Mitsubishi Mirage 3 1.2 - Competent City Car

Warwickshire Thai-built Colt replacement puts emphasis on value and low running costs

Mitsubishi has high hopes for this global small car, which replaces the venerable Colt in the UK. The Mirage’s calling cards are frugality and cost. Measuring 3710mm long and powered by a new generation of three-cylinder petrol engines, the whole range is clean enough so as not to incur road tax. Even the highest- spec ‘3’ variant that we’re testing here emits just 100g/km of CO2.

This range-topper is fairly well specified; it gets 15in alloys, keyless entry, air-con, parking sensors and a leather steering wheel and gear knob.

Mitsubishi Mirage 3 1.2

However, even the latter additions do little to lift a dour cabin that, leather trim aside, features some cheap-feeling materials and touch points - particularly the switches to operate the automatic windows and the curiously located button to turn off the parking assist beeps. The Thai-built Mirage feels way behind the game compared with the modem sophistication of the Volkswagen Up’s interior, for example.

Space is good, though. There’s room for four adults to travel in comfort, and for short journeys a fifth occupant can be accommodated. Boot space is 235 liters, rising to 600 liters when the rear seats are folded flat.

Mitsubishi Mirage 3 1.2 interior

The 1.2-liter engine, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, feels gutless from pull-off and lacks the low-down zest needed to assist quick getaways at junctions and roundabouts. Get up to speed, however, and the three-pot burbles along happily at motorway speeds; the small Mitsubishi doesn’t sound strained, either. Wind noise is appealingly hushed, helped by the Mirage’s sleek, low-drag shape.

Mitsubishi puts the claimed fuel consumption of this highest- specification Mirage at 65.7mpg. Our 270-mile test on a mixture of A-road, motorway and town center returned an average of 46.9mpg, although our car had just 600 miles on the clock.

Mitsubishi puts the claimed fuel consumption of this highest- specification Mirage at 65.7mpg.

The Japanese firm has worked hard to craft the Mirage into an extremely light and compact machine. It is constructed using Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) architecture, which uses high-tensile steel for a strong monocoque chassis.

The Mirage weighs only 845kg, which brings economy benefits, but it doesn’t enhance the car’s dynamic ability. The handling is fairly benign, but there’s little in the way of steering feedback. This is less of an issue in die Mirage’s natural environment around town but becomes apparent the faster you go. The Mirage deals with single bumps and potholes capably enough, but when confronted with a series of road imperfections it can become quite unsettled.

The Mirage weighs only 845kg, which brings economy benefits, but it doesn’t enhance the car’s dynamic ability

The Mirage is a competent city car that will find favor with those after a practical, no-frills vehicle with cheap running costs, free from road tax and the London congestion charge due to its low CO2 rating. However, it lacks the dynamic driving experience and overall feeling of flair and polish that some similar-priced rivals possess.

Pros

§  Decent interior space

§  L0WCO2 emissions

§  Quiet at motorway speeds

Cons

§  Disconnected steering

§  Cheap-feeling cabin

§  Absence of character

Verdict

§  Ratings: 3/5

§  New city car is competent but lacks the sophistication of many rivals

Tester’s note

§  The Mirage’s ultra- tight turning circle is a boon for motorists in busy city centers.