Flash Drive

2014 Mitsubishi Mirage

July 19, 2014 - Flash Drive - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage ES five-door hatchback

The Mitsubishi Mirage ES is a sub-compact sedan that makes a great city commuter vehicle.
The Mitsubishi Mirage ES is a sub-compact sedan that makes a great city commuter vehicle.

 Engine: 1.2-liter three-cylinder DOHC, 72 horsepower 74 lb-ft torque

 Transmission: Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT) front-wheel-drive

 EPA Ratings: 37/City—44/Highway—40/Combined

 Base Price: $15,195

 As Tested: $15,990

 Performance:

74 horsepower, 74 lb-ft torque

Seriously lacking power; agonizingly slow

CVT doesn’t help situation

Rough, noisy engine

Incredible fuel economy for a non-hybrid

The tiny 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine produces an anemic 74 horsepower.
The tiny 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine produces an anemic 74 horsepower.

Small tires equal un-sporty handling

Drum rear brakes

Compact, easy to park

 Comfort:

Excellent front legroom

Top hat headroom

Pretty firm seats

Rear legroom tight unless front seats are moved up

Utility:

Good size front door bins

No rear door bins or any other rear seat storage

Split, folding rear seat

Small trunk/hatch opening

Flat cargo floor, but sloped folding rear seat

 WOW Factors:

Fuel economy beats lots of hybrids

Low price, but justifiably so

 Whines:

Embarrassing Plasma Purple (fuchsia/very hot pink) color on test car

Severely underpowered, struggles on steep hills

Uninspired styling

Interior has more plastic than a Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon’s office

 Bottom Line:

High fuel economy and a low price are the top reasons to consider a Mitsubishi Mirage, but after that the plus/minus list leans heavily toward the minus side. The Mitsubishi Mirage is basic transportation at its most basic level.