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If you ever wanted to get a group of automotive writers angry and upset with you, just say or write the following words: I like the Mitsubishi Mirage. When I posted a picture of the vehicle and said those very words in a Facebook post, many automotive writers thought I had lost my mind. But I really did like it and began to wonder if I really had lost it or if everyone else missed the point of the Mirage. That’s what I decided to find out. Let's get something out of the way, the Mirage really doesn’t have any style. The best way I found to describe it is to imagine a kid making a car out of a tub of Play-Doh. What he or she will end up creating is something akin to the Mirage. That’s not to say Mitsubishi hasn’t tried its best to spruce up the Mirage’s looks. There is range of colors from bright green to purple to make the vehicle stand out, while the top of range ES model gets 14-inch alloy wheels. But you can only do so much to make a somewhat bland vehicle stand out. Inside, the Mirage is a mixed bag of what you expect in a cheap car and some surprises. The dashboard looks and feels decent with solid hard plastic and glossy black trim on the surround for the stereo and climate-control system. The door panels are another story as there isn’t very much padding for you to rest your arm and the plastic appears to be scratched by breathing on it. Seats are wrapped in a red-and-gray cloth that helps give the interior a bit of character. But the seats themselves do need some work. The front seats don’t have enough padding or support, which means don’t even try to attempt a long trip in this. The back seat has the same problems with support as the front, but head and legroom are decent. The big surprise with the Mirage’s interior is how much equipment you get. All models come with air conditioning, automatic climate control, power windows, and locks. This particular ES tester came fully stocked with keyless entry, push-button start, navigation, and backup camera. Keep in mind that this vehicle carries an as-tested price of $16,990. Impressive to say in the least. All Mirages come equipped with a 1.2L three-cylinder engine with 74 horsepower and 74 pound-feet torque. This can be paired up to either a five-speed manual or a CVT. While the power numbers seem minuscule, the Mirage doesn’t really need all of that power as it tips the scales at 2,051 pounds for my ES CVT tester. Around town, the Mirage does fine with leaving stop lights and keeping up with traffic. The freeway is another story as the little three-cylinder has to work its heart out to get you up to speed. Not helping matters is the engine noise as you're accelerating. I liken the noise to a lawnmower when you first start it up. On the plus side of the Mirage’s powertrain is the fuel economy. The EPA rates the Mirage equipped with the CVT at 37 City/44 Highway/40 Combined. In my week of driving in the Mirage, I got an average of 42 MPG. The Mirage is really mixed when it comes to driving. The suspension does a decent job of minimizing bumps and road imperfections. But out on curves, the Mirage feels like its going to tip. I kept thinking back to a line from an old television show where they were testing a 1971 Mercury Marquis and said this about the handling: “Through the pylon course, we asked ourselves questions like is it possible for a modern-day automobile to lean over far enough to fall off its springs? What would happen if it did?” The reason for this is the suspension is tuned for third-world countries. Mitsubishi decided to not to do any changes for US-Spec Mirage, a big mistake I feel. Steering has the feel of a stretching rubber band. As my week came to a close, I began to realize that I hadn’t lost my mind for liking the Mirage. Despite all of the problems and complaints I had about this car, I came away impressed. What Mitsubishi has done is built car that was built with the mindset of dirt-cheap driving. In this regard, Mitsubishi has succeeded. It might not be the best to drive, to look at, or to sit in for awhile. But if you want a vehicle with a low price tag and impressive fuel economy, then Mitsubishi has a vehicle for you. Disclaimer: Mitsubishi Provided the Mirage ES, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2014 Make: Mitsubishi Model: Mirage Trim: ES Engine: 1.2L MIVEC 12-valve DOHC three-cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, CVT Horsepower @ RPM: 74 @ 6000 Torque @ RPM: 74 @ 4000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 37/44/40 Curb Weight: 2,051 lbs Location of Manufacture: Chonburi, Thailand Base Price: $15,195 As Tested Price: $16,990 (Includes $795.00 Destination Charge) Options: Navigation Package - $900.00 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
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- 2014
