Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback Philippines Review: An affordable car for the city slicker

1. Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback Review: Introduction

One of the oldest subcompact car models still sold today, the Mitsubishi Mirage has always been a front-engine, front-wheel-drive that has changed a lot throughout the years. It became a lift back in 1988, a couple 1991, and a hatchback in 1978.

Currently, it has two body styles, the Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback and the Mitsubishi Mirage G4. While Mitsubishi started rolling these out in 2012 for the hatch and in 2013 for the sedan, it still remains largely the same except for a facelift back in 2017.

Currently, it has two body styles, the Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback and the Mitsubishi Mirage G4

For the 2020 version though, it seems that there’s going to be a facelift but according to reliable news outlets, the changes are going to be on the minor side of things. As such, here’s the Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback Philippines review for you to have a better understanding of the car. Let's check it out!

>>> Latest update: 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage: Expectations and what we know so far

2. Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback: Exterior Review

As a hatchback, the currently available Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback looks well-proportioned and in some way, despite its really simple looking features that don’t actually make it stand-out from others in its segment like the 2019 Honda Brio, it’s actually a really good looking car.

Upfront, we really like the shape of the piece surrounding the fog-lights. And in speaking of lights, the bi-xenon headlights do their job well. The pair of fog-lights are also no slouch.

Thankfully, the front fascia of the Mitsubishi Mirage is tastefully designed

Towards the side, we really appreciate the slightly down swept rearwards leading to a small spoiler. The downside to this is that the rear seat headroom might not be that good considering the shape of the roof.

The proportions of the Mirage hatch are just right. In short, it looks just right for a hatchback

All in all, when it comes to the Mitsubishi Mirage exterior design, it is a good-looking, well-stanced car. While it doesn’t actually really turn a lot of heads, it won’t be an eyesore parked in your garage. This, of course, goes the same for the sedan.

The trunk door itself is also light and easy to use

>>> Check out: Mirage vs Wigo: Which one would you choose?

3. Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback: Interior Review

One large thing that differentiates the sedan version from the hatchback version is the head-room for the rear seating. On the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan, legroom and headroom are great even when it comes to tall passengers. On the hatchback, the legroom is also great but the headroom leaves much to be desired. Teenagers and shorter folk, however, will have no problem sitting in the back of the hatch.

In terms of the Mitsubishi Mirage 2022 interior design in general, it’s a bit simple. The most surfaces inside the Mirage hatchback uses this hard plastic that has that usual thunk to it if you give it a good tap but otherwise, everything appears to be well arranged and functional.

The front seats are really good but the rear passenger's seats might be lacking in headroom for taller folks

Thankfully, there are also two cup holders as well as several storage cubby holes that are spread around the interior. The fabric covering the seats are durable and we also appreciate the dark themes used with the interior. As we’ve said time and time again, darker colored interiors are more resistant to stains and have a proclivity to hide damage due to wear and tear. Also, dark and hard plastic is easy to clean.

When it comes to on-board tech, the currently available Mirage hatch does have a lot to it despite being so affordable. It comes with a 6.75-inch touchscreen capable of connecting with a device using USB ports, an aux jack, and Bluetooth connectivity. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t available, the touchscreen unit reacts instantly and is easy to use. It even comes with a useful Navigation system that isn’t wonky at all.

It looks simple, but at least the plastic panels and parts can take a beating

On the steering wheel, there are also buttons for controlling the audio, cruise control, and Bluetooth. As for speakers, the hatchback in question is equipped with a four-speaker set. It’s not the best but it does the job decently.

The Mitsubishi Mirage hatch comes standard with a push to start button, keyless entry, and even automatic climate control. Very impressive considering that this is a very affordable Econo car. A handsome looking Econo car mind you.

4. Mitsubishi Mirage Philippines: Safety Review

As a very affordable vehicle, we think that the Mitsubishi Mirage is decently equipped to deal with untoward incidents. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or IIHS has rated 2014-2019 with the 2019 model being a carry-over model into the 2020 year as having a “good” overall evaluation with side impacts, roof strength, head restraints and seats, child seat anchors, front and driver-side impacts.

