Why I bought a Mirage (SpaceStar)

[foama]

Why did I buy a Mirage? Here in Europe it seemed to be the best offer, and this is why.

What I wanted:
A four door car.
Most important, it should have a low cost of ownership and a low buying price!
The luggage compartment should take at least the luggage for two persons for two weeks vacation.
It should take me to and from the office daily, a half hour ride each way.
It should take me plus my wife (and maybe mom in law) plus luggage to some place about 800km away, a full day's trip on the highway plus a few dirt roads.


The most expensive car considered was a Chevy Spark. Price tag here starts at €8900 (currently US$ 12.043). It consumes 5.0L/100km and has a really little luggage compartment of 170L. The engine is rated at 68PS (hp) and gets the Spark going up to a top speed of 154kmh.


The second most expensive car considered was the Suzuki Alto. Price tag here in Germany starts at €7999 (US$ 10.824). It consumes combined 4.7L/100km and has a tiny luggage compartment of 129L size. Makes me wonder if a crate of soda has any chance of fitting in. Otherwise a nice car. The engine is rated at 68PS (hp) as gets it moving up to 155kmh.


The least expensive considered was the Dacia Sandero. Price tag here starts around €6630 (US$8971).
It consumes 5.8L/100km, which is way too much for me. The luggage compartment has a perfect size-rating of 320L. The Sandero is quite roomy, really too wide for me. The engine is rated at 75PS, and is good for a max speed of 161kmh.


The Mirage price tag currently starts at €6999 (US$ 9.458). This is for the very basic 1.0L MT model, without A/C, without radio, without even a luggage compartment cover, no roof spoiler, etc. The luggage compartment is rated at 235L. Not very much, but much bigger than in the Spark or Alto, and just about big enough for me. The engine is rated at 71PS, and Mirage's top speed is officially 172kmh.
This much higher top speed is accomplished with engine-power comparable to the Spark and the Alto. Since it goes so much faster with the same power, it will be much more economical at high speed. Since most of my driving is on the highway at speeds around 120-130kmh, the fuel savings will be substantial.



It seemed to me the Mirage was the best choice for me.
Foama

[IchabodCrane]

Well done report..
The Mirage is a very capable car well suited to those of us who know exactly what we require in an automobile while not being ruled by some perceived image of ourselves.
Based on your search criteria I believe you made a very good choice.. happy mileing.

[debburyl]

I liked your post. Hopefully more people will do the same.and hopefully more in the USA. Keep us posted. And Welcome

[MetroMPG]

Thanks for the detailed review, Foama.

I'm envious you have the choice of the 1.0L engine for the Mirage/Space Star in Europe.

I would choose that engine if it were available here. (So would many other people.)

[DonHoot]

Hey, thanks for the great post. You pretty much hit the same points I did when comparing cars last December(2013). The other car I considered was the Ford Fiesta, which seemed overpriced to me at that time.
I would like to drive a 1.0L CVT to see how it would "feel" compared to the 1.2L.

[remusrm]

what model you got? I have the 1.2L basic in USA, but moving to EU. I plan on getting the 1.0L basic since in RO comes with ac and central looking doors, and front electric windows. What is your fuel consumption. Its stated 3.6l outside, and 4.5 inside town.

[cinder]

Thanks for the info

[foama]

at remusrm

in Germany the Space Star (Mirage) line-up officially sold by Mitsubishi has changed a few days ago.
Instead of four versions there are now five or eight (!) depending how you count. They differ by engine, transmission, degree of extras/luxury, etc.
You may want to look at:
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.de/Space-Star

foama

[debburyl]

Foama, thanks for the posts! I didn't know there was that many models to choose from

[debburyl]

Awesome. Web page Foamsthanks