Standard Features
- USB Connection
- Satellite Radio
- Pushbutton Start
- Backup Camera
Specifications
- Fuel Economy: 37 MPG City / 44 MPG Highway
- Standard Engine: Regular Unleaded 1-3, 1.2L Engine
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transmission
- Horsepower: 74 HP @ 6000 RPM
- Torque: 74 lb/ft
- Body Style: Subcompact Car – 4-door
- Drivetrain: Front-Wheel-Drive
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 9.2 Gallons
Overall Review
The 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage is available in four configurations, namely DE CVT, DE Manual, ES CVT, and the ES Manual, all of which come equipped with the same engine but with additional features. The car is available only for $13,000 and includes good standard and safety features, making it the perfect vehicle for budget-conscious buyers.
Performance
The 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage comes with a Regular Unleaded 1-3, 1.2L Engine which is capable of generating 74 lb/ft torque and 6000 RPM. Although the horsepower may not seem impressive, the car’s compact size and light weight contributes to more power and acceleration, therefore allowing the Mirage to reach a top speed of 80 mph. This model of the Mitsubishi Mirage is generally tuned for city and suburban use.
Nevertheless, the vehicle is incredibly fuel-efficient, giving 37 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway. The manual gearbox has a first gear high enough to keep the car running without stalling. However, on the fifth gear the vehicle seems to struggle to gain speed. Upon accelerating, Mirage’s lack of power shows up quite clearly and generates a lot of engine noise. The handling and road holding are adequate. All in all, the vehicle earns five stars out of ten on performance.
Exterior
The 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage hits the road as a subcompact vehicle. And where it lacks in terms of performance, it covers up in styling. The compact design, generic body curves and bland front end give the vehicle a rather ‘cute’ look, making it the perfect vehicle for female drivers. Although most of the design cues have been drawn from Mitsubishi’s other vehicles, the Mirage does seem to bring its own distinctive and simple, yet sporty look.
Interior
In terms of interior styling, the Mirage doesn’t fail to impress and gives off a simple, yet luxurious appeal even though all interior surfaces are made of hard plastic. It does lack in soft materials, but the textures are good though and the vehicle is spacious enough for 4 people. The upholstery is thin and the seats are incredibly comfortable and have good seat-back bolstering. All in all, for a vehicle that goes for $13,000 only, the Mirage seems to be perfect in terms of interior styling.
Features
As mentioned earlier, the Mirage is available for only $13,000 and in this price range the features offered are quite impressive. The base model comes in a range of colors, a shortened radio antenna, and a chrome trim around the HVAC system. The Mirage ES trim which costs just $1,200 more and comes with alloy wheels, pushbutton start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, audio controls, Bluetooth pairing, height-adjustable driver’s seat, and fog lamps. Other trims come with a 7-inch HD touchscreen, an appearance package, and parking assist options with rear and front sensors.
Safety
Mitsubishi has put enormous effort on the safety of the 2015 Mirage, making its body a whole lot stronger than previous models. It comes with standard safety features, such as seven airbags (driver, passenger, front and side, and knee bags), seat-belt pre-tensioning, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake override, brake assist, traction control, and active stability control.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t yet rated the 2015 Mirage, yet the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety ratings are out. The IIHS gives the new mirage ‘Good’ for moderate-overlap side impact, front impact, seat restraint safety, and roof strength. However, on the tougher impact, the IIHS rates the mirage as ‘Poor’. And this may be a warning sign for the safety-conscious buyers.
All in all, the 2015 Mirage proves to be a good effort by Mitsubishi in introducing a budget-friendly, yet comfortable, fuel-efficient, and fairly quiet car.