Mitsubishi Mirage 2012 Review - International

What we liked
>> Should be well priced
>> Good outward visibility
>> Fuel economy & CO2 figures

Not so much
>> CVT spoils the fun
>> Engine lacks torque
>> Cheap and cheerful architecture

OVERVIEW
>> Mirage on the horizon for Oz
The new Mitsubishi Mirage, first previewed at the 2011 Tokyo International Motor Show, is an entry-level model its maker says will become the brand’s “global compact” vehicle. Indeed, Mitsubishi is aiming the car at established and emerging markets alike; while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns in both. It returns the nameplate to market eight years after the last Mirage went on sale in Australia, Mitsubishi’s presence in the light car segment left wanting by the Colt, which has sold in unimpressive numbers due largely to its pricing since it was launched here in 2003.

Powered by an all-new three-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine -and utilising lightweight construction techniques, the Mirage hatch is said to be as much as seven per cent lighter than others in its class, while maintaining all-important structural integrity in the event of a collision. These facts, combined with a body shaped to greatly improve its passage through the air (0.29Cd), also improve fuel efficiency. Mitsubishi claims that intelligent packaging ensures ample accommodation for five adults.

The no-frills interior offers everything you need, and none of the stuff you don’t, ensuring costs are kept to a minimum. But says Mitsubishi Australia, it will be competitive with others in its class as far as equipment is concerned. The Mirage is available in four grades in its home (Thai) market -- GL, GLX, GLS and GLS Limited – and local pricing and specification will be announced closer to its Australian launch late this year.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT

On the Mirage GLX this includes remote keyless entry with door mirror-folding function, a single-CD tuner with MP3 player compatibility (via 3.5mm auxiliary input) and USB connectivity. Mirage GLS and GLS Limited models receive a keyless entry (proximity key) system which unlocks the vehicle when you’re within 70cm of the door or boot handle, as well as starts and stops the engine remotely.

The top-spec GLS Limited comes standard with a seven-inch touch-screen monitor with Bluetooth connectivity, DVD player and satellite-navigation. Foglights, alloy wheels and perhaps even single-zone climate-control are likely inclusions for Australian-spec models.

In Thailand, Mirage is priced from 380,000 to 546,000THB ($12,150 - $17,455AUD).

MECHANICAL

The 1.2-litre triple features continuously variable valve timing and is rated at 57kW at 6000rpm and 100Nm at 4000rpm. It is mated to a choice of five-speed manual or INVECS-III continuously variable automatic transmissions (depending on variant). The latter uses what Mitsubishi refers to as a sub-gear-train, which it says provides a wider ratio span for improved torque delivery and improved fuel economy (around 4.2L/100km and 107g/km combined, adjusted).

On Mirage GLX models and above, an ECO lamp on the instrument cluster illuminates when the car is driven economically. Fuel economy is further improved by the adoption of electric power steering. The Mirage runs on standard 91 RON ULP and is fitted with a 35-litre fuel tank.

Mitsubishi’s new baby is suspended by a MacPherson strut (front) and torsion bar (rear) arrangement with spring and shock absorber rates optimised to deliver what Mitsubishi says are neutral, reassuring handling characteristics. Braking duties fall to disc brakes up front and drums at the rear. Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are standard on all models bar Mirage GL.

Wheel and tyre sizes vary depending on model and market, but in Thailand the Mirage is offered with 14-inch rims in a mix of steel and alloy designs, shod with 165/65 rubber.

PACKAGING

To that end, slimmer A-pillars and a low belt line improve outward visibility while reduced grille openings in the fascia further reduce aerodynamic drag. The roof rises slightly at the rear to improve back seat headroom, the body’s trailing edge curving gently to reduce aerodynamic drag. Mirage GLS and GLS Limited models receive a small spoiler atop the rear hatch. All models are offered in eight paint colours.

The cabin’s keynote colour is black with complementary black-knit cloth upholstery. The flat dashboard is broken only by an arced lateral accent line said to express a sense of width and ‘openness’. Mitsubishi says it has worked hard to reduce join lines to impress a sense of quality, a piano black centre-stack surround also lifting the otherwise monotone surrounds. In Mirage GLS and GLS Limited variants, silver garnishes are found on the gear shift knob, centre-stack air outlets, meter rings and door-handles.

Low-back height-adjustable bucket seats with a separate head restraint feature up front on all but the entry-level model (Mirage GL gets a fixed-height single-piece high-back chair) with the rear occupants sitting on a 60:40-split folding bench.

Oddment storage is well cateredfor. The Mirage offers several cubbies and trays throughout the cabin, as well as a small glove compartment and drink holders front and rear. The cargo area appears to be on par with Mirage’s class rivals, though MItsubishi could not provide motoring.com.au with an official measurement.

