The all-new Mirage now gives Mitsubishi a competitive player the in the light car class, which was Australia’s second most popular segment last year, account*ing for 12.2% of new car sales. Starting at an attractive $12,990 drive away for the ES manual, Mirage is clearly aimed at the budget-focused buyer, yet, each of the three models (ES, Sport and LS) is relatively well equipped. It comes with a choice of six eye-catching colours, and the car appears to have the right ingredients to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Bluetooth with audio streaming and steering wheel controls are standard across the range. The top spec LS gets an impressive list of features including auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers and automatic climate control but the price climbs substantially to $19,490 drive away for the automatic. Mitsubishi Mirage is a name familiar to many buyers, but unlike the Mirage from 10 years ago, which was closely related to the Lancer, the re-incarnated car is a stand-alone model. Built in Thailand, this tiny 5dr hatchback has a strong, lightweight body with extensive use of high-tensile steel and follows a straight*forward mechanical formula. The engine is a basic 3cyl 1.2L with variable valve timing. It produces 57kW at 6000rpm, and peak torque is 100Nm at 4000rpm – similar to the 1.2L
Nissan Micra and a little better than the 1.0L Suzuki Alto, both of which also have 3cyl engines. Mitsubishi employs a standard 5spd manual transmission. The automatic option is a CVT, and these models also get hill start assist. Mirage has electric power steering and rides on a coil spring and strut-type front suspension with stabiliser bar and a torsion beam rear setup. Braking is provided by a combination of front discs and rear drums.
Despite a $2250 premium for the CVT, Mitsubishi expects it to account for 60% of sales, in line with the class average. On the road this rudimentary mechanical set-up and lightweight body delivers a city car that’s unexciting but easy to drive. There’s a greater focus on low fuel consumption and emissions than on performance but Mirage has no trouble keeping pace with the traffic and it cruises comfortably at highway speeds. For driveability, the CVT is a slightly better choice.
What you get with both is excellent fuel economy. The official figure for the manual and auto ES and Sport versions is a frugal 4.6L/100km; the higher spec LS gets 4.8L/100km for the manual and 4.9 with the CVT. The manual has the maximum 5-star Green Vehicle Guide emissions rating, while CVTs get 4.5 stars.
The 1.2L is a revvy little 3cyl unit so you notice some engine noise, and the suspension thumps a bit at times but it tends to be heard more than felt. The small turning circle and light steering make it extremely manoeuvrable around town but there is not a lot of road-feel in the steering.
For such a small car, cabin space is surprisingly good and its two-tone interior helps create an open, modern feel. Mirage will easily accommodate two adults and three children, although it wouldn’t fit three child seats, and it would be very tight trying to seat three adults there. The seats are fairly flat but comfortable enough for this type of car, while there are number of convenient storage compartments throughout the cabin to take care of small items. Capped-price servicing for the first four years or 60,000km and Mitsubishi’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty add a little extra peace of mind and round out the Mirage’s value-for-money proposition.
Likes Fuel consumption; low emissions
Efficient use of interior space
Driving ease and manoeuvrability
Dislikes Steering column doesn’t adjust for reach
Space-saver spare wheel
Modest performance
Snapshot
Mechanicals 1193cc 3cyl petrol engine; 57kW/100Nm; 5spd manual or CVT 4.6L/100km; 91 RON petrol
Safety Six airbags, ESC, ABS braking
Standard features Bluetooth, air-conditioning, power windows, remote locking
Price range $12,990-$19,490 drive away
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