Mitsubishi Mirage (2013 – 2021) Review
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Mitsubishi Mirage (2013 – 2021) Verdict
Smart styling, spacious interior and strong three-cylinder 1.2 petrol engine. Emits less than 100g/km of CO2, which makes it eligible for free road tax.
Disappointing to drive. Steering is slow and lacks feel. Not as good as similarly priced hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Up or Kia Picanto.
Find out more about the Mitsubishi Mirage (2013 – 2021)
Insurance Groups are between 15–17
On average it achieves 90% of the official MPG figure
Mitsubishi went back to the drawing board with its Colt replacement, ditching the old upright styling and injecting some much needed flair into its small car range.
Lighter, faster and funkier than its predecessor, the Mirage is the most aerodynamic car in its class with a drag coefficient of 0.27Cd and has been designed from the ground up with low emissions in mind.
The car weighs just 845kg thanks to the use of high-tensile steel in the body and power comes from either a 71PS 1.0-litre chain cam three-cylinder engine with 88Nm torque or an 80PS 1.2 with 106Nm torque.
The real highlight however is the economy. The 1.2-litre model features an automatic engine start/stop system and all models get low rolling resistance tyres and regenerative braking. As a result the Mirage emits less than 100g/km of CO2 and qualifies for free road tax. Claim fuel consumption starts at 67.3mpg for the entry level 1.0-litre engine and rises to 68.9mpg for the 1.2.
The cabin has plenty of space and gets five-doors as standard. Boot space is a generous 235 litres, which increases to 600 with the seats folded.
The Mirage also features an impressive amount of safety kit, with the use of Mitsubishi's RISE safety body design - Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution – which uses a strong monocoque structure made from ultra-high tensile steel. Brake assist, stability control and an emergency warming system that will blink the hazard lamps under heavy braking is also included on all models.
There are three trims on offer – Mirage 1, 2 or 3 – and top spec models get 15-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and automatic air con. A CVT automatic is also available with the Mirage 3.
Reviews for Mitsubishi Mirage (2013 – 2021)'s top 3 rivals
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Mitsubishi Mirage (2013 – 2021) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.0 to 1.2 Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 42–66 mpg
The Mitsubishi Mirage has two strong petrol engines – 1.0 and 1.2 – and both return good economy and impressive power. The better engine of the two is the 1.2, which presses along with purpose and returns a claimed 68.9mpg. It also has 106Nm of torque, which pulls strongly through the gears with a nice three-cylinder thrum. The five-speed manual ‘box is smooth and slick too, although the power delivery isn’t the smoothest we’ve experienced and noted a few stutters as we went up the powerband.
We also had some issues with the Mirage's steering and handling, with both proving to be a disappointment. The first issue is with the steering; it is slow and lacking in any sort of meaningful feedback, which makes cornering an unnerving experience. In fact, tackle a corner at pace and you’ll find yourself guessing at how much lock you need, such is the lack of feeling in the wheel.
Things get worse at roundabouts, where full lock is needed to persuade the car around each turn as the Mirage’s lack of front end grip become all too apparent.
The problems are compounded by the car's soft suspension, which results in copious amounts of body roll. Admittedly, the suspension isn’t too problematic in a town or city, but head out to the open road and the Mirage will wobble and lurch with the grace of a cross channel ferry in all but the slightest of bends. The suspension also takes an instant dislike to any undulations in the road, crashing heavily on potholes and bouncing over drain covers.
It’s a real pity that the Mirage is so poor on the road, because it is a nice looking car with a large and practical cabin. Ok, we accept that small cars like this are not meant for high speed driving, but that really doesn’t forgive the Mirage’s many shortcomings.
The old Mitsubishi Colt was a car that won many fans with its fun and zippy handling, but all of that has been lost here and replaced with lacklustre handling that ultimately flaws the entire car.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 67 mpg | 13.6 s | 96 g/km |
| 1.2 | 58–69 mpg | 11.7–12.7 s | 96–116 g/km |
| 1.2 Automatic | 57–69 mpg | 12.8–13.5 s | 95–125 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Mitsubishi Mirage (2013 – 2021)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
90%
Real MPG
42–66 mpg
MPGs submitted
28
Mitsubishi Mirage (2013 – 2021) interior
- Boot space is 175–910 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of four stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3710–3845 mm |
| Width | 1665 mm |
| Height | 1490–1505 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm |
The interior of the Mirage is impressive with a nice and simple approach taken to the cabin design, which gives the dashboard a clean and purposeful appearance. All of the controls and easy to find and there’s no scattergun approach to the button layout, like many of the new cars on the market.
On the downside, the quality of the plastics is poor, and despite the impressive layout, the dashboard has an overall appearance of being cheap and tinny.
