This front-drive, sub-compact is minimalism on wheels, with smart, basic transportation in mind.
The Mirage is offered in two models, a 5-door hatch and a 4-door sedan, which Mitsubishi calls the Mirage G4. Both are available in ES, LE, Carbonite and SE trims. All are powered by an all-aluminum 1.2L 3-cylinder engine that produces 78 horsepower and 74 ft-lb of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, or Mitsubishi offers an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). When equipped with the CVT, the Mirage offers an impressive fuel economy rating of 36 mpg city and 43 mpg highway. Mitsubishi claims that no other non-hybrid car can top it.
The Mirage rides on 14-inch wheels, which are steel on the ES, the SE hatchback gets alloy wheels while the SE and Carbonite Edition get 15" alloy upgrades. Braking is courtesy of front ventilated discs and rear drums, and the little car's nimble urban handling is courtesy of MacPherson-type struts in front and a torsion beam in back. At a mere 149 inches long, the Mirage hatchback has a turning radius of just over 15 feet, allowing for near-effortless parking lot maneuverability.
The Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback is one of the least expensive new cars available in the US. With its base price, its standard feature list comes off pretty impressively for the price: halogen headlights, power-adjustable mirrors, remote keyless entry, power locks and power windows, 4-speakers, Bluetooth, USB port, auxiliary audio-input jack, automatic climate control, 60/40 split-fold rear seat, stability and traction control and seven airbags.
The SE adds Apple Car Play, Android Auto, proximity entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls.
The Mirage offers a range of accessories that allow buyers to upgrade their Mirage with Rockford Fosgate audio, remote start and a parking assist system.
Excellent Fuel Economy
Strong Standard Tech Features
Terrific Warranty
Agile Handling And Maneuverability
Low Starting Price
For 2021, the Mitsubishi Mirage gets a refreshed exterior as well as forward collision mitigation and a 7-inch touch screen as standard equipment. A new Carbonite Edition trim was also added for the 2021 model year.
If your idea of basic transportation is a no-frills economy car with five doors, a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, the best non-hybrid fuel economy on the market, competitive pricing, then look no further than the Mitsubishi Mirage. With its diminutive size, the Mirage is quite nimble, allowing for excellent maneuverability in tight spaces. It also comes with a surprising array of tech options that include Android Auto and Apple Car Play. The Mirage may not win many drag races, but it brings tech features and fuel-sipping design and a very appealing price of entry.
