Mitsubishi’s global replacement for the Colt, the Mirage supermini, has arrived in Europe, with the UK being the first country to get it. Priced from £8,999 (€10,500), the Mirage, which will be called the Space Star in mainland Europe, is a back-to-basics car that follows in the footsteps of its main competitor, the new Nissan Micra.
While its design is not spectacular, the Thailand-built Mirage is the most aerodynamic vehicle in its class, according to Mitsubishi. In the UK, the car is available with two three-cylinder gasoline engines. The entry-level 1.0-liter unit produces 71 PS and 88 Nm (65 lb-ft) of torque, averaging 67.3 UK mpg (4.20 liters/100 km, 56 US mpg) and emitting 96 g of CO2/km.
The more powerful 1.2-liter engine, fitted as standard with a stop-start system, is rated at 80 PS and 106 Nm (78 lb-ft) of torque. Fuel economy is 68.9 UK mpg (4.10 liters/100 km, 57.3 US mpg), while CO2 emissions are 96 g/km. Both engines are offered with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard.
Mitsubishi offers three trim levels for the UK, called Mirage 1, Mirage 2 and Mirage 3, with the latter offering the highest amount of equipment. Mirage 1 comes with the 1.0-liter engine, while Mirage 2 and 3 use the 1.2-liter unit. For the Mirage 3, Mitsubishi also offers a CVT auto option.
Prices start from £8,999 (€10,500) for the Mirage 1, with the Mirage 2 priced from £10,999 (€12,870). The Mirage 3 starts at £11,999 (€14,040), while the most expensive model is the Mirage 3 CVT, at £12,999 (€15,210).
All models have four airbags, ABS and EBD, brake assist system, and Active Stability Control (ASC) with traction Control. The basic model comes with front electric windows, radio/CD player with two speakers and side airbags, among others.
Mirage 2 adds a manual air-con system, remote central locking, rear power windows, electric door mirrors, tachometer and others. Finally, Mirage 3 has 15-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and gear knob, front fog lamps, keyless entry system, automatic air conditioning and front and rear parking sensors.
By Dan Mihalascu
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