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If you ever wanted to get a group of automotive writers angry and upset with you, just say or write the following words: I like the Mitsubishi Mirage. When I posted a picture of the vehicle and said those very words in a Facebook post, many automotive writers thought I had lost my mind. But I really did like it and began to wonder if I really had lost it or if everyone else missed the point of the Mirage. That’s what I decided to find out. Let's get something out of the way, the Mirage really doesn’t have any style. The best way I found to describe it is to imagine a kid making a car out of a tub of Play-Doh. What he or she will end up creating is something akin to the Mirage. That’s not to say Mitsubishi hasn’t tried its best to spruce up the Mirage’s looks. There is range of colors from bright green to purple to make the vehicle stand out, while the top of range ES model gets 14-inch alloy wheels. But you can only do so much to make a somewhat bland vehicle stand out. Inside, the Mirage is a mixed bag of what you expect in a cheap car and some surprises. The dashboard looks and feels decent with solid hard plastic and glossy black trim on the surround for the stereo and climate-control system. The door panels are another story as there isn’t very much padding for you to rest your arm and the plastic appears to be scratched by breathing on it. Seats are wrapped in a red-and-gray cloth that helps give the interior a bit of character. But the seats themselves do need some work. The front seats don’t have enough padding or support, which means don’t even try to attempt a long trip in this. The back seat has the same problems with support as the front, but head and legroom are decent. The big surprise with the Mirage’s interior is how much equipment you get. All models come with air conditioning, automatic climate control, power windows, and locks. This particular ES tester came fully stocked with keyless entry, push-button start, navigation, and backup camera. Keep in mind that this vehicle carries an as-tested price of $16,990. Impressive to say in the least. All Mirages come equipped with a 1.2L three-cylinder engine with 74 horsepower and 74 pound-feet torque. This can be paired up to either a five-speed manual or a CVT. While the power numbers seem minuscule, the Mirage doesn’t really need all of that power as it tips the scales at 2,051 pounds for my ES CVT tester. Around town, the Mirage does fine with leaving stop lights and keeping up with traffic. The freeway is another story as the little three-cylinder has to work its heart out to get you up to speed. Not helping matters is the engine noise as you're accelerating. I liken the noise to a lawnmower when you first start it up. On the plus side of the Mirage’s powertrain is the fuel economy. The EPA rates the Mirage equipped with the CVT at 37 City/44 Highway/40 Combined. In my week of driving in the Mirage, I got an average of 42 MPG. The Mirage is really mixed when it comes to driving. The suspension does a decent job of minimizing bumps and road imperfections. But out on curves, the Mirage feels like its going to tip. I kept thinking back to a line from an old television show where they were testing a 1971 Mercury Marquis and said this about the handling: “Through the pylon course, we asked ourselves questions like is it possible for a modern-day automobile to lean over far enough to fall off its springs? What would happen if it did?” The reason for this is the suspension is tuned for third-world countries. Mitsubishi decided to not to do any changes for US-Spec Mirage, a big mistake I feel. Steering has the feel of a stretching rubber band. As my week came to a close, I began to realize that I hadn’t lost my mind for liking the Mirage. Despite all of the problems and complaints I had about this car, I came away impressed. What Mitsubishi has done is built car that was built with the mindset of dirt-cheap driving. In this regard, Mitsubishi has succeeded. It might not be the best to drive, to look at, or to sit in for awhile. But if you want a vehicle with a low price tag and impressive fuel economy, then Mitsubishi has a vehicle for you. Disclaimer: Mitsubishi Provided the Mirage ES, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2014 Make: Mitsubishi Model: Mirage Trim: ES Engine: 1.2L MIVEC 12-valve DOHC three-cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, CVT Horsepower @ RPM: 74 @ 6000 Torque @ RPM: 74 @ 4000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 37/44/40 Curb Weight: 2,051 lbs Location of Manufacture: Chonburi, Thailand Base Price: $15,195 As Tested Price: $16,990 (Includes $795.00 Destination Charge) Options: Navigation Package - $900.00 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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- 2014
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(and 5 more)
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 28, 2013 Mitsubishi has introduced a new subcompact model called the Mirage to help resuscitate sales in the U.S today at the New York Auto Show. The new Mirage is powered by a 1.2L three-cylinder engine with Mitsubishi's MIVEC variable valve-timing system, producing 74 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. This is mated to a five-speed manual or a continuously-variable transmission. Mitsubishi says the Mirage can get 37 City/44 Highway/40 Combined when equipped with the CVT. Standard equipment on the Mirage includes seven air-bags, Stability Control, automatic climate control, and a four speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB/iPod input. Mitsubishi says the new Mirage arrives at dealers this fall. Source: Mitsubishi