful to drive something this inexpensive. I tell you Nathan that I am proud of my little car and I have no regrets.

— Dale from Long Beach, CA

A: Hi Dale.

I’m sorry if we came off as one-sided with the Mitsubishi Mirage. In the video, I do say more than once that it is the least expensive, and most efficient non-hybrid in the United States. Also, I don’t hate the car. Far from it. I understand its value as someone who counts his pennies.

This was a rental, and we should have done an MPG loop to see how the altitude affected the efficiency. There wasn’t time, and we had one opportunity to show how different the least expensive EV and gas car in the U.S. perform under load. The rest, as you know, was meant as entertainment.

Here’s what’s happened in the past: Mitsubishi simply refuses to send a Mirage to Colorado for testing, probably because of the elevation – which kills horsepower. I offered to test the five-speed (which has more performance gusto), but have not gotten an affirmative answer on that.

Hell, I even offered a cross-country trip in a Mirage. I thought it would be cool to shoot a round trip from Denver to Daytona Beach, FL. I wanted to do it for less than $300 – round trip. That’s about 2,700 miles. At the time, that price was less than the cost of a regular airline ticket. The gag would have surrounded my need to sleep in the car at free locations, along the way.

I still want to do it, but this time, L.A. to Orlando and back for $500 in gas. That would be epic!

Anyway, I still see the value of such an inexpensive runabout. I’m happy you are seeing the value in this car too.

Thanks for reaching out Dale!

— N

The last question comes from a reader asking about my early access to the James Bond movie: No Time to Die.

Q: How did you see the movie so early, Nathan? I thought it wasn’t getting released until next week.

Goostrey •

A: Every once in a while, we get to go to special events that have heavy automotive sponsorship.

In this case, an organization that works with journalists came to TFLcar.com and asked for our review of the film. I’m thrilled that they asked, because I’m a huge fan. You can read the full review (here).

Without giving too much away, I will say that this was huge film. Amazing in size and scope, and James Bond car fans will not be disappointed. Also, it’s worth your while to see it on the big screen.

… and here’s something that has absolutely nothing to do with the awesomeness of James Bond.

Video: I Can’t Believe We Beat Olympian Lindsey Vonn In a Land Rover Defender Off-Road Competition!

By

Zach Butler

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October 2, 2021

Video: I Can't Believe We Beat Olympian Lindsey Vonn In a Land Rover Defender Off-Road Competition! — The Land Rover TRĕK competition brings in 70 three-person teams over 10 days. (Images: Land Rover)

Land Rover’s TRĕK challenge includes off-road driving events, navigation and team challenges.

Last week, Land Rover invited TFL’s own Tommy Mica out to the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina to take part in a 10 day off-road competition. Known as the TRĕK challenge and first launched in 1996, the Camel Trophy-style event tests out invitees throughout the U.S. and Canada. This year, the teams competed in a 2022 Land Rover Defender SE P300. The car comes equipped with plenty of off-road goodies, from 18-inch wheels to Land Rover’s Off-Road Pack, Towing Pack and a host of other accessories to aid competitors in their challenges.

It wasn’t just Land Rover employees and journalists taking part, either. Olympian Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn also took part. While she’s won three Winter Olympic medals and nine world championship medals, marking her career as one of the all-time greats, Tommy’s own team still won out the TRĕK competition.

Check out how the whole story went in the video below!

Third-Quarter 2021 Sales Report: How Hard Is The Chip Shortage Really Hitting Automakers?

By

Zach Butler

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October 1, 2021

2022 Genesis G70 — As Genesis rolls out a revamped and expanded lineup, its sales have markedly improved over the third quarter of 2020. (Images: Genesis)

2021 sales for new cars and trucks have been a roller coaster — take a look at the numbers.

If you’re suffering from a serious case of broken record syndrome whenever “global chip shortage” is mentioned, trust me — you’re definitely not alone. Nevertheless, we’ve discussed how that shortage and many others have indeed left dealership lots looking empty over the past several months. As the Q3 2021 sales reports roll in, we have more information to show the scope of the problem, and give us a data point for how the industry can navigate its way clear of it as we move into 2022.

