Mitsubishi Mirage ES Road Test
Review by Tristan Tancredi - 5 June 2013
After a brief Hiatus, the Mirage is back. The 5th generation model ceased production way back in 2003. 10 years later and the 6th generation, assembled in Thailand, enters the subcompact market. (Granted, it was known as the "Colt" for 10 years, 2002-2012).
Fitted with a 1.2 litre MIVEC engine, the Mirage is available in three spec levels; Mirage ES, Mirage ES Sport and Mirage LS. We were given the keys to the Mirage ES for a week of on-road testing.
"The Mirage is everything you could want in a small car," Mutushiro Oshikiri, MMAL CEO.
Let's take a closer look at the entry level Mirage ES and see whether Mr. Oshikiri is on the money..
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| Drive | Engine | Exterior | Interior | Safety |
Drive: 3.5/5
The base model Mirage ES is a highly competent subcompact performer.
The Mirage ES handles itself well across a variety of terrain. Smooth and capable on highways, there is quite a bit of zip about the Mirage. We had no issues flooring the accelerator to overtake. However, the Mirage is at its best on inner city roads.
The compact size of the Mirage provides easy access to otherwise impossible car parks. Parallel parking in tight spots is simple thanks to a turning circle of just 4.6 metres. The hassle of looking for a suitable (and easy) car spots is diminished. The benefits of a tiny car! I am yet to fully understand the logic behind frequent city travellers (who drive to work alone) with large sedans or SUVs!
Despite an overall positive on-road experience, the Mirage does have a few flaws. Firstly, it can get a little noisy inside the cabin. Engine noise is quite loud as a constant strain radiates throughout the cabin. Environment and tyre noise will also cause a few problems for some.
Secondly, there is no Cruise Control for the Mirage ES. In our opinion, Cruise Control should be an essential (and mandatory) feature for all new cars.
Nontheless, views are adequate through front and side windows due to the low-set belt line and the location of A-pillars.
An ECO light will flash on the dash to show the driver the efficiency of driving habits. However, the ECO sign will be on 90% of the time regardless of driving patterns. We didn't feel it gave an accurate indication of how economical we were driving.
Engine: 3.5/5
The Mirage range is fitted with a 1.2 litre MIVEC engine that is paired with either 5-speed manual transmission or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) transmission (CVT was fitted to our test vehicle).
The 1.2L engine produces maximum power output of 57kW at 6000rpm and generates maximum torque of 100Nm at 4000rpm. Combining the MIVEC variable valve timing system with an overall weight reduction of the Mirage (Fuel System, Cooling System, The Air intake and exhaust systems), the Mirage is an efficient performer.
Thanks to a limited fuel capacity of only 35 litres, it felt like the Mirage did burn through fuel relatively fast.
It is hard to get an accurate gauge on how much petrol is left in the tank due to an overly simplified fuel display. (It's basically 8 square blocks lined up, that disappear one by one as you chew through the fuel).
Mitsubishi have fuel consumption sitting at 4.6L per 100kms.
Exterior: 3.5/5
The subcompact market entails vehicles such as; Holden Barina Spark, Nissan Micra and Suzuki Alto. The Mirage measures up at a similar size to its competition. 3,710mm long, 1,665m wide and 1,500mm high.
The design of the small vehicle enables the car to efficiently reduce air resistance, thus minimise fuel consumption, "Extensive fluid analysis and wind tunnel testing resulted in the Mirage being designed to reduce air resistance".
14" wheels are fitted to the base model ES whilst 15" wheels are available for the ES Sport and Mirage LS. (The ES Sport also features a rear roof spoiler with high mount stop lamp. The Mirage LS comes standard with Front Fog Lights).
The small, compact and basic Mirage ES conveys a very modern, youthful vibe thanks to the wide headlamps, sleek style lines and an imposing front bumper.
Safety: 4.5/5
The Mitsubishi Mirage was rewarded with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, with a total of 34.07 out of 37.
A host of basic safety features are standard throughout the entire range. These include; Driver and front passenger SRS airbags, Driver and front passenger side SRS airbags, Curtain SRS airbags, Active Stability Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, ABS and a Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body.
The only major feature lacking on the base model ES is Cruise Control.
Interior: 3.5/5
The interior of the Mirage ES is best described as "Simple". Stripped back of all luxuries and goodies all that's left is the basic essentials. If you require cruise control, a touch screen or dual climate control, it's best to look elsewhere.
The Mirage ES is a simple car. The flat plastic dash and door trims are a combination of black and ivory and provide a modern, fresh ambience. There is quite a bit of rattle from the plastic when coasting along a rough road (or when the speakers are blaring a little too loud).
A leather steering wheel with silver accents has radio controls for the left hand, whilst the right space is vacant of cruise controls. Aesthetically the front dash and steering wheel combination is very effective.
Seating is comfortable, albeit basic. A plain knit fabric with a circular patterns covers the front contoured seats and the rear bench seat (with inverted seatbelt holders tucked into pockets). The lower back does begin to ache a little over longer drives.
Thanks to a higher than expected roof, there is plenty of head room for front and rear passengers. Leg space isn't as generous as it does get a little cramped in the back seats with a full car.
Radio, USB port (in glovebox) and AUX are all available via an extremely simple set-up. There's nothing flash or fancy about the gizmos with this subcompact vehicle.
Oh, and there is no clock on the front dash when radio/cd is on. Strange.
Overall: 3.5/5
Despite a few flaws (lack of cruise control and a noisy cabin), the Mirage ES is definitely worth a look for prospective subcompact car buyers.
With a simple interior, a modern exterior package and a 5-star safety score, Mitsubishi succeeds in resurrecting the Mirage. A car that will definitely give the subcompact market a real shake-up.
The Barina better be careful or the Mirage may be the next top dog of its class. Starting from $12,990, be sure to check one out today.
* Prices are manufacturer list prices only, for the drive away price please contact your local authorised Mitsubishi dealer.
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