The cargo area is fitted with a removable parcel shelf in all models excluding Mirage GL.

For the anoraks, Mirage measures 3710mm in length, 1665mm in width, 1490mm in height and rides on a 2450mm wheelbase. Depending on variant, Mirage tips the scale from between 830 and 870kg.

SAFETY
>> Room to improve?
Mitsubishi’s RISE body structure, comprising front and rear crumple zones, the extended use of high-tensile steels, and the introduction of impact absorbing cavities under the bonnet and front guards improve occupant and pedestrian impact alike. An impact-absorbing cowl, as well as impact-absorbing materials behind the front bumper and headlights, further reduce the severity of impact upon pedestrians.

In Thailand, Mitsubishi offer Mirage GL and GLX with a front driver’s side airbag only; GLS and GLS Limited models adding a passenger side airbag. There’s no mention yet of side, curtain or driver’s knee airbags for ASEAN countries, though MMAL says Australian-spec models will receive six airbags, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, a front stabiliser bar and hill-start assist (on CVT models only).

Front and outboard rear seat positions are equipped with three-point (lap-sash) inertia reel seatbelts, the rear-centre seat receiving only a two-point (lap) belt. Front seatbelts are augmented by pyrotechnic pretensioners and force limiters. Top-tether child seat anchorages are offered in two of the three rear seat positions. Again, this scenario is likely to improve on Oz-spec models, with all seating positions set to receive three-point belts and head restraints.

Mitsubishi officials say they expect the Mirage to achieve a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating when it lands in Oz early next year, though at least one Mitsubishi representative indicated a four-star result is more likely.

COMPETITORS

But with almost every manufacturer offering a Light entrant (or in some instances two), choice could be the very factor that works against Mirage. As our recent Light Hatch Mega-Test revealed, there are a good many cars in this segment that compete closely on spec and price, and it is these values that Mitsubishi will need to work hard against if Mirage is to be successful Down Under.

With many competitors offering excellent driving dynamics, intelligent packaging and impressive warranties, the crew at MMAL will need to price position Mirage against the likes of Nissan Micra (from $13,490) if it is to achieve segment volume.

ON THE ROAD

The team from Mitsubishi says the Mirage has arrived in its present form by not trying to overcomplicate things. One look proves that’s true enough; but just how does this translate on the road?

Six laps of the Bira International Circuit at Pattaya in Thailand may have provided only a small glimpse into just how well the Mirage executes its function, though we have to say it did so with honesty. The car is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of package, a five-door-only proposition with (in Australia at least) one engine choice and the option of five-speed manual or CVT auto transmissions.

The former operates as you might expect and is the pick of the pair, even if the feel from the stick is mildly agricultural. It covers the shortcomings in Mirage’s 1.2-litre three-cylinder’s engine, masking much of the lack of torque present mid-tach. The gearing is well spaced, allowing the driver to maximise the engine’s higher reaches, eliciting a smooth but distinctive warble under heavy acceleration.

The results aren’t what you’d call brisk, but it seems to provide enough steam for the task, even up the moderate inclines of Bira Circuit. Where the manual transmission shines, the CVT loses out. It’s effective enough when left to its own devices, but doesn’t like to be pushed. There’s no manual override, either. Just an ‘S’ mode (we assume for Sport) which appears to hold ratios longer, creates an audible CVT hum and, pleasingly, downshifts when braking for bends.

Steering is typical of electrically assisted units: light on-centre and lacking any real degree of feel. The ratio is, however, tight enough to promote easy manoeuvrability where it’s needed most, and in the dry conditions encountered made the Mirage easy enough to corner and correct, even without the fitment of stability control.

Throttle response is initially brisk, though a lack of pedal travel and engine torque means frequent depressions into the firewall are required to extract the most from the engine. Brake feel is positive and pedal modulation excellent; and despite its disc/drum combination, the Mirage stops well, no doubt as a result of its ultra-lightweight body.

Outward visibility is a highlight from the driver’s side of the car and makes it a cinch to place both on the road and when parking. The basic layout is what you’d expect from a sub-$15K offering, though looking around the acres of drab black plastic we can’t help but note that the switchgear and buttonless steering wheel does feel like Mitsubishi has raided the parts bin. There’s no reach adjustment for the steering column, but the seat’s simple four-way (mechanical) adjustment does seem to allow decent levels of adjustment, and reasonable support.

A fair price, long warranty and history of faithful service should see Mirage prove popular with pre- and post-kids buyers alike. Those with higher expectations and bigger budgets will, we'd suggest, shop elsewhere.

The one-size-fits-all mentality might sound good in theory, but in practice we believe more mature markets like our own are bound to expect a little more for their hard-earned.

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