4 reasons the Mitsubishi Mirage is a student-friendly hatchback

For first-time car buyers, especially students, it is essential to purchase a reliable vehicle that supports their lifestyle and daily routine. After all, who does not want to lessen travel costs and the stress of the daily commute by having access to their  own set of wheels? 

If you’re a college student and you or (more correctly) your parents, are eyeing brand-new transportation, a subcompact car like the Mitsubishi Mirage should definitely be included among the choices.

 

Mitsubishi first introduced the Mirage in 1978, and the hatchback was able to grab the attention of auto enthusiasts from this time.

The current Mirage is part of the sixth generation, and is packed with functional and efficient updates.

Here are some of the reasons we think the Mirage is a good option.

Standout presence

The front fascia design, rounded back, expressive sides, sleek aerodynamic lines, and the exceptional face of the Mirage all contribute to a sense of refinement on the vehicle. 

Furthermore, the Mitsubishi Mirage has the ability to grab attention on the road due to its subdued design, sportiness, and design accents. It also features new 15-inch all-black alloy wheels, a new B-pillar black sash, and a new black painted door mirror for a more thrilling drive.

Fuel efficiency and performance

Mitsubishi has engineered the Mirage to deliver practical convenience and driving performance.

Whether you are driving along country roads or cruising  city streets, this hatchback is designed to make life easier due to its excellent fuel economy and agile handling, which means lesser stops in fuel stations.

The compact vehicle is powered by a highly responsive 1.2-liter in-line three-cylinder DOHC MIVEC engine that manages the exhaust valve timing and engine's intake to for lower emissions, greater fuel economy, and heightened power output.

For the CVT variant of the Mirage, the INVECS-III continuously variable transmission (CVT) instantly selects the optimal gear ratio depending on driving and road conditions to deliver efficient engine performance.

The Mirage’s low drag coefficient and smooth aerodynamic lines result in high-speed stability and reduced CO2 emissions.

Moreover, students can conveniently drive in and out of small parking spots and narrow streets with the vehicle's power steering, compact form, and small turning radius of 4.6 meters, which is one of the tightest in its segment.

People-centric interior

The Mirage appears to be small and compact, but it takes pride in its spacious cabin. It can accommodate up to five people and its flexible rear seat offers adequate luggage space, specifically for passengers and cargo alike. 

The Mirage also provides comfortable seats, ample legroom and headroom as well as maximum back support. 

Additional cupholders can also be seen at the rear and front. Large front door pockets with bottle holders are also included for cold beverages that you can enjoy while traveling.

 

Safety

The Mitsubishi Mirage earned the ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Award for Adult Occupant Protection Mini Car Category — as the hatchback significantly places high priority on safety.

The presence of a lightweight and sturdy body can be attributed to the use of high tensile steel plates that contribute to a higher degree of collision safety.

The Mirage is also equipped with active and passive safety features such as dual SRS airbags and pretensioners on front seatbelts that offer the front passenger and the driver added protection in the event of a direct frontal collision.

The crumple zones of the Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body structure efficiently disperse and absorb crash energy for protection of the interior cabin.

Here is a spec check of the variants of the Mitsubishi Mirage, namely the Mirage GLX 1.2 CVT and the Mirage GLX 1.2 MT.

SPECIFICATIONS	Mitsubishi Mirage GLX 1.2 CVT	Mitsubishi Mirage GLX 1.2 MT
Overall Length (mm)	3,795	3,795
Overall Width (mm)	1,665	1,665
Overall Height (mm)	1,500	1,500
Wheelbase (mm)	2,450	2,450
Tread (mm)	(Front) 1,430 (Rear) 1,415	(Front) 1,430 (Rear) 1,415
Gross vehicle weight (kg)	1,310	1,280
Seating capacity (number of persons)	5	5
Displacement (cc)	1,193	1,193
Maximum power (hp)	76	76
Maximum torque (Nm)	100	100
Fuel system	ECI-MULTI (Electronic Controlled Injection- Multi-Point Injection)	ECI-MULTI (Electronic Controlled Injection- Multi-Point Injection)
Fuel tank capacity (liters)	35	35
Transmission type	INVES-III CVT	5-speed manual
Suspension	(Front) MacPherson Strut Coil Spring (Rear) Torsion Beam	(Front) MacPherson Strut Coil Spring (Rear) Torsion Beam
Brakes	(Front) 13-inch Ventilated Disc (Rear) 7-inch Leading and Trailing Drums	(Front) 13-inch Ventilated Disc (Rear) 7-inch Leading and Trailing Drums
Brake Booster	8-inch Master Vacuum	8-inch Master Vacuum
Brake Override System	With	With
Tires	175/55 R15	175/55 R15
Wheels	15-inch x 5.0J Black Alloy	15-inch x 5.0J Black Alloy
Spare	15-inch x 5.0J Black Alloy	15-inch x 5.0J Black Alloy
Gear Type	Rack and Pinion	Rack and Pinion
Steering Type	3-Spoke Urethane with Silver Accent	3-Spoke Urethane with Silver Accent
Power Steering	With (Electronic-Type)	With (Electronic-Type)
Tilt Adjustment	With	With
Audio System	2-DIN, Tuner, USB, iPod-ready, Aux-in with Bluetooth	2-DIN, Tuner, USB, iPod-ready, Aux-in with Bluetooth
Speakers	2	2
Antenna	Roof-mounted (Short-type)	Roof-mounted (Short-type)
SRS Airbags	(Driver) With (Passenger) With	(Driver) With (Passenger) With
Seatbelts	(Front) 3-pt. ELR with Pretensioner (double for driver side) (Rear) 3-pt. ELR x 2 and 2 pt. Lapbelt	(Front) 3-pt. ELR with Pretensioner (double for driver side) (Rear) 3-pt. ELR x 2 and 2 pt. Lapbelt
Child Proof Lock	With	With
Side Impact Beams	With	With
Available Colors	Virgil Gray, Majestic Red	Virgil Gray, Majestic Red
Price	P765,000	P704,000

 

Photos from Mitsubishi