Mitsubishi Mirage
This front-drive, sub-compact is minimalism on wheels, with smart, basic transportation in mind.
The Mirage is offered in two models, a 5-door hatch and a 4-door sedan, which Mitsubishi calls the Mirage G4. Both are available in ES and SE trims, while the hatch can be had in a top-of-the-line GT trim. All are powered by an all-aluminum 1.2L 3-cylinder engine that produces 78 horsepower and 74 ft-lb of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, but for $1,200 more the Mirage can be ordered with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). When equipped with the CVT, the Mirage offers an impressive fuel economy rating of 37 mpg city and 43 mpg highway. Mitsubishi claims that no other non-hybrid car can top it.
The Mirage rides on 14-inch wheels, which are steel on the ES, the SE hatchback gets alloy wheels while the SE sedan and GT get 15" alloy upgrades. Braking is courtesy of front ventilated discs and rear drums, and the little car's nimble urban handling is courtesy of MacPherson-type struts in front and a torsion beam in back. At a mere 149 inches long, the Mirage hatchback has a turning radius of just over 15 feet, allowing for near-effortless parking lot maneuverability.
The basic Mirage starts at $13,395, making it one of the least expensive new cars available in the US. At this miniscule price, its standard feature list comes off pretty impressively for the price: auto-off halogen headlights, power-adjustable mirrors, remote keyless entry, power locks and power windows with driver's side auto up/down, a 4-speaker, 140-watt CD/MP3 audio system with USB port, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, 60/40 split-fold rear seat, stability and traction control and seven airbags.
The SE adds Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, proximity entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls.
The Mirage offers a range of accessories that allow buyers to upgrade their Mirage with Rockford Fosgate audio, remote start and a parking assist system.