mirage review Page 18

The Mitsubishi Mirage is the little hatch that treats petrol like it’s a rare spice and performance like it’s a rumour. Its thrummy three-cylinder and featherweight body make city dashing cheap and cheerful, but ask for an overtake and it files a polite objection. The CVT drones if you prod it, the ride is tidy around town, and the steering is so light you could twirl it with a pinky—great in car parks, less confidence-inspiring on the freeway. Cabin plastics are tougher than a tradie’s lunchbox and just as fancy, but they’ll survive years of shopping runs. Safety kit varies by year and trim, so check for niceties like AEB and side airbags, as earlier cars can be pretty basic. If you want minimal running costs and bulletproof simplicity, it’s a winner; if you want thrills, look elsewhere and bring a larger engine.