As most automakers curtailed production throughout the summer, it is hardly surprising that the last three months have been a rough patch. General Motors, Honda and Nissan — all of whom reported sales the morning of October 1 — lost some ground from a pandemic-ravaged 2020. GM, in particular, lose 33.1% of its Q3 sales figures from 2020, with the Chevrolet brand slipping some 36.5%. The 443,117 vehicles sold by GM dealers in the third quarter is the lowest quarterly result since its bankruptcy and reorganization in 2009, as Automotive News points out.

Toyota fared better than most during the chip shortage, and did not have to go to a similar extent as the Big Three to juggle its semiconductor supply. (Image: Toyota)

**Not all automakers lost ground, though**.

That said, looking at 2021 sales through a quarterly lens, some automakers have gained some ground from the third quarter of 2020. Hyundai and Kia increased 4% and 7.3% respectively. Both lost monthly sales in September (Hyundai dropped 1.8% last month, while Kia sales fell 4.7%), but both had a strong enough performance (and vehicle supply) in July to offset that.

Luxury brand Genesis also saw a massive 301% increase, thanks in large part to its GV70 and GV80 crossovers outselling its sedans. Toyota also gained a slight 0.4% bump to 484,912 vehicles — leading the tally against General Motors and Stellantis. For its part, Stellantis’ 410,917 deliveries represented a 19% drop over the third quarter of 2020.

Tesla also fared well in the third quarter, delivering an approximate 84,000 vehicles — a 55.3% increase over what the company managed at this point last year.

2022 Nissan Pathfinder — New models like the Nissan Pathfinder helped stem the flow, even when Nissan still lost some sales momentum during the third quarter. (Image: Nissan)

The yearly picture still looks positive

Despite the semiconductor shortage hammering Q3 figures in automakers’ 2021 sales reports, the overall year-to-date picture is still on the upswing from 2020. Most automakers are still ahead of where they were last year. Again, Genesis still managed to more than double its year-to-date sales.

Now, manufacturers are in the home stretch. The fourth quarter will bear out the long-reaching effects of this chip shortage, though we do have plenty of new launches coming into play over the coming months. We’ll cover how that all shakes out in early January.

Update: Earlier Tesla figures were incorrect. Sorry for the error!

Q3 2021 sales by brand:

Brand	Q3 2021 Sales (Jul-Sept)	Quarter-over-Quarter Change (%)	YTD 2021 Sales (Jan-Sept)
Acura	38,555	-2.8%	126,939 (+32.7%)
Alfa Romeo	4,529	-10.4%	14,193 (+13.6%)
Audi	41,019	-14.4%	162,854 (+31.2%)
BMW	75,619	+8.7%	243,613 (+35.4%)
Buick	39,299	-20.1%	151,010 (+27.4%)
Cadillac	22,519	-31.7%	95,946 (+10.8%)
Chevrolet*	284,045	-36.5%	1,137,766 (-5.9%)
Chrysler	15,502	-51.4%	74,139 (-2.3%)
Dodge	49,059	-31.8%	175,361 (-14.2%)
Fiat	401	-63.6%	2,107 (-41.0%)
Ford*	383,805	-26.8%	1,063,553 (-0.7%)
Genesis	15,022	+301.1%	34,320 (+204.1%)
GMC*	97,254	-26.7%	381,518 (+8.0%)
Honda*	307,359	-11.9%	1,331,542 (-6.7%)
Hyundai	178,500	+4.5%	585,635 (+32.1%)
Infiniti	10,666	-38.6%	47,603 (-19.3%)
Jaguar	TBA	TBA	TBA
Jeep	196,686	-11%	604,670 (+4%)
Kia	177,014	+7.3%	555,525 (+29.7%)
Land Rover	TBA	TBA	TBA
Lexus	81,093	+7.7%	238,805 (+31.1%)
Lincoln	17,038	-38.2%	65,962 (-11.3%)
Mazda	84,046	+9.1%	273,213 (+34.4%)
Mercedes-Benz	TBA	TBA	TBA
Mini	6,445	-28.9%	22,070 (+12.7%)
Mitsubishi	23,799	-4.3%	77,176 (+6.3%)
Nissan*	188,289	-7.6%	735,053 (+23.1%)
Porsche	15,289	-1.7%	51,615 (+29.9%)
Subaru	141,552	-16.5%	462,802 (+6.0%)
Tesla**	241,300	+2.4%	627,350 (+65.2%)
Toyota	484,912	+0.4%	1,619,078 (+27.5%)
Volkswagen	79,321	-8.2%	290,694 (+25.6%)
Volvo	31,611	+4.2%	95,366 (+29.6%)

*Ford, GM, Honda, Nissan and Toyota brand sales figures include car and truck sales.
**Tesla sales figures are estimates.