William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage At-A-Glance Thu, Mar 28, 2013 Making a triumphant return to the North American marketplace, the all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 5-door sub-compact is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid gasoline vehicle available in America. With a manufacturer-estimated fuel economy of 40 mpg combined/37 mpg city/44 mpg highway (CVT-equipped model; pending EPA fuel mileage rating), the all-new Mirage is an affordable and stylish hatchback with best-in-class fuel efficiency. The all-new Mirage provides eager acceleration in urban stop-and-go driving along with exemplary highway fuel economy. What's more, an ECO indicator illuminates to let the driver know when they are driving in a manner that allows for utmost fuel efficiency. Standard safety features included at no cost on this fuel-sipping 5-door subcompact consist of a comprehensive seven (7) airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) including dual front air bags, dual front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, dual side-impact curtain air bags, and a driver's knee airbag; Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); and Brake Assist. Hill Start Assist (HSA) is also standard on all continuously-variable transmission-equipped (CVT) models. Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL) is also included on all models. The ASC/TCL helps stabilize the vehicle when it detects skidding and/or when the system detects a loss of traction on slippery road surfaces. Mitsubishi Motors engineers have fortified the all-new Mirage 5-door with an additional level of driver and passenger protection (the Mirage has seating for 5) in the event of a collision by incorporating the most advanced form of Mitsubishi's RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) impact-absorbing safety cell technology ever. The patented RISE system utilizes a body structure with an impact energy-absorbing front end along with an abundant use of high tensile steel in key areas throughout the platform. Furthermore, the stylish exterior of the all-new 2014 Mirage was penned using computer-aided design (CAD) software to maximize the 5-door's aerodynamic efficiency for a low 0.28 coefficient of drag. This advanced design/emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency is clearly exhibited in the carefully sculpted corners of the rear bumper and the way the hood gently flows into the A-pillars. To add a touch of vibrancy to Mirage's dynamic exterior styling, four fun and eye-catching colors will be available in addition to the traditional selection of White Solid, Black Mica, Silver Metallic, and Gray Mica. Standard electric power steering (EPS) further aids the fuel efficiency cause while providing the driver with communicative steering feel as well as the sharpest turning radius (15.1 feet) in the class. The entry-level Mitsubishi Mirage DE packs a long list of standard amenities. Among these features are tilt steering; automatic climate control; power windows with driver's side auto-up/down; power side mirrors; body-colored side mirrors, door handles and tailgate handle, a convenient 60/40 split folding rear seat; keyless entry with panic alarm; variable intermittent wipers; a sporty rear spoiler and a dynamic sounding 4 speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 with USB/iPod® input. Every Mirage variant also features thoughtful interior design touches including ergonomically designed driver controls and instrument panel as well as upscale-looking rich high-gloss piano black trim for the center console. An especially welcome interior design feature is the 60/40 split folding rear seat that allows for plentiful and easily accessed interior cargo volume. The upmarket Mirage ES model features all of the welcome content on the DE while adding eye-catching 14-inch aluminum alloy wheels; front fog lamps; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; F.A.S.T. (Free-hand Advanced Security Transmitter)-Key passive entry; One-Touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; cruise control and a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system. Numerous amenity and accessory packages available include LED Interior Illumination, Rear Parking Assist, Navigation System and Exterior lower body kit and Chrome accent packages. Powering the all-new Mirage is an extremely efficient 1.2-liter three-cylinder DOHC engine that features the latest version of Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) variable valve-timing system that maximizes fuel efficiency and power output while greatly minimizing exhaust emissions. This engine produces 74 bhp and 74 lb.