2021 Mitsubishi Mirage

Pros: Affordable pricing with decent number of features for the money; impressive 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: The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage has revised styling and more safety features. Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection is now standard on all models. Lane-departure warning and automatic high beams are available for SEs. Also, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility is now standard. The Mirage is a subcompact available as a 4-door hatchback or a sedan that is badged Mirage G4. The current design was introduced to the American market for 2017.

All Mirages are powered by a 78-horespower 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. The Mirage has been on the market for a few years in several worldwide markets, mostly emerging ones such as Thailand. Incidentally, Mitsubishi exports U.S.-spec Mirages from that country. Mirage is larger than the Chevrolet Spark, but smaller than the Hyundai Accent. 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 by a significant margin.