Mitsubishi Confirms 2023 Outlander PHEV, Arriving Next Year: News

By

Zach Butler

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October 1, 2021

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV — The new Mitsubishi Outlander will get a plug-in hybrid variant that will arrive at dealers next year. (Images: Mitsubishi)

A new version of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is on the horizon.

There’s a bit of weirdness going on right now if you’re in the market for a Mitsubishi Outlander. You can get the brand new model launched this year, or you can buy the old Outlander PHEV. The automaker is still selling the last-generation plug-in hybrid alongside the dramatically updated gasoline models, though that picture will change next year. Mitsubishi announced Friday that the next Outlander PHEV will arrive in the U.S. in the second half of 2022, as a 2023 model.

As far as styling and tech changes are concerned, you can get a pretty good idea for most of the updates by looking at the non-hybrid Outlander. It gets more upright and distinctive styling, whether you’re a fan of it or not, and a categorically better interior than the old car. Beyond that, though, the gas-electric powertrain will get a more powerful electric motor and a larger battery. That ought to help the PHEV’s case for electric range, which stands at 24 miles in the outgoing car, according to EPA figures. Mitsubishi also emphasizes its Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system, which will see some upgrades in this new generation.

It’s keeping all three rows this time

Even better for families, the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will retain its three-row configuration from the gasoline model. Packaging changes for this new model means the plug-in hybrid won’t have to give that up, and as it stands this car is still one of the few larger plug-in hybrid crossovers out there. The Toyota Highlander does not have a plug-in “Prime” variant (yet), nor does any of its mainstream rivals. You basically have to buy into a luxury brand if you want a plug-in three-row family hauler, like the Volvo XC90.

We’ll get a better idea of technical specs in the coming months, as well as pricing. In the meantime, check out our review of the non-hybrid Outlander below:

Some Good Chip Shortage News: Most GM Plants Will Resume Production Next Week

By

Zach Butler

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September 30, 2021

Some *Good* Chip Shortage News: Most GM Plants Will Resume Production Next Week — Assembly line workers at GM’s Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kansas. (Images: General Motors)

Nearly all of GM’s U.S. production will be online next week.

Automakers have been juggling production in light of the ongoing semiconductor shortage for months, but Automotive News reports a positive shift for General Motors’ production. After weeks and even months offline, the automaker will resume production at its two plants in Lansing, Michigan next week. The news comes as third-quarter sales reports are around the corner, and may help revive dealer inventories — many of whom face sparse lots and frustrated customers.

Lansing Grand River Assembly has idled its Cadillac CT4 and CT5 production since May 10. It also builds the Chevy Camaro, though that line has only been down since September 13 due to the chip shortage. GM announced it is rebooting production a week ahead of schedule on Monday, October 3. Lansing Delta Assembly will also restart production next week as planned, after being idle since July 19. The Lansing Delta plant builds the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse.

Other plants like Fort Wayne Assembly in Indiana, which builds GM’s light-duty trucks, resumed production in mid-September. Bowling Green, Kentucky’s Corvette plant and Arlington, Texas’ full-size SUV lines have continued to run, emphasizing GM’s chip allocation toward higher-demand models.

Despite GM’s U.S. production ramping back up in most areas, some plants will continue to see some downtime. Fairfax Assembly in Kansas City, Kansas will only run its Cadillac XT4 line. Chevy Malibu production will stay idle through the end of October. Orion Assembly in Michigan will also reportedly stay offline, as a result of the ongoing battery recall on the Chevy Bolt.

GM’s Mexican and Canadian plants will be down through October 15

Outside the United States, General Motors will keep its production offline for two more weeks. Chevy Blazer and Equinox production at Ramos Arizpe, Mexico will be affected, where both lines have been idled since August. San Luis Potosi, Mexico will continue its pause building the Equinox and GMC Terrain. Finally, GM’s CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario (also building the Equinox) will be down through October 15. CAMI has been offline since mid-July.

Overall, current industry forecasts estimate the global auto industry will lose at between 8 and 9 million vehicles from production because of the semiconductor crisis. Nearly one-third of that lost production is in North America, resulting from automakers like GM, Ford and many other companies having to scale back production due to supply chain issues.

