2020 Mitsubishi Mirage G4

With a 78 hp inline-3 engine, Mirage is also one of the slowest cars currently on sale taking 12.8 seconds for 0-60 mph run. Combine that with skittish high-speed dynamics, an engine that drones even at slightest demand for acceleration and poorly built interior and you have a car that’s hard to recommend. Competition like the Nissan Versa is a far better choice with lower asking prices.

The Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent SE, and Kia Rio are other cars in this class that you might consider. One thing for sure Mirage is the best deal you could get in this price bracket.

The Mirage G4 comes in two models with an option to choose between manual or CVT transmission. The standard ES variant with manual is priced at $14,795 and the CVT at $17,195. The ES variant gets a 4-way driver seat, power steering, power windows, air conditioner and keyless entry with several standard safety features and 5-different packages. 

Trims	ES	SE
Price(2WD)	$14,195	$17,745
Features	Remote Keyless Entry with Panic Feature	Adds/Upgrades these from ES
	Rearview Camera	15" Dark Chrome Alloy Wheels
	7" Touchscreen Infotainment with 4 Speakers, Bluetooth, AM/FM/HD Radio, USB	6.5" Smartphone Link Display Audio System with Apple Car Play and Android Auto
	Rear Seat Center Armrest with Cup Holders	Driver's Seat Armrest
	Cruise Control	FAST Key Passive Entry, Push Button Start
	6 Way Adjustable Driver's Seat	Automatic Climate Control
	Steering Mounted Phone and Audio Controls	Heated Front Seats

We Recommend 

The Mitsubishi Mirage is not a car you should buy currently. But if you are still adamant about getting it, we recommend spending minimum money and getting base Mirage G4 ES. However, we will spend $1200 moreover base and get the CVT for the “most efficient non-hybrid” tag – probably the sole rationale for buying this car.

The 4-doored sedan has a tiny and unrefined 1.2L Inline-3 engine rated at just 78 hp – lowest among the cars currently on sale in North America. The base Mirage ES gets a 5-speed manual with poorly spaced ratios. While the high first gear makes starting from the standstill a task, the short fifth (top) gear has the weak engine droning above 3000 rpm annoyingly even at a modest 70 mph.

The optional CVT promises one of the highest mpg ratings of any non-hybrid car. However, even the slightest demand for acceleration shoots the engine speed up causing repulsive engine sound. You will be much happier with the cheaper Nissan Versa having a more powerful 109 hp inline-4.

Models	Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ES sedan	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Kia Rio sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
MSRP	$16,295	$16,370	$16,400	$15,880	$19,420	$15,135	$15,650
Engine	1.2L i3 Regular Unleaded	1.5L I4	1.6L I4	1.6L I4	1.4L Turbocharged I4	1.6L I4	1.6L I4
Transmission	5 Speed manual	6-speed manual	6-speed automatic	6-speed manual	6-speed automatic	5-Speed manual	CVT
Horsepower	78 hp@ 6000rpm	106 @ 6000	130@6300	130@6300	138@4900	120 @ 6350	109 @ 6,000
Torque	74 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm	103@ 4000	119@4850	119@4850	148@1850	112 @ 5000	107 @ 4,400

The Mirage doesn't stand a chance when it comes to comparing power with its competitions as all of them are blessed with twice more power than Mirage G4 possesses. The Chevrolet Sonic leads the segment followed by the Hyundai Accent and the Kia Rio. Considering the price gap and power difference Mitsubishi sure creates a disappointment.

Acceleration

The Mitsubishi is one of the lightest cars on the market weighing just over 2000 pounds. Even then, the anemic 78 hp engine makes it among the slowest taking 12.8 seconds for 0-60 mph run. Even more unnerving is the complete lack of power in reserve for escaping emergencies or freeway overtaking.

As we can clearly see here, the Mitsubishi takes nearly 13 seconds to reach the 60 mph mark, while the competition does the same in under 10 seconds.

Models	Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ES sedan*	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Kia Rio sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
0-60 MPH	12.8 seconds	9.0 seconds	8.5 seconds	9.6 seconds	8.2 seconds	9.4 sec	9.9 seconds
Quarter mile	17.8 seconds	17.4 seconds	16.7 seconds	17.2 seconds	15.5 seconds	N/A	17.6 seconds
Engine	1.2L i3 Regular Unleaded	1.5L I4	1.6L I4	1.6L I4	1.4L I4	1.6L i4	1.6L I4
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	N/A	5.1	5.5	N/A	N/A	5.5	N/A

For comparison, the next slowest competition – the cheaper Nissan Versa does 0-60 in 10 seconds – over two seconds faster. More importantly, the Versa always has some power in reserve for freeway overtakes and emergency maneuvers while the Mirage leaves you with no option.

Ride and Handling

After all these doom and gloom, the cushy and comfortable ride of the Mirage adds a hint of brightness. However, the soft suspension causes precarious body rolls and even minor bumps upset the car at high speeds. The steering refuses to return to center after a turn and you have to manually center it else the car will veer off into the woods (or anything lining the road)!

