When people think of Mitsubishi, they think big, bulky vehicles like the Triton and Outlander or, at the other end, Lancer. No one ever thinks about a small, economical little hatchback. Mitsubishi Motors South Africa is now trying to change that with the launch of its A-segment Mirage in South Africa.
STYLING
If it weren’t for the bright colours, you could easily have walked past the Mirage. When you consider its competitors – Nissan Micra, Kia Picanto, Chevrolet Spark – Mitsubishi should have spent more time making the Mirage a bit more cutesy and striking. At the front, there’s a round nose with angular headlamps and slight arches on the on the sides of the bonnet to give it a sweptback look, while the back gets a large bumper and small hatch lid for a more pinched look.
Inside, it’s straight forward with neatly laid-out functions for the audio system and air-con, while the instrument layout is a straightforward three-dial layout. It gives a feeling of no hassle, no fuss, which I much prefer over cabins that are busy and messy.
ON THE ROAD
Measuring in at a petite 3,7 metres long, the Mirage was easy enough to pilot around the bustling city of Johannesburg for the launch’s Amazing Race-type of economy run. With 10 litres of fuel and a page full of clues, we were sent on our way to experience this vehicle.
Armed with a 1,2-litre, three-cylinder that pushes out 57 kW and 100 N.m, the Mirage isn’t going to get you anywhere quickly. What counts in its favour, however, is the low kerb weight of 825 kgs. This means that despite lower power and torque figures, the car feels sprightly and nippy. The short gearing from the five-speed ‘box means that engine revs climb quickly so brisk maneuvres are possible provided that they are carefully planned.
The distances between the various points were short, so I can’t tell you what this vehicle is like on the open road, but my inner-city experience with it has shown that it’s zippy, easy to park and can make quick lane changes or U-turns (being from out of town, this was a regular occurrence) thanks to its compact nature and turning circle.
Dynamically, the Mirage falters with a lofty feel to the suspension, lots of play in the steering and a significant amount of body roll through the corners. It does, however, offer effective damping and absorption of road imperfections.
FUEL EFFICIENCY
Mitsubishi was so confident in the fuel consumption of this vehicle that the company gave journalists only 10 litres of fuel to complete the various tasks in and around Johannesburg. The claimed consumption is 4,9 litres/100 km, but my driving partner and I were able to get it as low as 4,6 litres/100 km. Once the day was finished, it evened out to 5,5 litres. Keep in mind that all of this was done without air-con and coasting on the down hills where possible.
VALUE FOR MONEY
The Mirage competes in a segment where bang-for-buck is not only highly recommended, but a prerequisite. It’s a segment of the market where cash-strapped buyers shop and are looking for the best deal possible. So, if you don’t offer affordability, low maintenance costs and low ownership cost, you’re not going to get noticed.
In the case of the Mirage, it offers about the same as its competitors, which I fear isn’t good enough in this highly competitive segment that feature strong brands with stellar reputations. There are three spec levels – the GL at R124 900, the GLX at R134 900 and the GLS at R144 900. Standard on the entry-level GL are items such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, air-con, central locking, electric windows at the front, Isofox anchorage points, keyless entry and a radio/CD player. The GLX adds a fuel efficiency indicator in the instrument panel, 15-inch alloy wheels with a full-size alloy spare, colour coded mirrors and door handles, electric side mirrors, a rear spoiler with integrated third brake light, a leather-bound multi-function steering wheel, an accessory socket and a USB port added to the audio system. The top-of-the range GLS gets keyless start, rear electric windows, automatic climate control and fog lights. An accessories pack at the price of R15 500 adds navigation, rear PDC, cargo organiser, a centre arm rest console and premium carpets. Important here is the standard 2 year/30 000 km service plan as well as the added bonus of a one-year insurance policy.
OVERALL
I’m still not quite sure how I feel about this vehicle. It’s not atrocious and it does everything it promises, so I can’t fault it that. But there is the feeling that it doesn’t push the envelope in its segment far enough – in styling and standard features – to be considered better than its competitors.
