2013 Mitsubishi Mirage LS Review

Joel Helmes reviews the Mitsubishi Mirage.

Mitsubishi Mirage LS review

The Mirage, launched in Australia back in January, gives Mitsubishi another passenger car option in their rather SUV heavy line-up.

Priced from just $12,990, the Thai built Mirage is certainly aimed at budget conscious buyers!

I had a week however in the flagship LS Mirage with CVT transmission – a combo that will set you back from $17,740.

At this end of the market you shouldn’t be expecting a great car and nor will you get it with the Mirage. What it is however is a rather adequate little vehicle that delivers a bit of everything without breaking the bank.

Under the bonnet is a 1.2 litre, three cylinder engine that delivers 57kW and 100Nm. The power deliver through the CVT is generally quite smooth and while you are giving just about everything else on the road a horsepower head start the little Mitsubishi gets along at a respectable pace.

The little engine does however deliver a certain amount of noise and a little harshness when it is put to work.

Fuel economy is quite good with the official figure being 4.9L/100km combined.

On the road the Mirage provides adequate ride and handling and the brakes seem up to the job as well.

In the cabin there is a fair bit of hard plastic but the fit and finish is generally better than what you might expect. Leg and head room is quite good and the boot is adequately sized for a vehicle in this class. Probably the only real disappointment in the cabin of the Mirage are the seats front and back which are overly flat and firm.

The leather wrapped steering wheel in the LS is a positive though, as is the push button ignition and other standard features including Bluetooth, four speaker stereo (lower spec models get only two speakers), auxiliary and USB inputs, auto wipers and headlights and power mirrors and windows.

One observation though in the cabin is that the passenger doesn’t get a mirror in the sun visor. The Mirage also only comes with only tilting steering wheel adjustment.

On the safety front you can be reassured in knowing that the Mirage has a full five star ANCAP rating.

And finally to the outside and you can’t argue that the Mirage boasts generally non-offensive and quite attractive looks. The LS is boosted by the addition of handsome 15”alloys and a rear roof mounted spoiler.

Summing it up – the Mirage is a capable and adequate little vehicle that goes about its business without too much fuss. With sharp pricing (particularly lower spec models), a good list of features, good fuel economy, great warranty and handsome looks it should be a popular choice particularly among first time car buyers.

NUTS and BOLTS

Engine: 1.2L 3-cylinder delivering 57kW and 100Nm

Transmission: CVT auto

Safety: Five stars

Warranty: 5yrs/130,000kms

Origin: Thailand

Price: From $12,990