Mitsubishi Mirage (2013 – 2021) Review

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.

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.