Mitsubishi Mirage Review

Despite its compact size, the Fiesta-sized Mirage is surprisingly room inside. The Mirage competes against a wide range of cars from smaller hatches like the Volkswagen Up to larger models like the Suzuki Swift, so it's tricky to directly compare it to any one model.

Put it alongside something like the Nissan Micra and it holds up well though. The driving position is good even though the steering column only adjusts for height, as with most cars this size. The interior is dated in design and feels cheap - this is certainly more utilitarian than design led, but it's reasonably robust and well screwed together.

There are two engines, both three-cylinder petrol units. The entry-level model has a 1.0-litre 71PS but the higher specification models have a 1.2-litre unit with 80PS.

But the real highlight is economy. The 1.2-litre model comes with an automatic engine start/stop system and all models have low rolling resistance tyres and regenerative braking. As a result all emit less than 100g/km of CO2. Economy is 68.9mpg for the Mirage 2 while going for the slightly higher spec Mirage 3 only sees it drop to 65.7mpg. In the real world expect around 64mpg.

It's reasonably well equipped too. The Mirage 1 - the only model with the 1.0-litre engine - is a little sparse but does come with front electric windows and a CD stereo with aux-in and a USB port. The Mirage 2 looks better value as not only does it get the superior 1.2-litre engine (which is also more economical) but also adds electric mirrors, air conditioning and remote central locking.

Overall the Mirage is a competent and comfortable small car that's easy to drive and performs adequately in town and on the motorway. It does lack character though, something which similarly priced alternatives like the trio of the Volkswagen Up, SEAT Mii and Skoda Citigo certainly don't. 

The Mirage doesn't outdo them in terms of equipment or price either. So there's very little to make it stand out against the competition. There's plenty of quality for buyers after a small and affordable car and unfortunately the Mirage lags way behind.

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Even those around 6ft2  can comfortably sit in the back without smacking their head on the roof or having to train as a contortionist. Getting in and out is easy too thanks the wide opening doors - the Mirage only comes in five-door guise as the demand for three-door versions of small cars is diminishing, so there's no having to clamber into the back.

It's quiet, helped by the aerodynamic shape and despite the light weight it feels stable at high speeds, even in strong winds. It certainly doesn't feel like a small car here. The opposite is true in town where the Mirage is ideal if you have to get into small parking spaces, helped by a tight turning circle and light steering.

However, it's the electric power steering which lets the Mirage down. It lacks response and there's no feel at all, so through corners you have to put in more steering input than you'd expect. It means the Mirage isn't very assured or comfortable on more demanding roads and even roundabouts can catch it out. Front end grip isn't great either. It's a shame as the Mirage rides smoothly and body roll is kept reasonably well in check through bends.

All Mirage models come with low rolling resistance tyres and combined with an aerodynamic design, it means strong economy. The 1.0-litre will average close to 65mpg in real world driving while the 1.2 sees this drop to closer to 54mpg. 

The Mirage didn't sell in big numbers so you won't find the used market awash with them but there's still a decent amount of choice out there, it just may mean having to travel further for the right car. You can find three year old models with below average miles for £7000