-ft. of torque. Consumers have a choice between a smooth-operating 5-speed manual and an advanced continuously-variable transmission (CVT) with Idle Neutral Logic. Rounding out this hot hatchback's remarkable affordability and extreme efficiency is the additional peace of mind that comes with Mitsubishi Motors' impressive warranty: 10-years or 100,000-miles limited powertrain; 5-years or 60,000-miles limited new vehicle and 5-years/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Key Specifications Wheelbase: 96.5 in. Length: 148.8 in. Height: 59.1 in. Width: 65.6 in. Engine: 1.2-liter DOHC MIVEC 3-cylinder engine Horsepower: 74 @ 6000 rpm Torque: 74 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual or Continuously-variable transmission (CVT) Fuel Economy: 37 mpg city/44 mpg highway (40 mpg combined) (Manufacturer-estimated; pending EPA fuel mileage rating). Major Standard Features (DE Model) 4 speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 with USB/iPod® input RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) chassis safety cell construction Body colored side mirrors, door handles and tailgate handle Electric power steering (EPS) Power windows with driver's side auto-up/down Power side mirrors Tilt steering 60/40 split folding rear seat Halogen headlamps with auto-off Rear spoiler 165/65R14 low rolling-resistance tires Automatic climate control Rear heater floor ducts Cargo area cover Piano black center console trim Keyless entry with panic alarm Rear wiper/washer Multi-information meter display ECO indicator Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors, curtain side air bags, driver's knee air bag, and front seat mounted side-impact air bags Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL) Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Hill Start Assist (CVT only) ES adds over DE: One-Touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch F.A.S.T.-Key passive entry Bluetooth® hand-free phone system Cruise control Steering wheel-mounted audio controls Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob 14-inch alloy wheels Fog lamps Seat height adjustor Silver interior accents Upgraded seat fabric Mirage Options: Navigation Package (ES model) adds: SD navigation system with rear camera monitor Exterior Package adds: Front bumper corner extensions; side sill extensions; rear bumper corner extensions. Chrome Package adds: Fog light garnish; lower grille garnish; tailgate garnish. LED Illumination Package adds: Floor LED illumination (blue); console LED illumination (blue); cargo area LED illumination (white). Parking Assist Package adds: Front park assist sensors; rear park assist sensors. Protection Package adds: Front & rear mudguards; scuff plates; body side moldings. Cargo Package adds: Cargo tray; cargo net. View full article
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 28, 2013 Mitsubishi has introduced a new subcompact model called the Mirage to help resuscitate sales in the U.S today at the New York Auto Show. The new Mirage is powered by a 1.2L three-cylinder engine with Mitsubishi's MIVEC variable valve-timing system, producing 74 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. This is mated to a five-speed manual or a continuously-variable transmission. Mitsubishi says the Mirage can get 37 City/44 Highway/40 Combined when equipped with the CVT. Standard equipment on the Mirage includes seven air-bags, Stability Control, automatic climate control, and a four speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB/iPod input. Mitsubishi says the new Mirage arrives at dealers this fall. Source: Mitsubishi William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage At-A-Glance Thu, Mar 28, 2013 Making a triumphant return to the North American marketplace, the all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 5-door sub-compact is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid gasoline vehicle available in America. With a manufacturer-estimated fuel economy of 40 mpg combined/37 mpg city/44 mpg highway (CVT-equipped model; pending EPA fuel mileage rating), the all-new Mirage is an affordable and stylish hatchback with best-in-class fuel efficiency. The all-new Mirage provides eager acceleration in urban stop-and-go driving along with exemplary highway fuel economy. What's more, an ECO indicator illuminates to let the driver know when they are driving in a manner that allows for utmost fuel efficiency. Standard safety features included at no cost on this fuel-sipping 5-door subcompact consist of a comprehensive seven (7) airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) including dual front air bags, dual front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, dual side-impact curtain air bags, and a driver's knee airbag; Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); and Brake Assist. Hill Start Assist (HSA) is also standard on all continuously-variable transmission-equipped (CVT) models. Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL) is also included on all models. The ASC/TCL helps stabilize the vehicle when it detects skidding and/or when the system detects a loss of traction on slippery road surfaces. Mitsubishi Motors engineers have fortified the all-new Mirage 5-door with an additional level of driver and passenger protection (the Mirage has seating for 5) in the event of a collision by incorporating the most advanced form of Mitsubishi's RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) impact-absorbing safety cell technology ever. The patented RISE system utilizes a body structure with an impact energy-absorbing front end along with an abundant use of high tensile steel in key areas throughout the platform. Furthermore, the stylish exterior of the all-new 2014 Mirage was penned using computer-aided design (CAD) software to maximize the 5-door's aerodynamic efficiency for a low 0.28 