The cheap and cheerful approach has also been taken with the seat fabrics, which are not the best we’ve ever experienced. They’re not uncomfortable per say, but are rather unpleasant to the touch; however, that said, the Mirage will easily accommodate four adults and everyone get plenty of head and leg room.
The rear seats are particularly impressive and will prove adequate for carrying six footers on long trips. The Mirage also comes with five-doors as standard, which means your passengers will not have to scramble in and out, while leaving muddy footprints on the back of your seats.
There’s no shortage of practical storage spaces either, with an abundance of bins and cubby holes to store drinks, maps and anything else you want to travel with. The boot is a decent size too, with 235 litres, but there’s no double-layer floor – like you get in the Volkswagen Up – and the carpet floor is rather flimsy. It's worth noting that the Mirage doesn't get a spare wheel either.
Mitsubishi Mirage (2013 – 2021) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3710–3845 mm |
| Width | 1665 mm |
| Height | 1490–1505 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 845–905 kg |
| Boot Space | 175–910 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 12000–12500 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Alternative | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £8,999–£13,745 |
| Insurance Groups | 15–17 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–D |
| Official MPG | 56.5–68.9 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 4 |
Currently on sale
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 Verve 5dr | - | - | 12.6 s |
| Design Pro MIVEC Auto Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 13.5 s |
| Design Pro MIVEC Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 12.3 s |
On sale until April 2021
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 Design 5dr | - | - | 12.6 s |
| 1.2 Design CVT 5dr | - | - | 13.5 s |
| 1.2 First Edition 5dr | - | - | 12.6 s |
| 1.2 First Edition CVT 5dr | - | - | 13.5 s |
On sale until May 2020
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 3 5dr | £11,075 | 60.1 mpg | 12.7 s |
| 1.2 4 5dr | £13,095 | 57.6 mpg | 12.7 s |
| 1.2 4 CVT 5dr | £13,745 | 56.5 mpg | 13.5 s |
| 1.2 Juro 5dr | £12,300 | 65.7 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 1.2 Juro CVT 5dr | £13,300 | 65.7 mpg | 12.8 s |
On sale until May 2016
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 Attivo As+G 5dr | £11,054 | 65.7 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 1.2 Attivo As+G CVT 5dr | £12,054 | 65.7 mpg | 12.8 s |
On sale until October 2015
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1 1.0 MIVEC 69 5dr | £8,999 | 67.3 mpg | 13.6 s |
| 2 1.2 MIVEC 79 5dr | £10,999 | 68.9 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 3 1.2 79 MIVEC CVT Auto 5dr | £12,999 | 68.9 mpg | 12.8 s |
| 3 1.2 MIVEC 79 5dr | £11,999 | 65.7 mpg | 11.7 s |
Model History
- November 2011: Mitsubishi Mirage launched
- February 2019: Mitsubishi Mirage line-up revised for 2019
- November 2019: Mitsubishi Mirage updated
- January 0001: 4-20-2020: Updated Mitsubishi Mirage priced from £10,550
November 2011
Mitsubishi Mirage launched
Fifty years later after its first small car, the little “500” launched in 1960 just at the start of the massive export drive of Japan, Mitsubishi Motors’ ambitious e-compact opened a new significant page in MMC’s history.
On sale in Thailand first in April 2012, the small five-door hatchback is called Mirage – a nameplate going back to the late seventies when Mitsubishi rolled out its first space-saving city car.
Measuring 3,710mm in overall length and 1,490m in height, the Mirage is slightly smaller than the Nissan March – Thailand’s first Ecocar – although the 1,665mm width is identical.
For the Japanese market, Mitsubishi is aiming for a 30 kilometre per litre fuel economy record when equipped with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, CVT automatic, automatic stop/go and 14-inch tyres rimmed with low rolling resistance tyres.
Earlier this year when Mitsubishi previewed in the Mirage in the guise of the Global Small Concept, it said that there will also be a bigger 1.2-litre variation. Along with the March, the Honda Brio also uses a similarly sized motor.
| Overall Length: | 3,74 m |
| Overall Width: | 1,68 m |
| Overall Height: | 1,49 m |
| Power train: | 3 cylinder MIVEC (petrol) engine |
| 1.0 Litre | |
| 5 M/T | |
| Auto Stop and Go | |
| Brake energy regenerative system | |
| 185/55 R 16 low rolling resistance tyres |
February 2019
Mitsubishi Mirage line-up revised for 2019
Updated 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage starts at £11,295. A new entry level Mirage 3 is available with a manual transmission and is £1,005 less than the outgoing Juro model, whilst the enhanced top specification Mirage 4 is available with manual or automatic transmission.
