Mitsubishi Mirage

Like the exteriors, the interiors of Mitsubishi Mirage are also revised and upgraded with quality material. The front armrest, meter panel, and power window switch are redesigned to reflect convenient styling. This year’s upgrade also includes a new smartphone display audio system integrated with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display. However, this feature is not available in the base grade ES. Likewise, the base grade misses Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Instead, it comes with standard Bluetooth connectivity, a 7-inch touchscreen display, a front USB port, and a four-speaker audio system. In terms of comfort and convenience, Mitsubishi Mirage offers automatic climate control with micron air filter technology, 6-way adjustable driver seat, 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, steering mounted audio and phone controls, glove box, remote keyless entry, and remote fuel lid release features. 

In 2020, Mitsubishi Mirage has received a facelift, and the exterior styling is now revised to tender it a fresh appearance. In the front fascia, the grille is redesigned to enable dynamic styling, while the multi-bulb LED headlights further extend the character of Mitsubishi Mirage. Likewise, the rear fascia is restyled with a newly designed L-shaped horizontal taillights and squared bumpers. With these upgrades, the exterior appearance of Mitsubishi Mirage has grown wider. In addition to these changes, now Mirage also comes with a new set of 15-inch alloy wheels and two new exterior paints. All these new changes present Mitsubishi Mirage with more expressive styling. The standard exterior features include LED high mount stop light, body-colored front and rear bumpers, body-colored outer door handles, folding side mirrors, and roof spoiler. 

With starting prices of $13995, Mitsubishi Mirage is offered as a pocket-friendly hatchback. It’s not a perfect car, but it has a lot to offer in this price range. The ride quality remains untroubled while driving in city conditions. But, the same is not the case when driving on highways or rough road conditions. The Macpherson strut suspension in the front and torsion beam in the rear supports handling and maintains the ride quality. However, when it comes to the competitors of Mitsubishi Mirage, it lags behind Honda Fit, Kia Rio and Nissan Versa. Likewise, on the handling front, the electric power steering lacks responsiveness while turning sharp corners. 

Despite the new changes to its exterior and interior styling, the Mitsubishi Mirage is unchanged on the performance front. It’s powered by the same 1.2L three-cylinder engine available with both manual and CVT automatic transmission. This engine can produce a maximum power of 78 hp at 6,000 rpm and torque of 74 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. The five-speed manual transmission is standard with the base grade. While CVT automatic is optional and is standard with the rest of the grades. With CVT, Mirage ensures better fuel efficiency of 36 mpg in city and 43 mpg while driving on the highway. However, when compared to its rivals, Mitsubishi Mirage proves to be underpowered. Whereas, Kia Rio and Toyota Yaris are decked with a punchy and more powerful engine. 

Mitsubishi Mirage surely lacks essential driving assistance features but comes equipped with a pack of standard safety features. In terms of braking, Mirage appears with ventilated disc brakes in the front wheels and drum brakes in the rear. The antilock braking system ensures skid less braking on uneven road conditions. While electronic brakeforce distribution system precisely delivers the braking power to the wheels with the most traction. To further enhance the braking, Mirage comes standard with brake assist feature. Likewise, the active stability control is also standard across the lineup. It empowers the driver’s control over the wheels by adjusting the braking and engine power as per the environment. Mitsubishi Mirage is short on active driving assistance features. And, in terms of passive safety features, it comes with side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted airbags, driver knee airbag, and child-safety rear door locks. 

Mitsubishi Mirage beats the competition with its low price and exceptional fuel economy. However, on other fronts, such as driving, engine performance, and ride quality, Mirage falls short. Whereas, its rivals Kia Rio, Honda Fit, and Nissan Versa, offer a more refined package.