According to the specification,s the Mirage G4 features an electric power steering with a tilt-only wheel, front-wheel drivetrain with front independent suspension and front and rear stabilizing bar which is supposed to provide precise responsive steering, but fails to deliver. The ride is lackluster and unimpressive in the city as well as highway premises. Although the handling is nothing to marvel, the brakes on the lightweight sedan work like a charm, even though the pedal feels mushy at times.

Braking

The Mirage brakes impress under panic braking and it stops quickest among cars compared here taking just 119 feet to stop from 60 mph. The light curb weight of the Mirage may be a factor. However, critiques have noted that the Mirage is unstable under braking.

Model	Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ES sedan	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Kia Rio sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
Brake Front (in.)	9	10.2	11	11	10.8	10.2	10
Brake Rear (in.)	7	7.9	8	-	9	7.9	8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	2106	2385	2714	2502	2714	2578	2395
70-0 MPH (ft.)	119	-	-	-	124	N/A	129

The Mitsubishi stops in the lowest distance among this comparison, despite the brake rotors being smaller than the competition in size.

The Mirage G4 and the Mirage hatchback with CVT are the most efficient non-hybrid cars on sale. While the manual is rated at 33 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, CVT is rated at an impressive 40 mpg city and 43 mpg highway.

However, critiques note that actual efficiency is far below the EPA rating.  The one thing that Mirage is better at is its fuel efficiency. Its small engine, smaller wheel, lightweight body allows it to offer an incredible fuel efficiency

Model	Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ES sedan(AT)	Toyota Yaris L sedan(MT)	Kia Rio sedan(AT)	Hyundai Accent SE sedan(MT)	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan(MT)	Ford Fiesta S sedan(MT)	Nissan Versa(AT)
MPG (city)	33	32	28	28	28	27	31
MPG (highway)	41	40	37	37	37	35	39
MPG (combined)	37	35	32	31	32	30	34
Range	322/377	371/464	333/440	333/440	342/451	335/434	335/421
Fuel Tank Capacity(Gal)	9.2	11.6	11.9	11.9	12.2	12.4	10.8

The less expensive Nissan Versa equipped with CVT may be less efficient with a rating of 31 mpg city and 39 mpg on the highway but it has far better driving manners. The Yaris CVT, in fact, manages to entertain you despite delivering 39 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. 

Surprisingly, the sedan has a spacious interior considering the price with an impressive 41.7 inches of front-seat legroom and 37.2 inches of rear-seat legroom. Build quality is appalling though and the base Mirage ES is as plain as it gets. The seats lack enough adjustments and they are covered in low-quality materials. 

As compared to the price the interiors are way better and also look more modern and stylish than exteriors. There are some powerful features, keyless entry with panic mode but does not feature a rear-view camera, push-button start for the base model.

The Mirage G4 is a 4-door 5-seater compact sedan. One thing for sure that its spacious interiors fit for a family. The build quality is not very good and you will feel the lack of finish but it works. It has a 4-way manual driver and passenger bucket seat but non-folding standard rear seats.

Models	Mitsubishi Mirage G4	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Kia Rio sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Front Head Room	39.1	38.2	38.9	38.9	38.7	39.1	39.8
Front Shoulder Room	51.7	53.1	54.1	54.2	53.4	53.4	51.7
Front Leg Room	41.7	41.9	42.1	42.1	41.8	41.8	41.8
Rear Head Room	36.9	36.8	37.4	37.3	38.1	37.8	36.6
Rear Shoulder Room	51.2	50.0	53.3	53.7	53.0	53.0	51.9
Rear Leg Room	37.2	34.4	33.5	33.5	34.6	34.6	37.0

If you are looking for a comfortable and spacious family car at rock bottom price, plonk your money for the cheaper Nissan Versa boasting more passenger volume and far better sound deadening. If you want better build quality, the Toyota Yaris is and Chevy Sonic will impress you but get a slightly higher asking price.

Interior Features

• Automatic Climate Control
• Rear Heater Floor Ducts
• Push Button Start with the Panic feature
• Power Windows with Power Door Locks
• Driver and Passenger Sun Visors with Vanity Mirror on Driver's side
• Chrome Plated inner Door Handles
• Tilt Adjust Steering Wheel
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob
• Heated Front Seats
• Front and Rear Seats Armrests

Infotainment System

The Mirage does not have a lot to talk about its infotainment system but you do get enough features for the price bracket to satisfy you in which most of the features are only available for the SE variant. It has a 6.5-inch in-dash display, 4 total speakers, AM/FM stereo with 140-watt stereo output and USB connection. You do get a lot more if you move up to the $16,000 variant.

