Mitsubishi Mirage

Overview

The smallest offering from Mitsubishi globally, the Mirage is currently the only hatchback from Mitsubishi, which has shifted its focus completely on SUVs. The Mitsubishi Mirage has recently received a small makeover, which saw the hatchback receiving some much-needed features. The Mirage is available in one standard GLX variant and nine colour options – Wine Red, Sunrise Orange, Medium Blue, Titanium Grey, Black Mica, White Pearl, Red Metallic, Cool Silver and White Solid.

Interior & Features

While the minimal updates to the exterior have made things a bit interesting in the favour of Mitsubishi Mirage, the interior cabin continues to be a dated looking place that dulls the overall appeal of the car.

The three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel, as well as full analog instrument console, look as if they belong to a car from a bygone decade. The same can be said about the centre console as well, which though being wide in size, lacks in modernity, with the absence of a modern-day touchscreen infotainment system. In place of it comes an archaic 2-DIN music system, along with controls for manual AC below it.

The Mitsubishi Mirage also lacks a number of modern comfort and convenience features, however, the cabin doesn’t lack in space by any means. The large cabin liberates a sufficient amount of room for three people at the back with ease.

Exterior

With the new updates, Mitsubishi has succeeded in sprucing a fresh lease of life in the Mirage. While the Mirage used to look a bit drab, a few changes at the front and rear have risen up the appeal a bit.

At the front, the Mitsubishi Mirage now comes with a set of HID projectors along with daytime running LEDs within the wraparound headlamp units, with the car having the same small and sleek front grille. The front bumper sees some major changes in the form of big chrome garnish running across the bumper and ending up in fog lamp housings.

The side profile of the Mitsubishi Mirage remains more or less with the hatchback having a rounded profile with absolutely no prominent character lines accentuating the side. The inclusion of machined alloy wheels, however, do try to liven up things a bit.

At the rear too, Mitsubishi haven’t brought much change, however, the tail lamps now get LED inserts, and the rest of the boot lid design remains unchanged with a clean design and a large roof spoiler.

Ride & Handling

With Macpherson struts at the front and torsion beam at the rear, the Mitsubishi Mirage’s simple architecture under the skin has been tuned on a softer side, given the hatchback’s urban focus, which does manage to give a decently comfortable ride quality. However, the steering setup simply lacks the feel of an involving car, thus lacking in driving dynamics.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

At the heart of the Mitsubishi Mirage sits a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which has been doing its duty in the Mirage from day one of its existence. Currently the smallest engine in Mitsubishi’s lineup, this engine is coupled to a CVT gearbox as standard and produces a maximum power output of 78 PS and a peak torque output of 100 Nm. The only wonderful fact of this engine is its fuel-efficiency figure, which at 22.1 kmpl makes the Mirage one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the market right now.

Braking & Safety

For an entry-level hatchback, the Mitsubishi Mirage suffices with the basic safety equipment, such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, hill start assist, tire pressure monitoring system and reverse parking sensors.

Verdict

The Mitsubishi Mirage doesn’t break any new ground as a revolutionary product, as it is just above average in every other aspect. The car is decently sorted in the basics like styling and engine performance, with the spacious cabin and supple ride quality saving the grace for itself. The minute styling and equipment updates, which Mitsubishi brought for the Mirage have managed to keep it on the radar of potential buyers.