Mitsubishi Mirage hatch comes with absolutely perfect safety

Note that the “Good” rating for the IIHS is the highest rating. The only category that the Mitsubishi Mirage has gotten a “Marginal” rating is on the small overlap front, at least for the US version.

In terms of equipment, the Mirage hatch comes standard with dual front airbags, an anti-lock braking system with the electronic brake-force distribution. Also standard are three-point seat belts for the rear seats, an engine immobilizer, and ISOFIX.

5. Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback: Engine and Performance

Powering the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback 2022 is a 1.2 liter inline-3 that makes around 78 horsepower and 100 nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels with a CVT or a 5-speed manual. While those figures won’t win you any races, that isn’t the point of the Mirage hatchback.

Now, being only 1,310 kilograms heavy, this makes the engine powerful enough to get the Mitsubishi made hatch up to speed. Take note also that the Mirage is a quite possible one of the most fuel-efficient of mode in its class at an average of 12 km/l. On the highway, that figure can improve up to 24 km/l.

>>> Widen your search by visiting our cars for sale section.

The Mirage's inline-3 might not be that powerful, but it sure is efficient

6. Mitsubishi Mirage Philippines: Ride and Handling

For a driver, Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback 2022 is overall pretty great. There’s a height adjuster for the driver’s seat and the visibility from the interior is really excellent. Add to that the short nose of the vehicle and you won’t miss a single thing coming at you as you drive. Also, the electric power steering works well. The vehicle feels light on slow speeds and maneuvering in traffic. Parking or weaving through tight city roads is also very easy easily done with the Mirage hatch.

Parking or weaving through tight city roads is also very easy easily done with the Mirage hatch

On corners, the Mirage displays little to no body roll at all. It’s quite stable but as with most front-wheel drive vehicles, do be careful as these do tend to understeer if you push it hard enough. Note also that the stock tires on the Mirage are a bit thin so its contact to the ground might not be the greatest.

This car is one of those cars though. You know, those “slow cars that are fun to drive fast” type of cars but otherwise, please drive in moderation. As a daily driver though…the Mirage is simply a great and efficient car that will reliably get you to where you want to go.

7. Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback Philippines: Specs

8. Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback: Price & Variants

9. Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback Philippines: FAQs

Q: What is a cheaper alternative to the Mitsubishi Mirage?

You can consider the Toyota Wigo which is priced from P568,000 to P700,000, while the Mirage's price range is from P699,000 to P760,000.

Q: What is the average fuel consumption of the Mitsubishi Mirage?

The Mirage is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class at an average of 12 km/l. On the highway, that figure can improve up to 24 km/l.

Q: What are the pros and cons of the Mitsubishi Mirage?

Pros:
- Affordable price;
- Good choice for city drive;
- Practical interior with advanced equipment;
- Up-to-date exterior style;
- Roomier than most competitors in B- and sub-B segment;
- Fuel efficienct

Cons:
- Lack of headroom in the rear seats;
- Not roomy enough headroom for rear passengers;
- Not made for long trips.

Q: Is the Mitsubishi Mirage a safe car?

As a very affordable vehicle, we think that the Mitsubishi Mirage 2020 is decently equipped to deal with untoward incidents.

10. Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback Review: Conclusion

The currently available Mitsubishi Mirage is a very competent car for its price. It has a really excellent fuel economy and its driving characteristics and rides quality are actually good. Note also that despite having a sub 100 horsepower engine, the Mirage hatch is very light and will handle well especially in city roads.

As we review Mitsubishi Mirage 2022, we rather like its exterior design despite being on the simpler side of things. As such, the Mirage hatch is one of the best cheap cars you can buy nowadays. It is suitable for young, first-time car owners who need a reliable daily driver and even as a comfortable and safe transport for those with a small yet growing family.

So, do you think the Mitsubishi Mirage would make for a great family car and daily driver?

Take note though that this model is almost eight years old. As such, there are some rumors that Mitsubishi Motors North American might be cooking up an update to be announced sometime next year.

We don’t know yet if it’s going to be a next-gen version or another facelift, so for that, keep posted here on Philkotse.com.