Agreed on the growl. It's a unique sound.
Some people take it too far though: I've read some buff book type people saying it sounds like "half a Porsche". I assume they're talking about a boxer 6 layout? There's one in my parents' neighbourhood, and it definitely sounds more truck-like than car-like, but aside from that I'm not sure it sounds anything like the Mirage!
Glad to hear you're happy with the car. It's a bit funny to get the impression that you're slightly disappointed that they've made the car slightly more refined!
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View my fuel log 2014 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 62.4 mpg (US) ... 26.5 km/L ... 3.8 L/100 km ... 74.9 mpg (Imp)