Browse over 9,000 car reviews

Mitsubishi Mirage LS 2014 Review

EXPERT RATING
8
The Mitsubishi Mirage has become Australia’s favourite sub-light hatch since its return in 2012, with its fresh design and attractive starting price pushing it straight to the top of the sales charts.

The Mitsubishi Mirage has become Australia’s favourite sub-light hatch since its return in 2012, with its fresh design and attractive starting price pushing it straight to the top of the sales charts.

The previous (1996-03) Mirage was basically a hatchback version of the bigger Lancer, but this one’s an altogether smaller light hatch that competes with the likes of the Nissan Micra and the Suzuki Alto.

VALUE

However, top-spec $16,490 LS auto is breathing down the neck of the slightly bigger Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris for price, particularly with the optional bodykit and chrome detailing added to the example we drove.

For the extra $2,000 over the entry ES auto, the LS gets climate control, a leather gearknob, auto headlights and wipers, chrome door handles, proximity keys, a roof spoiler and 15 inch alloys.

All Mirage variants come with power windows all round, air conditioning, a leather steering wheel, plus Bluetooth audio and telephone with voice controls

DESIGN

A standard five-door bodystyle helps access to the rear seat, with plenty of room for two adults with decent headroom, although the cushions are a bit flat for long journeys.

In the back, there’s a useful 235-litres of cargo space that expands with a 60/40 split-fold, with a spacesaver spare beneath the boot floor.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

Like all Mirages, the LS is fitted with a 57kW/100Nm 1.2-litre petrol three cylinder engine. The continuously variable (CVT) automatic transmission has helped the Mirage attain a 4.9L/100km combined official fuel consumption figure, which extended to 6.0L/100km on an extended highway run during our test.

SAFETY

Despite its compact dimensions, all Mirage variants carry a full five-star ANCAP rating, with dual front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, emergency brake assist and stability control as standard.

Along with its top safety rating, the Mirage makes for an appealing ownership proposition with a 5 year warranty and capped price servicing.

DRIVING

The Mirage is a handy little unit around town, and the three cylinder engine has plenty of pep for around town driving. Like most CVT autos, it makes a bit of a buzz when under heavy acceleration, which is only amplified in the Mirage with its characteristic three cylinder thrum.

Around town, the suspension has plenty of travel and well-tuned dampers for dealing with speedhumps etc., but it’s less composed at higher speeds.

That said, it’s quieter and more composed than you’d expect on a highway cruise, aside from the lack of cruise control which is still rare in this class.

Overall, it’s pretty obvious that the Mirage has been built down to a price. This is not a bad thing though, as Mitsubishi has simplified its design rather than cheapened it, and the materials feel sturdy and long-lasting, but certainly not luxurious.

 

Pricing guides

$9,990
Based on 44 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$4,999
Highest Price
$14,990

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
ES 1.2L, ULP, CVT AUTO $5,060 – 7,480 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 2014 ES Pricing and Specs
Sport 1.2L, ULP, CVT AUTO $5,720 – 8,030 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 2014 Sport Pricing and Specs
LS 1.2L, ULP, 5 SP MAN $4,840 – 7,150 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 2014 LS Pricing and Specs
LS Pop Green Plus Pack 1.2L, ULP, 5 SP MAN $6,270 – 8,800 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 2014 LS Pop Green Plus Pack Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
8
Malcolm Flynn
Editor

Share

Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.