Pros: Affordable pricing with decent number of features for the money; good fuel economy; reasonably absorbent ride for a subcompact car; close-quarters maneuverability
Cons: Extremely high noise levels, especially from engine; sluggish acceleration; touchy brake-pedal action; uninspired handling
CG Says: For 2014, Mitsubishi resurrects a name from its recent past with a new-to-the-U.S.-market subcompact 4-door hatchback. The Mirage has been on the market for a few years in several worldwide markets, mostly emerging ones such as Thailand. Incidentally, Mitsubishi will export U.S.-spec 2014 Mirages from that country. Mirage is larger than the Chevrolet Spark and Scion iQ, but smaller than the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit. It is the only mass-market 4-door vehicle that is powered by a normally aspirated (no turbo or supercharger) 3-cylinder engine. Entry-level prices make Mirage an interesting proposition from a value standpoint, but its acceleration, cabin appointments, and overall dynamic refinement trail most subcompact competitors.
