When I was in the market for my first car, there were several factors I took into consideration. I was in my early 20’s, not earning a lot, but excited to buy my first brand-new car; and determined not to be buried in debt.
My list of ‘wants’ was pretty long, but far from unreasonable. My new car had to be cute, economical, safe, cute, and under $15,000. But overall, it had to be cute.
For the purpose of this review, I’ve decided to revisit that time and ‘purchase’ a small car all over again. Of course, now that I’m a bit older and wiser, I’ll be looking at more than just its aesthetics...
One of the most exciting new classes of vehicle to enter the Australian market recently is the sub-light or Micro class, as VFACTS now calls it. While there are only a handful of vehicles in this category (nine to be precise), the all-new, completely revamped Mitsubishi Mirage certainly made an impression on me, particularly when it came to the price, and the value it represents.
That value is certainly held in high regard by those in the Micro market. The Mirage dominates its class taking a 41.8 per cent share of the segment so far this year (Source: VFACTS, February 2014).
So what is it that makes such a tiny package worth considering?
For $12,990 (plus on-road costs) you probably wouldn’t expect a great deal, however, the Mirage is full of surprises, both pleasant and not so pleasant.
First impressions of the interior are that it was definitely built to a price. There is nothing fancy going on and the finish is not what I would describe as top quality. With uncovered fastenings, hard plastics and a flat bench backseat you’d hardly say the cabin is geared towards passenger comfort.
However, the cockpit does have all the necessary features you’d expect for the price. The base ES grade comes as standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, USB audio input, Bluetooth telephony and power windows, to name just a few.
When it comes to inner space, the Mirage managed to exceed my expectations. A weekend moving house proved that a lot could be crammed in the Mirage, and despite only having 235 litres of cargo area, the 60/40 split-fold seats liberated a tonne of extra room, perfect for carrying three small tea chest boxes, a small suitcase and my herb garden – all in one trip!
The best part about my relocation adventure was that nothing I put into the Mirage got damaged. In part I thank my careful driving, but largely it’s because the Mirage’s ride/handling compromise is a good one, still managing to corner relatively well without feeling too top-heavy.
The Mirage’s steering is a little light on feel, which is common with cars in this class, but in all it handled better than I expected, hugging each bend neatly, and comfortably.
Under foot, the Mirage is slightly more powerful than the Volkswagen up! (by two whole kilowatts!) with 57kW and 95Nm. But unlike the up!, the Mirage is offered with the option of a continuously variable transmission, or CVT.
This handy option might add $1500 to the list price, but in combination with the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine provides nifty, if noisy performance. Sprightly the Mirage might be, but it does sound strained when pushed, and can surge slightly at lower speeds and when accelerating from corners.
It’s a frustrating side-effect of the CVT, and one that detracts from driving in stop-start traffic. That issue aside I did find it better than changing gears myself, and also quite economical, returning an average of around 5.5L/100km on test.
Where safety is concerned – another priority for early 20s Bronwyn – the Mirage impressed with a five-star ANCAP rating, anti-lock brakes, brake-force distribution, stability and traction control and six airbags.
The Mirage is also backed by Mitsubishi’s five-year/130,000km warranty and comes with four years/60,000km worth of capped-priced servicing. It’s a very appealing selling point, and one that extends the appeal of the Mirage above that of the aforementioned up! and its three-year warranty.
So, would I consider purchasing the Mirage now, or as a carefree 20 year-old?
Yes, provided the budget allowed... With a low starting price and a safe but uncomplicated driving experience the Mirage delivers on what it promises, and has all the inclusions you’d expect from the Micro class, even if they do look a little low-rent.
What we liked: | Not so much: |
>> Fuel economy | >> NVH & CVT issues |
>> Value for money | >> Low-rent styling |
>> Surprisingly roomy | >> Low-rent materials |