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Thursday, January 26, 2023

Pathological tests drives a cheap Mitsubishi


Image result for mitsubishi mirage 2017 no copyright photo
The one-star rating we are going to give the Mirage G4 is all you need to know. Look elsewhere!

The tiny 1.2 three-cylinder won't win you any races with just 74hp. It does however give you low running costs which is to be expected considering there really isn't much flexibility in this engine. We loathe the CVT gearbox because it robs the engine of the revs that you'll really need when trying to merge on faster paced roads, but like we've said earlier the running costs are what help make it more attractive but even then you'll be giving up a lot of comfort to save a few bucks at the pump. The Mirage G4 engine vibrates way too much at idle for our liking and the fact that it's just so odd to drive. The steering wheel minus well not even be connected to the front wheels. You can pretty much drive the Mirage like you're going to turn into a slight bend and the car will forever go straight. We haven't experienced steering this disconnected since the first generation Kia Rio. Driving the Mirage G4 isn't a chore if you stick to driving around the city which is where it feels at home. The ride comfort is actually more pleasant than we expected and while road and wind noise will be unwelcome companions, the engine noise is also something that won't go away even at relaxed speeds.

The infotainment system is pretty much straight forward, it isn't hard to use but it can get a little fiddly to operate while on the move. The front seats offer decent comfort and there's plenty of head and legroom, while those in the second row won't really have too much to complain about. It does offer decent space for four but we think that you'll be pushing it with a fifth person abreast. The boot space won't win you any bragging rights but it does offer more space than the hatchback, but it isn't as versatile as the hatchback. Visibility is decent too and with the back-up camera that our tester car came equipped with it does help take some of the sting out of parking in tight areas. We know that the car is already small but the hatchback is far superior when it comes to squeezing into tight spaces than the G4. Plus we find the styling just a tad more awkard than the hatchback which seems to wear the styling better.

There's only two trim levels to choose from with the G4. Entry-level ES comes with power windows and door locks, keyless entry with panic alarm feature and a USB port. You'll have to step up to the SE trim to get a 6.5 inch audio display with Bluetooth for your mobile device. 15-inch alloy wheels, push button ignition switch, rear view parking camera, auto-dimming interior mirror and automatic climate control with heated driver's seat. It seems as though the SE gives you the most bang for your bucks and doesn't really costs too much more over the ES trim, for that reason it is our pick of the range.

The Mirage G4 is cheap but not cheerful in anyway shape or form. It will get you from Point A to Point B but you'll wish that you picked a differ car to get from those two points because this isn't the vehicle to do that in. Basic transportation we'll give it that, but for everyone else you're better off paying the extra cash for a Chevy Sonic or a Toyota IA sedan.

Likes: It cheap to buy with low running costs. SE trim offers decent bang for your bucks. Ride comfort is actually quite good.

Dislikes: It's rubbish to drive, engine is weak and has idle vibration. Steering feedback is almost nonexistent and the styling is a little too goofy for our tastes.

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