The Other Infotainment System Features found inside the Mirage Includes these

• Steering mounted Audio, Voice and Phone Control
• 6.5" Touchscreen Infotainment System with AM/FM/CD
• Apple Car Play and Android Auto
• 4 Speaker Audio System
• Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity
• USB and AUX Ports

Cargo Capacity

In the trunk, you'd find 12.3 cubic feet of space. That’s lowest among the competitors here and the cheaper and all-round better Nissan Versa easily trumps it in this regard with 14.9 cubic feet of trunk capacity.

However, Mirage does get 60/40 split rear seats as standard while only the top trim of Versa has them. For a compact sedan, it is plenty and its cubic shape allows you to keep bigger objects easily and you also get a spare tire.

Model	Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ES sedan	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Kia Rio sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
Cargo Volume (cu-ft.)	12.3	13.5	13.7	13.7	14.9	12.8	14.9

Compared to the Mirage all other competitors have better cargo space and Kia leads the segment with Hyundai.

In terms of design, the 4-doored sedan carries a very generic look that does not stand out in the parking lot. The large front doors make ingress and egress easy but the small rear doors make ducking necessary while occupying the rear seats.

While base Mirage does have optional alloy wheels, the fog lamp is limited to Mirage SE only. It rides on tiny 14-inch steel wheels that get lost in the wheel arches of the car. The Mitsubishi Mirage SE gets the larger 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheel that fills the wheel-arches better.

Model	Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ES sedan	Toyota Yaris L sedan	Kia Rio sedan	Hyundai Accent SE sedan	Chevrolet Sonic Sedan	Ford Fiesta S sedan	Nissan Versa
Curb weight (lbs.)	2106	2385	2714	2502	2796	2578	2395
Length(in)	169.5	171.2	172.6	172.6	173.9	173.5	163.7
Width(in)	65.7	66.7	67.9	68.1	68.3	67.8	66.7
Height(in)	59.2	58.5	57.1	57.1	59.7	58.1	60.5
Ground clearance (in)	6.3	5.5	5.5	5.5	N/A	N/A	N/A
Wheelbase (in)	100.4	101.2	101.6	101.6	99.4	98.0	102.4
Track width (in) F/R	56.3/55.7	58.9/59.5	59.8/60.0	59.3/59.5	59.4/ 59.4	57.7/57.7	58.3/ 58.5

 Now, in terms of style and designing, it has a small bonnet that increases visibility, it is not sportier, it does have chrome fascia, halogen headlamps and it is aerodynamic from one aspect. From the perspective of style, curve, muscle, and attraction the company tried to make it as good as they could but it didn't work that well.

Exterior Features

For 2020 though, Mitsubishi has regulated some of the features that were only available as optional equipment on the 2019 Mirage. Some of those features include

• Fog Lamps
• Body-Colored Front and Rear Bumpers
• Body-Colored Powered External Rear View Mirror
• 15" Alloy Wheels
• Rear Window Defroster
• Short Pole Antenna
• Temporary Spare Tire
• Front Variable Intermittent Wipers

The Mitsubishi Mirage does not come equipped with an advanced active safety feature or driver assistance systems except the standard Rear-View Camera.

Safety Features

• Advanced Air Bag System with supplemental front airbags with seat-belt and occupant-classification sensors
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Airbags dual-stage, frontal, driver and right-front passenger
• Passenger Sensing SystemDoor locks
• Rear child security
• LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children)

While the 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan is not rated by NHTSA, the Mirage hatchback got a 4-star crash safety rating. In IIHS crash test, the Mirage has received a “Marginal” rating for Small overlap crash and “Acceptable” rating for side crash.

Mitsubishi Mirage vs Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa is currently the cheapest car on sale and still offers a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate a family of five. The trunk is capacious too. Versa also drives and rides far better than the Mirage and if you are confused between the two, don’t be. Prefer the Versa over the Mirage any day.

Mitsubishi Mirage vs Chevy Sonic

The Chevy Sonic, like the Corolla, is a generation ahead of the Mirage in terms of dynamics and interior quality. Also, the Sonic is superbly spacious inside too accompanied by a cavernous boot. Higher trims of Sonic gets plenty of upscale features but they cost considerably more.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4 vs Kia Rio LX 

The Kia Rio is the winner of this competition, featuring a 138 hp engine with a 6-speed manual at a with a price tag of $14,165 the Kia Rio is the most powerful vehicle with nice fuel efficiency, spacious interior, big boot space and is more functional than any other competitor. Considering the price gap between the G4 and the Rio LX, there is no doubt that LX way surpasses G4.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is a car that gets trumped by almost all other cars in almost every important criteria like build quality, interior comfort, ride, handling, and straight-line acceleration. This all but justifies its name among the worst car you can buy currently.

Although the Mirage does have a comfortable ride and its on-paper fuel economy figure is nothing short of astonishing, it does little to make the Mirage a viable alternative to far more accomplished rivals. You will be far happier with the lower-priced Nissan Versa. You can also checkout much better-used cars at this price.