Having a subcompact hatchback should provide a good combination of space and easy driveability thanks to a small footprint (wheelprint?). The Mitsubishi Mirage was lucky enough to ride the wave of popularity that the subcompact segment triggered almost ten years ago, and the return of Mitsubishi as a key player in the automotive segment beckoned. Aside from coming from a reputable Japanese manufacturer that Filipinos have enjoyed for many decades, the Mirage embraces its roots as a people’s car, offering the necessities of transportation in a no-fuss package.
Related: 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage Review
While cars like these fall on the lower end of the feature set when compared to more expensive vehicles, we were surprised at the Mirage’s wide array of tech features, elevating the value that this car can bring to any owner. Does the interior and cargo space hold the same promise? Let’s find out.
Playing it too safe
If you’re looking for the most attractive interior in this segment, I’m going to have to ask you to stop reading right now. The dashboard of the Mitsubishi Mirage mixes a number of silver plastic accents with at least two kinds of black plastic. Majority of the entire dashboard is made up entirely of a black glossy plastic with a slightly cheap-feeling textured finish – it feels okay to touch, but doesn’t sound solid when knocked on. The second type of plastic is the awful piano black used in spots where your hands and fingerprints will be touching on a regular basis: the center touchscreen, base of the gear lever, and the aircon controls. I guarantee that they will attract dust and fingerprints, and makes me wonder why they chose this material in these specific locations to begin with. The design of the dash is also rather bland, but they did manage to sneak in a cargo pocket right above the glove box. On a good note, the materials in the cabin will stand the test of time, and everything seems to be well put together. Oh, and this trim level has a leather steering wheel. But it’s also black so it tends to blend in with the rest of the interior. In short, the cabin looks and feels way too simple, yet will probably outlast your ownership of the vehicle. Another complaint of mine is the lack of a center armrest as a standard option, but this can be remedied by ordering your Mirage with one from the factory.
The seats are a black fabric and are good enough for daily driving. The rear passengers get proper seats, doing away with the unapologetically bad bench seats in other small hatchbacks. A low transmission tunnel ensures good leg room, but rear seating for adults is limited to two. Adding a third passenger tightens things up greatly, and we foresee children or small adults being assigned to the center rear seat when fully loaded. Loaded up with four average sized Filipino adults, and you’re looking at a comfortable amount of space. Your rear passengers will be fighting over that sole cupholder, however, but you and your front passenger can enjoy up to four drinks at a time.
Pack creatively
On paper, the Mitsubishi Mirage offers 487 liters of space behind the rear passenger seats. That may look like a lot, but in reality, the low floor, high loading lip, and wide opening mean its cargo volume is vertical and spread out way too much. This means that our carry-on luggage for our flight would fit, but one was on top of the other. On the other hand, with the 60:40 split seats folded down, you can enjoy up to 1,330 liters of space. Much better.
Specifications
Engine
1.2 LFuel Type
GasolinePerformance
76 hp @ 6,000 rpmTransmission
CVT-
Summary
-
Name Mitsubishi Mirage GLX CVT Body Type Hatchback Price ₱772,000 Transmission Category CVT -
Engine
-
Engine Size 1.2 L Displacement 1,193 cc Number of Cylinders 3 Number of Valves 12 Transmission Type INVECS-III CVT -
Performance
-
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive Max Output (hp) 76 hp @ 6,000 rpm Max Torque (nm) 100 Nm @ 4,000 rpm *estimated -
Economy & Environment
-
Fuel Type Gasoline Emissions Standard Euro 4 Fuel Capacity 35.0 L Combined Fuel Consumption 27.1 km/L *estimated -
Dimensions
-
Length 3,795 mm Width 1,665 mm Height 1,500 mm Wheelbase 2,450 mm Turning Circle 9 m Ground Clearance 160 mm Trunk Capacity 484 L Number of Doors 5 Number of Seats 5 -
Safety & Security
-
Driver's Airbag Front Passenger's Airbag Side Airbags Curtain Airbags Knee Airbag Auto Brake System Electronic Brake Distribution Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Override and Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Immobilizer Security Alarm Stability Control Electronic Door Locks Speed Sensing Door Locks ISOFIX Lane Departure Warning System Blind-Spot Detection System -
Features
-
Cruise Control Front Parking Sensors Rear Parking Sensors Leather Upholstery Push Start Button Wheel Size 15 in Wheels Metal Type Alloy Airconditioning System Manual Dial Type Entertainment System 6.75 inch Touchscreen monitor with mirror link feature Connectivity 2-DIN Tuner, Aux-in, Bluetooth, iPod, USB ports Navigation Ready Warranty 3 Years (100,000 km) Keyless Entry Roof Rack Sunroof Electric Adjustable Seats Power Steering Power Windows Power Outlet Steering Wheel Audio Control -
Technology
-
Active Park Assist Hill Start Assist AWD Modes n/a Tire Pressure Monitoring Heads-up Display Power Liftgate Start-stop System
Colors
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