Review: 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage Sedan

The Mitsubishi Mirage Hatch won the hearts of young drivers everywhere because of its bright colours, range of features, and award winning low cost of ownership.

Now, for the first time ever, the Mirage will be available in a Sedan. The 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage Sedan not only picks up some visual updates, its longer body gives passengers more room than the previous generation Lancer sedan.

As it shares the same platform as the Mirage Hatch, the greatly efficient 1.2L MIVEC engine is back, and available with a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic. This means a combined ADR fuel economy of just 4.9L per 100km, meaning some nice savings for your hip pocket.

Available is an entry-level ES model, or top-level LS model, there is a sedan to match your budget.

Compared to its competition, the Mirage Sedan is well positioned to take the cake with its excellent list of standard features and handling prowess with a superior turning circle, super light 925kg kerb weight and more.

Despite its light weight, it still has achieved the highest rating possible from ANCAP with a 5 Star ANCAP safety rating.​

INITIAL IMPRESSION 

With subtle design differences between the Mirage Sedan and Mirage Hatch, the standard chrome highlights, fog lights and alloy wheels set the sedan apart.

Jumping on the inside, and you’re met with a massive amount of room for the front and rear passengers that seems out of place for a compact car like this, but it is undoubtedly welcome.

From a build quality point of view, the Mirage Sedan feels well put together and hints that it will be hard wearing for years to come. Throughout the car you’re reminded of the 6 airbags, and four-wheel ABS, EBD and other safety systems.​

As for comfort, there are numerous spots for 7 drink bottles, pairs of sunglasses, magazines, bags and more. There’s even a USB in the glove box, and a storage shelf for your mobile phone.

In the boot there’s no rear folding seats, but with 450 litres of storage capacity you can still fit in that weekly big grocery shop, bags for a long trip or anything else you can think of.

So how does it drive on the road?​

DRIVABILITY

The Mirage Sedan certainly isn’t a performance car, but the three-cylinder engine feels responsive and allows you to get moving with the traffic without much effort at all. 

Mitsubishi’s electronic power steering makes light work of navigating traffic and car parks.  The steering wheel mounted radio and Bluetooth controls are handy inclusions too.

Road noise is surprisingly kept to a minimum, even at high speeds on the highway. One feature we would have liked to see was Cruise Control, but we’re told the decision to leave it out was in the interest of better fuel economy.

In our LS model, the dusk sensing headlamps and rain sensing wipers are great standard features and saves the driver needing to take any action to varying conditions.

Also in the LS, keyless entry and push button start makes getting in and going that much quicker, and your key never has to leave your purse or pocket!​

COST

Pricing for the Mitsubishi Mirage Sedan starts from $15,990 drive away for the ES Manual, $17,990 drive away for the ES Auto, and $18,990 drive away for the LS Auto.

With standard features like Bluetooth, USB input, 4 speaker audio, 3 baby seat tethers, alloy wheels, and more on both the ES and LS, there’s plenty of value already built in.

Plus the Mirage Sedan will come with a 5 Year/100,000km factory warranty and available with capped price servicing.​

CONCLUSION

The Mirage Sedan surprised us. It’s introduction into the market left us asking why do we need a Mirage Sedan, but now it’s clear. The 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage sedan is an extremely solid entry into the competitive compact sedan market.

It’s quiet on the road, comfortable for 4 tall passengers and doesn’t look too bad either.

If you want to experience the Mitsubishi Mirage Sedan for yourself, be sure to arrange a test drive or to check out our stock online.