The Mirage is powered by a 1.2 L 3 Cylinder MIVEC Engine that produces a meager 78hp that is the most efficient naturally aspirated all-petrol vehicle. When we look at the Mirage from performance perspective there’s a lot that the vehicle could do better. This 78 hp output generated from the 1.2 L Engine is the lowest among all its other competitors that offer at least 98hp.
|
Model
|
Mitsubishi Mirage
|
Honda Fit
|
Toyota Yaris
|
Kia Rio Hatchback
|
Chevrolet Spark
|
|
MSRP
|
$13,995
|
$16,190
|
$ 16,385
|
$16,400
|
$14,095
|
|
Engine
|
1.2L Inline-3
|
1.5L Inline-4
|
1.5 L lnline-4
|
1.6L Inline-4
|
1.4L Inline-4
|
| Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
|
Transmission
|
5-Speed Manual |
CVT |
6-Speed Manual |
6-Speed Automatic |
5-Speed Manual |
|
Power
|
78hp@6,000rpm |
130hp@6,600rpm |
106hp@6,000rpm |
130hp@6,300rpm |
98hp@6,200rpm |
|
Torque
|
74lb-ft@4,000rpm |
114lb-ft@4,600rpm |
103lb-ft@4,200rpm |
119lb-ft@4,850rpm |
94lb-ft@4,400rpm |
The figures of the Mirage don’t seem to impress as its the least powerful engine in the entire segment. The Honda Fit and the KIA Rio have the highest power and peak torque that could give you a better performance feel. But again they aren’t selling price is more than that of the Mirage.
How fast is the Mitsubishi Mirage?
The Mirage, being the most affordable offering, lacks the punch and the small 3-cylinder engine stagger to reach 60mph at 12 seconds. This car has been made for the daily commute and to ease your travel and save some bucks on fuel. The engine is sluggish and fails to keep up with its competitors who are much quicker and responsive.
|
Model
|
Mitsubishi Mirage
|
Honda Fit
|
Toyota Yaris
|
Kia Rio Hatchback
|
Chevrolet Spark
|
|
0-60 MPH
|
12 sec |
8.6 sec |
10.2 sec |
8.9 sec |
10.8 sec |
|
Quarter Mile
|
18.8 sec |
16.8 sec |
17.8 sec |
16.9 sec |
18 sec |
| Top Speed |
125 MPH |
115 MPH |
115 MPH |
114 MPH |
117 MPH |
|
Engine
|
1.2L Inline-3
|
1.5L Inline-4
|
1.5 L lnline-4
|
1.6L Inline-4
|
1.4L Inline-4
|
If you want a quick and responsive hatch then the Honda Fit or the Kia Rio would be the better pick. The Mirage is a solid car when it comes to fuel efficiency, not so much when it is about performance.
How quick can it stop?
The little hatch has a combination of 9.0-inch disc brake in the front and drum brakes in the back. The Rear Drum brakes are generally a result of cost-cutting. This doesn’t affect the braking much as the vehicle isn’t calibrated for performance. Antilock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), brake assist, and Active Stability Control all these features are available on the Mirage to improve stability.
|
Model
|
Mitsubishi Mirage
|
Honda Fit
|
Toyota Yaris
|
Kia Rio Hatchback
|
Chevrolet Spark
|
|
Brake Rotors Front
|
9.0"
|
10.3"
|
10.2"
|
11.0"
|
9.3"
|
|
Brake Rotors Rear
|
7.0"
|
7.9"
|
9.0"
|
8.0"
|
7.9"
|
|
Curb Weight
|
2018 lbs
|
2522 lbs
|
2396 lbs
|
2762 lbs
|
2312 lbs
|
|
60-0 MPH
|
127 ft
|
126 ft
|
120 ft
|
119 ft
|
N/A
|
The Kia Rio is the quickest to come to a halt all thanks to the big discs that aide the braking. The Mirage is the lightest out of all the competition and fares well when it comes to stopping. It is the slowest to halt from 60-0. Considering the engine performance, the braking is good enough.
How are the Ride and Handling?
The Mirage is an all-out everyday commuter that is comfortable enough. The standard Auto-Climate control works well. It can tackle the traffic and get you through the day without much hassle. The dimensions of the car make it optimum for city use as it can squeeze between tight spaces and turn in a small radius. Parking is also easier owing to its size.
The Mirage is an excellent option if your priority lies in fuel efficiency and the need to buy a brand new vehicle. There are used options available in the same price range or other competitors that are a bit more expensive. But this is the one that will help you save those bucks at the end of the week.