coefficient of drag. This advanced design/emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency is clearly exhibited in the carefully sculpted corners of the rear bumper and the way the hood gently flows into the A-pillars. To add a touch of vibrancy to Mirage's dynamic exterior styling, four fun and eye-catching colors will be available in addition to the traditional selection of White Solid, Black Mica, Silver Metallic, and Gray Mica. Standard electric power steering (EPS) further aids the fuel efficiency cause while providing the driver with communicative steering feel as well as the sharpest turning radius (15.1 feet) in the class. The entry-level Mitsubishi Mirage DE packs a long list of standard amenities. Among these features are tilt steering; automatic climate control; power windows with driver's side auto-up/down; power side mirrors; body-colored side mirrors, door handles and tailgate handle, a convenient 60/40 split folding rear seat; keyless entry with panic alarm; variable intermittent wipers; a sporty rear spoiler and a dynamic sounding 4 speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 with USB/iPod® input. Every Mirage variant also features thoughtful interior design touches including ergonomically designed driver controls and instrument panel as well as upscale-looking rich high-gloss piano black trim for the center console. An especially welcome interior design feature is the 60/40 split folding rear seat that allows for plentiful and easily accessed interior cargo volume. The upmarket Mirage ES model features all of the welcome content on the DE while adding eye-catching 14-inch aluminum alloy wheels; front fog lamps; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; F.A.S.T. (Free-hand Advanced Security Transmitter)-Key passive entry; One-Touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; cruise control and a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system. Numerous amenity and accessory packages available include LED Interior Illumination, Rear Parking Assist, Navigation System and Exterior lower body kit and Chrome accent packages. Powering the all-new Mirage is an extremely efficient 1.2-liter three-cylinder DOHC engine that features the latest version of Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) variable valve-timing system that maximizes fuel efficiency and power output while greatly minimizing exhaust emissions. This engine produces 74 bhp and 74 lb.-ft. of torque. Consumers have a choice between a smooth-operating 5-speed manual and an advanced continuously-variable transmission (CVT) with Idle Neutral Logic. Rounding out this hot hatchback's remarkable affordability and extreme efficiency is the additional peace of mind that comes with Mitsubishi Motors' impressive warranty: 10-years or 100,000-miles limited powertrain; 5-years or 60,000-miles limited new vehicle and 5-years/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Key Specifications Wheelbase: 96.5 in. Length: 148.8 in. Height: 59.1 in. Width: 65.6 in. Engine: 1.2-liter DOHC MIVEC 3-cylinder engine Horsepower: 74 @ 6000 rpm Torque: 74 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual or Continuously-variable transmission (CVT) Fuel Economy: 37 mpg city/44 mpg highway (40 mpg combined) (Manufacturer-estimated; pending EPA fuel mileage rating). Major Standard Features (DE Model) 4 speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 with USB/iPod® input RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) chassis safety cell construction Body colored side mirrors, door handles and tailgate handle Electric power steering (EPS) Power windows with driver's side auto-up/down Power side mirrors Tilt steering 60/40 split folding rear seat Halogen headlamps with auto-off Rear spoiler 165/65R14 low rolling-resistance tires Automatic climate control Rear heater floor ducts Cargo area cover Piano black center console trim Keyless entry with panic alarm Rear wiper/washer Multi-information meter display ECO indicator Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors, curtain side air bags, driver's knee air bag, and front seat mounted side-impact air bags Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL) Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Hill Start Assist (CVT only) ES adds over DE: One-Touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch F.A.S.T.-Key passive entry Bluetooth® hand-free phone system Cruise control Steering wheel-mounted audio controls Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob 14-inch alloy wheels Fog lamps Seat height adjustor Silver interior accents Upgraded seat fabric Mirage Options: Navigation Package (ES model) adds: SD navigation system with rear camera monitor Exterior Package adds: Front bumper corner extensions; side sill extensions; rear bumper corner extensions. Chrome Package adds: Fog light garnish; lower grille garnish; tailgate garnish. LED Illumination Package adds: Floor LED illumination (blue); console LED illumination (blue); cargo area LED illumination (white). Parking Assist Package adds: Front park assist sensors; rear park assist sensors. Protection Package adds: Front & rear mudguards; scuff plates; body side moldings. Cargo Package adds: Cargo tray; cargo net.
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