2023 Genesis GV60 Gets Up To 429 Horsepower, Estimated 280-Mile Range: News

By

Zach Butler

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September 30, 2021

The Genesis GV60 is the brand’s first foray into electric SUVs — and now have more details on what we can expect. (Images: Genesis)

The 2023 Genesis GV60 brings a new spin to the luxury brand’s lineup.

This is the first dedicated EV we’ll actually see from the brand, as the Genesis GV60 crossover prepares to launch in South Korea. From there, we can expect to see it go on sale in the U.S. next year. Under the skin, we know what Genesis is bringing to the table: an car based on the same E-GMP platform that underpins both the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. This time around, though, you get a more luxurious interior, as well as a distinctive-looking exterior.

So what do you get as far as performance and range? Like both its mainstream siblings, you’ll be able to get the 2023 Genesis GV60 in single-motor, rear-wheel drive or dual-motor, all-wheel drive configurations. The entry-level version puts out 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Opt for the dual-motor instead, and you’ll get 314 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. However, if that’s still not enough grunt for your liking, you’ll also be able to spec the GV60 with a 429 horsepower, 446 lb-ft torque arrangement. According to Genesis, that puts the GV60 right around the 4.0-second 0-60 range. Perhaps, it will be a couple tenths of a second quicker. Whether you want it or not, the automaker’s also introducing an “electric-Active Sound Design (e-ASD) system to simulate driving sounds in the cockpit.

One battery option

Range can be a thorny figure this far out from the actual launch. That said, Genesis estimates the 2023 GV60 can get up to 280 miles (451 kilometers) in rear-wheel drive form — at least as it’s setup for the Korean market. All-wheel drive versions lose about 10% of that figure, dropping to 249 miles (400 km). Get the performance model, and that drops again to 229 miles (368 km).

To achieve that figure, the Genesis will launch only with the larger of the two battery packs available in the Ioniq 5 and EV6. That means 77.4-kWh of capacity — roughly on par with that of a Tesla Model Y and slightly less than a Volkswagen ID.4 AWD.

Other performance aspects for the GV60 include an electronic limited-slip differential, as well as a MacPherson multi-link suspension setup in the front, and a five-link system out back. All-wheel drive models get a Disconnector Actuator system to uncouple the motor and driveshaft depending on the driving conditions, meaning drivers can switch freely between RWD and AWD. To that end, the 2023 Genesis GV60 even has a drift mode, when the mood takes you.

What about charging?

On its face, the Genesis GV60 doesn’t offer the most astounding range out of the box. However, what it does offer is a 400-to-800 volt electrical inverter, making it more flexible with various sorts of charging stations. It also supports DC fast charging up to 350 kW. Where that sort of charging station is available, Genesis says the GV60 can charge from 10% to 80% state-of-charge in just 18 minutes. Even on Level 2 AC chargers, this car ups the normal capacity from 7.2-kW to 11-kW. Again, assuming you have a home charger capable of putting out that much juice, that should also help charging times.

The 2023 Genesis GV60 does have a feature that will likely become more common in next-gen EVs: charging other electronic devices. It’s Vehicle to Load (V2L) functionality lets it supply other electronics with up to 3.6 kilowatts of charge — allowing it to be a mobile power source. Genesis does, for their part, aim this capability more at camping and outdoor activities than, say, powering your house.

Genesis’ new electric crossover likely won’t launch with cameras replacing the door mirrors, but the rest of the interior should arrive with the production version.

More tech than you probably expect

The 2023 Genesis GV60 will also launch with a new infotainment system. This “connected car Integrated Cockpit” (ccIC) will more closely link information between the cluster, central unit and the head-up display, creating what Genesis says is a thoroughly integrated and interconnected system. For audiophiles, this car is also the first Genesis to house a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Again, whether you’d really prefer it or not, the Genesis GV60 also brings in a Near Infra-Red camera mounted on the B-pillar. That can register two faces to unlock the car via facial recognition without needing the key. Drivers can also start the car without a key using its fingerprint authentication system. The “Digital Key 2” system not only supplants the traditional key as well, but allows you to open the car by touching the door handle, without actually having to use your smartphone.

More details, including U.S. specs, will emerge in the coming months. Pricing for the 2023 Genesis GV60 is also currently an unknown, but may land somewhere in the mid-$50,000 range, before applicable tax incentives.

