Mitsubishi Mirage LS 2014 Review

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.

If you need a little hatch that ticks all the safety, value and basic features boxes, the Mirage is a good little unit that’s handy for city use, and comfortable enough for the daily grind.