I've recently acquired the new 2014 Mirage ES Almost fully loaded.
I opted out of the Nav Package as the convenient USB charger in the glove box makes navigation through Bluetooth Stereo a breeze; but acquired the matching handles, cruise control, alloy wheels, manual transmission, bluetooth hands free, steering wheel controls, fog lights, tinted windows, keyless entry, proximity sensor, etc.
After nearly 120 miles I can say that I honestly like this car a LOT. While I'm not a big fan of Manuals in American traffic (especially in a college town such as Lubbock (too many stop 'n go traffic situations to make standards worth it) it was the only option as every automatic that was relatively the same price with options i cared for was sold out as far north as Denver Colorado.
My car before this one was a '99 Buick Century Custom, and despite the VERY good care that I took of that car it eventually developed intake manifold issues, and once it started sucking a gallon of coolant per ten miles I knew it was just a matter of time before the heads went too, so I simply traded it in towards the mirage.
I have a two year old that uses a fairly large Child Seat, and I can say that whilst sitting behind my wife who has a "larger frame" at 5'11" and nearly all legs my daughter fits just fine. I took a felt cargo liner mat from the Local Hell-Mart (Wal-Mart) for nine bucks, and cut slits to route the headrest and convenience hook through it so that her kicking the seat wouldn't be an issue.
All in all the car runs great so far. Even with my wife, basically using every mile (Minus about thirty which was 15 at the dealership, and me getting it home) that's on this car to "re-learn" a stick it's holding up just fine. No issues with the clutch even after she grinded it god knows how many times, and the gearbox/transmission/engine stay relatively cool. Monitored with a hood mounted I.R. meter that's hardwired into a display I keep in my car I'm barely over operating temps with the constant work of this thing having to constantly start, shift, stop - rinse and repeat.
I've not really tested the suspension but I do know that there are "drains" (channels) grooved into the roads here somewhat like a bass ackwards speedbump that dips into the road due to the extreme droughts this place can have but also the sheer amount of flooding potential due to a lack of storm drains.
On these "concave bumps" it handles WAY better than the aftermarket (don't remember brand, or product) suspension on my century did and it was on 16" tires. The car sits a little higher too, which I like a lot.
All in all, I'm satisfied with my purchase and feel adequately safe while driving this car after watching the NCAP, and IIHS videos; and look forward to maximizing the profit of this vehicle through it's awesome service warranty.