Review: There’s A Seriously Good Case For The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage

By

Nathan Adlen

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September 30, 2021

Pros	Cons
√ Low, low entry-price	X Yeah, it can be a bit tinny…
√ Exceptional fuel economy	X You don’t get all the most advanced features
√ More practical than you might think	X Depreciation hurts (but not as badly with the low purchase price)
√ The warranty and roadside coverage add more to the Mirage’s value

Not many folks take the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage seriously.

A bit of context: I just drove a (rented) base model ES with a CVT, priced at $16,590. Like so many, I could go after the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage and rip it for being cheap and gutless. That’s what a lot do. Not only does it catch a bad reputation for its very existence, but even my forgiving wife hated this rental. Hell, I get glazed looks and sneers for simply appreciating Mitsubishi’s value proposition of their vehicles from my fellow journalists.

Fine, I get it. What everyone seems to forget, or ignore, is how good this little car is at doing what it’s supposed to do — save drachma ($$$).

*It may be simple, but there are some admirable qualities with that — not to mention the whole range sits under $20,000.*

Find deals on new and used vehicles through (in collaboration with Detroit Trading™) here!

2021 Mitsubishi Mirage — A quick features and price overview

Take a look at what you get with the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage for the money. A forward collision mitigation system with pedestrian protection comes standard on all Mirage models. So does Apple CarPlay with Android Auto, and a 7.0-inch display. That comes on the lowest of the low, $15,290 base model ES with a manual transmission. Let’s not forget you can also still get a manual transmission — at least on the base version. Things like lane-departure warning, automatic high beams and LED headlights are standard on the top-end SE trim for $18,715, including destination.

Keep in mind, with the crazy state of the new car market right now, you can still at least find new Mitsubishi Mirages to buy. More often than not, you can also still get at least a small discount to get into one.

If there is one upgrade I would suggest, it would be the $595 Rockford Fosgate premium audio system. Yes, you can get that even on the simple-as-can-be ES. It gives you a 300-watt stereo that can satisfy on your daily commute. I’m a music lover, and I’d be willing to pay for the upgrade after sampling the base audio system — if only to more effectively keep the voices out of my head.

For a more comprehensive look at the 2021 model year updates, check out our article from earlier in the year.

2021 Mitsubishi Mirage Gets A Fresh Face, New Tech And A Price Hike

The REAL ‘performance’ of the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage

Yes, the 1.2-liter three-cylinder only makes a miserly 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. It’s certainly no sports car, especially when paired with the continuously variable transmission. We showed how slow it is under a full load. Hint: It’s S.L.O.W. Still, the car only weighs about 2,100 pounds, and it’s extremely maneuverable thanks to its small stature. It might be the easiest car to park, and it has a useful 47 cubic feet of available cargo space.

Of course, here I’m referring to the hatchback, not the Mirage G4 sedan. Not only is the hatchback less expensive and more fuel efficient, for some reason, but it’s also more utilitarian.

It will cruise at 75 mph on Interstate highways all day long. There’s just one caveat to that, particularly here in Colorado — steep hills. If you go up a hill in the Rockies driving this car, prepare to draft a RV in the slow lane to make it up. Driving at high elevation means serious power loss, and that is admittedly a problem when you don’t have much power to begin with.

But, there are certainly areas where the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage does perform well. It is, by a fair margin, the least expensive car for sale in the United States. The Versa is available for $15,955, but at this price point $700 can make a difference. The Mirage also comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Even for the bargain basement price, you get 5-year/unlimited-mileage roadside coverage.

On top of that, the little car is the most efficient non-hybrid car for sale in the United States.

When properly equipped, the Mirage gets 36 City/43 Highway/39 Combined MPG. It holds a little over nine gallons in its and runs on regular, inexpensive gasoline. Bearing in mind how gas prices are trending, and your ability to actually use regular fuel is a major plus. Better still, despite the low power and my heavy accelerator foot, I still managed around 38 MPG.

**Interior comfort: I fit…and I’m not small.**

Sure, the seats in the 2021 Mitsubiahi Mirage are small, and it’s not a big car. But, a gorilla like me can fit in the driver’s seat and be comfortable on my 45-mile commute. It’s a bit tinny, and you will hear as well as feel vibrations at higher speeds. That’s another reason I suggest the Rockford Fosgate audio system.

My kids, who are as tall as your average adults, will fit behind me. It’s a tight squeeze to get a third person in the back, but there is a center seatbelt. Three small, skinny people should fit, but I feel that only two average-sized people in the back are a good idea. If you watch the video below, you’ll get my meaning.

