Mitsubishi's Mirage... Perky, fuel-sipping budget-beater

The little Mirage oozes youthful exuberance.

The Japanese carmaker has wisely decided to step into the South African market with a funky little super-mini called Mirage, which already has an established track record thanks to awards such as the 2014 Automotive Science Group's 'Best All-round Performance Award' in North America, the 2012-2013 Car of the Year award by the Car Awards Group in the Philippines, and an 18 out of 20 rating by Top Gear magazine in the Philippines, who described the Mirage as "the sweetest deal in town" for single people or young couples on a budget.

Perhaps most significantly, the Mirage was named as one of Forbes Magazine's '12 Greenest Cars of 2014' - one of only two non-hybrid vehicles to make the coveted list.

Pretty and perky

The Mirage makes its appearance in South Africa in three guises, all powered by the same surprisingly sprightly 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder DOHC petrol engine that churns out a perky 57kW and 100Nm.

The driver seat is height adjustable, there are five bottle holders and the folding rear seats even offer a 60:40 split.

Not that performance is what makes this little tyke tick - with Mirage it's all about fuel efficiency and Mitsubishi claims it will sip its way through just 4.9-litres/100km while keeping emissions down to a mere 115g/km. Being equipped with a 35-litre fuel tank, in theory this should give it a range of 700km on one fill-up.

One of the main contributors to its fuel economy is the fact that it tips the scale at just 824kg, which makes it the lightest five-door, five-passenger car in America and probably also in South Africa. It is also just 3.71m long.

The little Mirage oozes youthful exuberance... it looks playful, compact and cute, particularly as it comes in a range of zippy bright colours such as Lemonade Yellow, Medium Blue Mica and Red Metallic.

OK, you won't burn much rubber, but the engine provides enough power to get you around very economically.

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In spite of its petite dimensions the little car is surprisingly smart, comfortable and spacious inside with ample leg and shoulder room and a cabin finish that is way above bargain basement. The driver seat is height adjustable, there are five bottle holders and the folding rear seats even offer a 60:40 split. Standard across the three-model range are features such as dual airbags, air conditioning, electric windows, a radio/CD audio system, and steering wheel audio controls.

A good list of features

Even the least expensive entry-level Mirage 1.2 MIVEC GL is equipped with keyless entry, a radio/CD audio system, colour-coded bumpers, a third rear brake light, electric power steering with a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, a multi-information display, front electric windows, manual air conditioning with a pollen filter, and a full-size spare wheel.

Easy to read - and on the mid-range model Mirage 1.2 MIVEC GLX you also have a fuel efficiency indicator.

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The mid-range model Mirage 1.2 MIVEC GLX has all of this plus a fuel efficiency indicator in the instrument panel, 15-inch alloy wheels with a full-size alloy spare, colour coded mirrors and door handles, electric side mirrors, a cheeky rear spoiler with integrated third brake light, a leather-bound multi-function steering wheel, an accessory socket, and a USB port added to the audio system.

Topping the new Mirage range is the 1.2 MIVEC GLS, which features keyless starting to complement the keyless entry, rear electric windows, auto up/down for the driver's window with an anti-pinch function, fully automatic climate control, and front fog lights.

Safety first

A further accessory package of R15,500 will add a cargo organiser, a centre arm rest console, front lower bumper garnish, rear parking sensors, satellite navigation and premium carpets.

Besides its cool looks and roomy cabin, the Mirage is also well kitted out in the safety department with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX child seat anchor points, as well as central locking and an immobiliser, linked to the keyless entry system.

The living quarters are surprisingly roomy and they're also well kitted out with a range of extras.

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At the media introduction, I drove the new Mirage on a brief criss-cross route in central Johannesburg and on surrounding motorways and was surprised by its performance. Though no tar-burner it gallops along quite gamely. The engine is a tad gruff but instead of detracting from its appeal, it actually adds to the fun. The five-speed manual transmission is slick and transmits power to the front wheels. The little car holds the road well and the brakes are more than adequate for the pikkie that it is.

Attractive package

There is much to like about the small but big-hearted Mirage. It is compact, practical, comfortable, safe and priced competitively enough to worry quite a few of the established car badges out there so keep an eye out for the brightly-coloured Mirages...I reckon it won't be long before you see them buzzing around.

To kick-start Mirage sales Mitsubishi is launching it with an attractive R1,899 per month finance package which includes 12-months comprehensive insurance. The car is also backed by a three-year/100,000km warranty and a two-year/30,000km service plan.

Specifications (Large file)

2014 Mitsubishi Mirage Review - Kelley Blue Book

2014 Mitsubishi Mirage Long-Term Test

2014 Mitsubishi Mirage DETAILED Review on Everyman Driver

Mitsubishi Mirage 2014 Review