Hip low-spec
The Mirage is one of a number of nameplates to have returned to Australia recently and many will have fond memories of the small car. It was quite a big player in the market a few decades back and has returned after a 10-year hiatus.
It operates in the smaller end of the light passenger car market, aka the "cheap and cheerful" segment.
But with the top-spec LS coming in at $15,490 plus on-road costs, it's not completely basement priced and with the test car having a dark red exterior and black and cream two-tone interior colour scheme, it wasn't really all that cheerful either. However, don't read that as a criticism, because the Mirage LS certainly does everything a buyer in this segment would want from it.
Its 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine throws up an expectedly low 57kW and 100Nm but it's all a car like this needs.
Yes, steep hills will make the engine sweat more than most others, and a few cars might pass you on the freeway on-ramp as you get up to speed. It's also noisier than you'd expect but it will happily sit at 100km/h without screaming the house down.
But in this segment, most people will be looking at the fuel gauge and the Mirage will be gentle on the hip pocket when filling up.
Its 4.8L/100km isn't best in class but it's also not an exaggerated figure; even when confined to driving in urban conditions it will use roughly 5.5L/100km.
It certainly has nothing against it in the looks department and a tight turning circle means manoeuvring in heavy traffic or carparks is easy.
Inside, there is more head and legroom than you'd expect - especially for those in the front - but annoyingly the steering wheel's reach can't be adjusted.
The tech features are all up to scratch with Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs and steering wheel controls, plus safety features such as side and curtain airbags.
But this is where the LS hits a hurdle: all of the above features are standard throughout the Mirage range. Yes, the LS has extras like better seat fabric, climate control and automatic wipers and chrome inserts and a bit more leather help update the otherwise dated feeling of the interior.
The continuously variable transmission wasn't great either, with the engine often sounding like it was straining and revving just a bit higher than it should.
Although this all points towards negativity, it is in fact very good news for buyers. The entry-model ES has all of the connectivity perks and with the higher-spec options and manual gearbox is the pick of the bunch.
This means customers can get arguably the best-value model of the bunch for just $12,990 plus on roads, or even less if they're quick as the company currently has a $1000 cashback deal across the Mirage range.
VERDICT
The Mirage LS ticks the right boxes for its segment but the lower-spec models represent better value for what you get.
MITSUBISHI MIRAGE
Model: LS
Price: $15,490
Engine: 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol
Outputs: 57kW/100Nm
Thirst: 4.8L/100km
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Safety: Five stars