A public proposal to Mitsubishi on the Mirage

I’ve sent this to them before, but to date my request has gone unanswered. As such, I’m appealing to you folks in the TFL community to chime in and see if Mitsubishi Motors’ U.S. division (MMUSA) hears you. In the past, I’ve asked for a Mirage to do a long road-trip for less than $300 in fuel.

This time around, I’d propose a Mirage cross-country round-trip from Los Angeles to Orlando and back for less than $500 in gasoline. That’s what I think this little car can do. You could make an interesting argument too that, at least until entry-level electric cars reach price parity with cheap gasoline cars, this is a solid choice to hold you over for the next few years.

Sure, you can also argue that some flights would cost that same amount, if not actually ring in a bit cheaper. – Add a rental or ridesharing and checked luggage fees into the mix, though, and that picture change. On top of that, camping in the little car (which is doable, if not comfortable) will save you a fortune in hotel costs.

At any rate, let me know your thoughts on whether you’d be interested in that sort of run below. Your voice amplifies these sorts of pitches in the manufacturers’ eyes.

Reaching a verdict

Way back, when I was a high school kid in Los Angeles, I had a friend who’s father bought a brand new Hyundai Excel. Sure, we all had a laugh. But once I thought about the poverty from which he came, and the joy of buying his first new car, I changed my tune. Ironically, that little car outlasted many others — and it was powered by a Mitsubishi engine.

Sometimes, we forget the meaning of what new car ownership can do for certain folks. We forget how rewarding something simple, basic and affordable can be. That’s where cars like the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage, for all the jests, are still relevant.

With that in mind, check out this bit of fluff between the two least expensive vehicles in their class. We pitch the Mirage and an all-electric Mini Cooper SE, currently the cheapest EV you can buy.

2022 Infiniti Q50 Arrives With A Minor Change: Can You Guess What It Is?

By

Zach Butler

-

September 29, 2021

The Infiniti Q60 carries on with minor changes. (Images: Infiniti)

After a year of minor changes, does the 2022 Infiniti Q60 bring some fresh tweaks?

It’s been around since 2016, and the coupe sibling to Infiniti’s Q50 sedan has carried on pretty much unchanged. We get another repeat for the 2022 model year, with one change the company headlined its official release. Before we get into that detail for the 2022 Infiniti Q60, though, it’s worth noting that the car’s base price ($42,775, including Infiniti’s $1,025 destination charge) has not increased from the 2021 model year. So, if you are shopping sports coupes at the moment, there’s one crumb of comfort.

So what’s the change? The 2022 Infiniti Q60 brings wireless Apple CarPlay to the mix. That’s pretty much it. You can also use Android Auto, but you’ll have to remain plugged in to do that. Sure, the release goes on to talk about the car’s specs, features and trim walk, but no major changes emerged apart from minor, minor tweaks. Unlike the Q50, however, you can still get this car in its base “Pure” trim.

Above the Pure, you can also get the $51,325 Luxe trim as well as the $59,225 Red Sport 400. Both pack a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, mated up to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The two lower trims run with just 300 horsepower, though, while the Red Sport gets a boost up to 400 horsepower. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option across the range.

The Pure and Luxe make do with 19-inch wheels, while the Luxe adds in adaptive cruise control, heated semi-aniline leather seats (rather than leatherette), and a 13-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system. Red Sport models get 20-inch wheels, adaptive damping, and a faster steering rack than the standard models.

The 2022 Infiniti Q60 will arrive at dealers later this month. While we’re not seeing too many changes here, we may be nearing the end of the road for this coupe, as the brand moves toward electrification from 2023 onward.

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

Q (Abridged via Dental Hygienist): I heard there’s been serious talk about a future Nissan EV pickup.

A: I’ve covered this topic before, but there’s some new data about a (possible) future Nissan EV pickup.

Q You guys are just like Doug mocking the Mitsubishi Mirage with no thought for its owners.

A: Hi Dale.

Q: How did you see the movie so early, Nathan? I thought it wasn’t getting released until next week.

A: Every once in a while, we get to go to special events that have heavy automotive sponsorship.

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After a year of minor changes, does the 2022 Infiniti Q60 bring some fresh tweaks?

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**Not all automakers lost ground, though**.

**Interior comfort: I fit…and I’m not small.**