In terms of simple, basic transport, they don’t come much more simple and basic than the Mitsubishi Mirage LS. That is not meant as an insult though, as the Mirage is actually quite endearing for all its basic simplicity.
It has a wonderfully growly little three-cylinder engine that is as frugal as it is characterful and it is remarkably easy to live with in an urban setting. And we rather like it for that.
Outside
Likes: Perky and unpretentious; it is a small car and that is all it wants to be. Brighter colours really suit it.
Dislikes: Slightly generic in its unassuming looks. Looks exceedingly dull in darker colours. Tiny wheels look odd.
Inside
Likes: Two-tone colour scheme lifts things nicely. Sensible control layout. Steering wheel audio/Bluetooth phone controls a welcome surprise in a budget super-mini. Great seating position.
Dislikes: The seats themselves are flat and unsupportive, however. LOTS of hard plastic. Don’t bother plugging a large capacity iPod into it, because (like all Mitsubishis) it will take 15 minutes to read it before it starts playing EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Under the bonnet
Likes: 58kW/102Nm 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine is enthusiastic and feels far more powerful and willing than the tiny numbers suggest. Engine loves a good thrash and sounds great doing it.
Dislikes: Which is good, because the CVT transmission thrashes the hell out of the engine to get any forward momentum. It’s a CVT. They are awful, no matter how eager and willing the engine hooked up to one is…
On the road
Likes: Around town the Mirage has an eager, perky character that suggests good things on the open road. It zips through gaps that other cars wouldn’t dare (maybe that is the driver…) and is an absolute blast in the city. On the open road it is surprisingly comfortable and capable of cruising happily at the speed limit.
Dislikes: Unfortunately it falls apart somewhat when you go around a corner. Handling is not the Mirage’s strong point, with lots of body roll and not a lot of grip from the tiny tyres. It is still quite predictable though, but also noisy…
Verdict
The Mirage is one of those cars that, if you were a cynical type, you would hate it instantly. It looks generic, has a tiny engine and an awful transmission, rides on tiny, tiny wheels and just screams “BUDGET TRANSPORT FOR SOMEONE WHO JUST DOESN’T CARE!”
But drop the arrogant judgement for one second, you big (possibly Palmerston North-based*) cynic and take a closer look at the good points of the Mirage: the engine is strong, full of character and insanely frugal, the looks work well with the brighter range of colours available and the interior is open and breezy. It is well-equipped for the price, unpretentious and pretty much the perfect size for city living.
Plus, it has one thing that a lot of small cars are drastically lacking in these days: character.
*Warning – In-joke, don’t try to understand it…
Price: $18,990
Engine: 1.2-litre inline three-cylinder petrol
Power/torque: 58kW/102Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
0-100km/h: n/a
Fuel consumption: 4.6L/100km
CO2 emissions: 106g/km
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