Powered by a 3 cylinder 1.2-litre MIVEC engine, the new Mitsubishi Mirage goes from standstill to 62mph in 12.7 seconds with 80PS and 106Nm torque. The vehicle has been engineered to meet the new real-world emissions regulations and returns from 107g/km CO2 (NEDC Correlated) and up to 60.1mpg (NEDC Correlated).
The Mitsubishi Mirage 3 features 14” alloy wheels, LED rear lamps and a rear spoiler. The interior features air conditioning, leather steering wheel and Bluetooth with music streaming and a 4 speaker audio system. The Mitsubishi Mirage 3 also features automatic rain sensors, keyless entry operating system with push button start and an Auto Stop and Go (AS&G) system. The Mirage 3 is available from £11,295.
The Mitsubishi Mirage 4 adds specification over and above the Mirage 3 including, MGN (Mitsubishi Global Navigation) which includes integrated satellite navigation and DAB audio, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It also includes climate control, cruise control and heated front seats, Bi-Xenon front headlamps, rear parking sensors and 15-inch alloy wheels. The Mirage 4 is available from £13,355.
November 2019
Mitsubishi Mirage updated
For 2020, the Mirage adopts Mitsubishi's Dynamic Shield design at the front, while the rear gets new LED combination lights that stretch across the width of the car.
New 15-inch alloy wheels are offered with two-tone diamond-cut styling. There's also two new body colours: White Diamond and Sand Yellow.
Inside, the front arm rests have been redesigned, while more soft-touch materials around used aroudn the cabin. A seven-inch touchscreen media display features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Prices and specifications will be confirmed ahead of the updated Mirage going on sale in the UK early in 2020.
January 0001
4-20-2020: Updated Mitsubishi Mirage priced from £10,550
The 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage is on sale now across the UK.
The most significant element of the 2020 Mirage’s update is its new Dynamic Shield brand identity, complemented by new headlights (available with LED daytime running lights and headlights), a new grille and chunky new bumpers with large, angular recesses on each corner.
The rear is also given a wider look and greater presence thanks to the squared-off treatment of the bumper corners and new LED combination tail lights. The 2020 Mirage’s new look is finished off with new 15-inch alloy wheels with two-tone diamond-cut styling, as well as two new additional colour choices for the car: White Diamond and Sand Yellow.
The updated Mitsubishi Mirage benefits from more user-friendly and stylish interiors, with new door trims and switch panels, new high-contrast instruments and new upholstery, as well as Mitsubishi Motors’ Smartphone Display Audio (SDA) system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen. The SDA system offers full smartphone connectivity including Bluetooth hands-free calling, as well as both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus built-in satellite navigation.
Under the bonnet, the 2020 Mirage continues to use the 80PS 1.2-litre, three-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine but with improved economy and emissions. A five-speed manual is standard, with a CVT automatic option on Design and First Edition models.
The three-variant line up now adopts the nomenclature of the rest of the range, with the entry-level Verve, mid-range Design and high-specification limited number First Edition.
The Mitsubishi Mirage Verve is equipped with remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, a rear spoiler, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and Bluetooth connectivity, including music streaming.
The Design version adds 15-inch black and silver alloy wheels; Keyless Operation System with push-button engine start/stop; SDA audio system; faux leather and fabric seats; height adjustable passenger’s seat; front grille with red accent; rear privacy glass; electric folding door mirrors and a leather-trimmed gear lever.
The First Edition variant adds an array of safety and luxury equipment including Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM), LED headlights and DRLs; front grille with chrome accent; rear parking sensors; cruise control; heated front seats; climate control air conditioning; front fog lights and First Edition badging.
Pricing starts at £10,550 for the Verve, while the Design starts at £12,495 for the manual version and £13,315 for the automatic. The First Edition models is priced from £14,035 for the manual and £14,855 for the automatic. Two Mitsubishi Service Plans are also available for the new Mirage, covering the first three or five years of use, priced from £425 including parts and labour.
The revised Mitsubishi Mirage also enjoys lower insurance ratings compared to the outgoing model with the Forward Collision Mitigation system on the First Edition achieving a class-leading score of 100% in recent Thatcham tests, avoiding all demonstrative collisions up to 50 km/h (31 mph).
The 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage is on sale now with the first cars arriving in dealerships within the next few days.
What to watch out for
Satnav in Mitsubishi Mirage Attivo would not accept more than four postcode digits. Mitsubishi insisted that is how it was built and nothing could be done. Reader persisted by contacting Clarion and Naviextras who make the unit and software for Mitsubishi. They were a lot more helpful than Mitsubishi. They told him to delete a file, upload a copy of the maps and then install an upgrade to the software available online. This worked fine and he now we has a 7 digit postcode facility. Another problem (but less of a problem) is showing the Speed cameras. According to the Mitsubishi brochure supplied with the unit this should be available, but it appears that software for this addition is not available on this particular unit.
