Hatchbacks may bring up bad memories for some people.

Those who want a fuel-efficient small car--but were traumatized by the Chevrolet Vega, Ford Pinto, or any number of Japanese econoboxes of the Eighties or Nineties--may be interested in a sedan version of the Mitsubishi Mirage minicar.

Mitsubishi Canada has released teaser images of a Mirage sedan ahead of the 2014 Montreal Auto Show--which has its press day January 16--which popped up on the Mirage Forum.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan teaser image.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan teaser image.

Wearing a G4 badge, the sedan is most likely based on the Mitsubishi G4 concept unveiled at the 2013 Bangkok Motor Show. A production version is currently sold in certain markets, as either an Attrage or Mirage G4.

Most notable in the teaser image is a more traditional front grille, compared to the Mirage hatchback's smooth and rounded nose, which is highly aerodynamic but has been criticized for anonymity.

Mitsubishi told the Montreal Gazette it will use the G4's Montreal Show appearance to test the waters for a Canadian launch of the car.

After Montreal, the G4 will reportedly make the rounds at other Canadian auto shows, but a U.S. debut hasn't been confirmed.

MORE: 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage: 40-MPG Minicar Gas Mileage Test

Mitsubishi manager of product communications Roger Yasukawa told AutoGuide that the company is considering bringing a Mirage sedan to North America, but is still "working on the timing of the launch."

If it makes it to the U.S., the Mirage G4 sedan would presumably have the same powertrain as the current Mirage five-door hatchback.

That means a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 74 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque, coupled to either a five-speed manual transmission or CVT.

With that thrifty three-cylinder, the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage five-door hatchback achieves the highest fuel-economy rating of any non-hybrid on the market.

The EPA rates it at 40 mph combined (37 mpg city, 44 mpg highway) with the CVT. The manual is rated at 37 mpg combined (34 mpg city, 42 mpg highway).

[Hat tip: Mirage Forum]


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