The Mitsubishi Mirage is a no-frills, budget supermini. We take a first look
at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.
What is the 2013 Mitsubishi Mirage?
Like the Nissan Micra, the Mitsubishi Mirage is a 'world car' that will be
sold in more than 160 countries. In developing nations the Mirage will be targeted at the emerging middle
classes, while in 'mature' markets like the UK it competes with value-priced
superminis like the Hyundai i20, Skoda Fabia and the aforementioned Micra.
The five-door, five-seat Mirage is just 3710mm long (a Ford Fiesta is
3950mm) and tips the scales at a flyweight 845kg. Standard safety equipment
includes brake assist, hill start assist and stability control. The front end has been designed so that the driver can see both edges of the
bonnet for easier parking, and a compact 9.2m turning circle should make the
Mirage feel maneuverable around town. It's a shame Mitsubishi didn't make the Mirage look more distinctive,
though. Its generic, bar-of-soap styling already looks dated alongside fresher
efforts from Europe and Korea
Which engines will the 2013 Mitsubishi Mirage use?
There's a choice of 71bhp 1.0-litre and 80bhp 1.2 petrol engines. Both emit
less than 100g/km on the EU test cycle, which means free car tax (VED) for
owners. Efficiency-boosting tech includes stop-start and regenerative braking, while
an 'Eco Drive Assist' display on the dashboard shows drivers when they are
making progress parsimoniously. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, with the option of an automatic
continuously variable transmission (CVT) on the more powerful 1.2 engine.
How much will the 2013 Mitsubishi Mirage cost?
We expect the Mirage to undercut the Micra and be priced on par with Korean
competitors like the Kia Rio. That means a likely starting price of around
£8,500.
When can I buy the 2013 Mitsubishi Mirage?
Cars will arrive in UK showrooms in Spring 2013.
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