2017 Mitsubishi Mirage

2017 Mitsubishi Mirage Review

As one of the least expensive new cars on the market, the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage is worth a look if you’re in the market for the most affordable transportation. The Mirage also provides hatchback versatility, strong fuel economy and a respectable array of feature content.

The 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage is a subcompact hatchback that seats five. The Mirage is sold in ES, SE and GT trims, and it comes with a standard three-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive.

For 2017, the Mirage benefits from exterior and interior design enhancements. The Mirage also becomes the first Mitsubishi product to offer Android Auto/Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, and a new optional Rockford Fosgate audio system has been added.

Exterior

The Mirage has a rounded, aerodynamic shape that’s highlighted by standard front and rear spoilers, dynamic side character lines and an intricate front intake area with a horizontal chrome accent connecting the car’s fog-light pockets. Halogen headlights and LED taillights are standard, as are 14-inch steel wheels.

Uplevel trims are available with features such as bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights, fog lights, exterior mirrors with built-in turn-signal indicators and 14- and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Interior

The Mirage has a clean and simple interior layout. The quality of materials found within the cabin is a bit basic, however. The front seats are reasonably comfortable, but seating in the rear is tight. Split-folding rear seats are standard in the Mirage, which has 17.2 cubic feet of rear storage with the back seat in use and 47 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear seat folded.

Standard content for the car includes manual air conditioning, rear-seat heat ducts, power windows and door locks and a tilt-adjustable steering column. For upper Mirage trims, Mitsubishi supplies a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, automatic climate control, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel.

Performance

The front-wheel-drive 2017 Mirage relies on a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that was chosen for efficiency and value. It produces 78 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque, and it’s paired with a five-speed manual transmission. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional.

The Mirage’s impressive EPA ratings start at 33/41 mpg city/highway for its standard powertrain and rise to 37/43 when the car is equipped with a CVT.

Technology

The base-model Mirage comes with a four-speaker sound system, a CD/MP3 player and a USB port. Upgrades include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, Bluetooth and a 300-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system.