Mitsubishi Mirage 2024: The Car That Should Have Saved Humanity
Mitsubishi Mirage 2024: The Car That Should Have Saved Humanity
Posted on November 29, 2023
I don't want to preach to you or tell you what choice you should make, but the fact is that a $60,000 hybrid SUV is not going to save the environment or improve your financial situation. The real solution exists in the form of a small, affordable, and fuel-efficient car, the Mitsubishi Mirage. With a starting price of under $17,000 and lower fuel consumption than most hybrid vehicles, the Japanese manufacturer's compact city car is one of the most affordable cars on all fronts.
Unfortunately, the Mirage is not as popular as it should be, primarily because consumers want larger, more luxurious, and better-equipped vehicles. As a result, Mitsubishi sold fewer than 1,000 units of this model in Canada last year. Does that mean you should avoid the Mirage? The answer is no, and I would even say quite the opposite. It's not perfect, for sure, but the keyword here is "affordable."
Range and Prices
For 2024, the Mitsubishi Mirage lineup consists of three models. First, there's the ES CVT version, which serves as the entry-level model with a starting price of $16,998. Next up is the Noir CVT version at $18,998. As the name suggests, this version offers a black finish with black rims and no chrome. Finally, there's the GT version, which is also the most expensive of the lot, starting at $21,498.
ES CVT – $16,998
Black CVT – $18,998
GT CVT – $21,498
Category and Competition
In theory, the Mitsubishi Mirage belongs to the subcompact car category. In reality, it's much smaller than that, but there isn't an official classification at this level. So, the Mirage competes with other affordable small-sized cars currently available in the market. You probably guessed that there aren't many, and that's a shame. However, it goes back to what I mentioned earlier about the popularity of more expensive vehicles.
Rivals : Kia Rio, Nissan Versa
Design and Features
The Mitsubishi Mirage hasn't changed much in its 10 years of existence in Canada. So, everything that could be said about it has been said, or is it really the case? For 2024, the one that truly stands out in the Mirage lineup is the Noir version with its darker look. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a more vibrant and colorful finish, the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage still offers a beautiful range of colors for its Mirage.
The quality of finishing may not be the model's greatest strength, but at the same time, one does not expect more from such an affordable car. However, the Mirage deserves credit for being well-equipped as standard, and its ergonomics have been well thought out. Its seats are surprisingly comfortable for such a small car, which can make all the difference on a long journey.
Performance
There is only one mechanical option for the Mitsubishi Mirage, and that's a small 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine. It produces 78 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. It may seem modest, but I can assure you that it is more than sufficient for a car of this size. However, let's not kid ourselves; if you have four passengers on board, accelerations might be sluggish. Nevertheless, for a single person or two, it's a very enjoyable and fuel-efficient car to drive. Its average fuel consumption is 6.6 L/100 km in the city and 5.6 L/100 km on the highway. The only downside is that the manual transmission has been removed from the Mirage's offerings for 2024.
Weak Points
The Mirage is noisy, and the interior finish leaves something to be desired. It's not very powerful either. Suffice it to say, you'll need plenty of space for a safe overtaking maneuver. However, these are entirely acceptable compromises for a car of this value.
Strengths
It is the most affordable car on the market. Its average fuel consumption is lower than that of most hybrid vehicles. Its small size makes it very attractive for large cities. It offers decent equipment for such an inexpensive car. Like other vehicles from the brand, the Mirage benefits from one of the best warranties on the market, with 10 years or 160,000 kilometers of powertrain coverage.
Signature Element
It may not be advertised at $9,995 as it was a few years ago, but the Mitsubishi Mirage remains the cheapest car on the market even today. Now, simply look at the used car market and consider that you could have a brand new car for less than $20, including taxes and a full warranty. If that's not a logical and informed choice, I don't know what is.
Final Thoughts
The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the last truly affordable cars, and that's why you should take advantage of it. I know that current trends lean towards larger vehicles especially electric models. However, the automotive journalist in me cannot help but notice that we have far exceeded the stage of necessity, and modern vehicles do much more than meet our basic transportation needs.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier