Power stems from a 1.2L inline triple churning out 78 horsepower. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and a CVT. Driven before its update, the Mirage, with a good heater and volcanic seat heaters, shrugs off winter conditions. The Mirage rides pretty well for such a small, light car, especially in town but handling becomes nautical when the car is pushed. The Mirage’s steering is relatively precise but lightly weighted and lacks any sensation of the road rolling underneath its wheels. The CVT ekes out every bit of performance available from the 1.2L triple and allows for surprisingly serene cruising, but performance is lacklustre and unless at a steady speed, the engine sounds like a diesel with an exhaust leak. Noise from grit pinging off the bottom or the car and wind noise over the roof (not the windows) betray a lack of sound proofing.
Comfortable front seats but the rear seat is small, hard and flat. Cabin space is quite good considering the Mirage’s tight dimensions and two adults can wedge themselves into the back seat for cross-town hops easily enough. Reasonable cabin fit and finish. The trunk is regularly shaped and deep below the window line. Fuel mileage is unimpressive considering the performance disadvantage the Mirage represents.

Though is is priced under $17,000, the ES is not a steal by any means as it is very small, slow and noisy. The Noir adds auto L.E.D. headlights, upgraded fabrics, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and fog lights, but is overpriced. The GT includes a forward collision warning, a lane departure warning, keyless entry and start and upgraded trim, but is significantly overpriced. At over $21,000, the GT is expensive for a stunningly slow and unrefined car that is in its 11th model year in Canada.  Poor resale value.

Only partial data is available as too few cars have been sold. Unknown CVT durability. The hard-working three-cylinder engine is lubricated by only 3L of oil so check your oil level frequently and keep all oil change receipts in the event of an engine problem. Mitsubishi’s 10 year/160,000 powertrain warranty does instill some confidence that the powertrain will go the distance.