The Mitsubishi Mirage replaced the Japanese firm’s long running Colt supermini in 2013 to compete with other affordable small cars such as the Fiat Panda, Kia Rio and Dacia Sandero. The Mirage features much more rounded looks than its boxy predecessor – its slippery shape achieving a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.27 Cd.

This year the Mirage underwent a mild facelift – the name changing to Mirage Juro, with the range being consolidated to just two models the Juro and Juro CVT. Other tweaks include new headlights, exterior chrome detailing and new rear spoiler. On the inside there’s an improved multifunction steering wheel, leather gearknob and increased sound proofing.

Mirage is powered by a frugal, low-friction 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine which boasts CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km – meaning congestion charge exemption. Fuel economy is a high 65.7 mpg (combined). The car also has a three-bar ‘Eco Drive Assist’ display in the instrument cluster which gives a visual indication of how economically the vehicle is being driven based on current fuel consumption and vehicle speed.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while Mitsubishi’s INVECS-III CVT wide-ratio transmission CVT auto option is also available for a £1000 premium. 

With 79PS and 106 Nm of torque available, performance from the 1.2 litre engine is eager if worked fairly hard, although the power delivery does lack some refinement. The 5-speed gearbox has a light action and is impressively slick to use.

The Mirage’s suspension appears to have been tuned more for comfort, so it’s good at soaking up the lumps and bumps typically found in UK roads. The trade-off for this pliancy is a bit more body lean through twisty bends than found with some rivals. Light steering makes easy work of close-quarter parking around town.

A well-designed interior provides an airy and comfortable environment which has enough room to comfortably accommodate four occupants – with a fifth person able to squeeze in on the rear bench when required. The dashboard has a simple, easy-to-use layout, although one negative is that the driver’s seat lacks height adjustment and there’s no reach adjustment on the steering wheel.

Boot space is off class best with 235 litres (seats up) and 600 litres (seats down), although the 60/40 split fold seats help with loading awkwardly shaped items. There's also a generous amount of storage in the cabin, with a number of useful cubbies and cupholders.

Standard equipment on the new Mirage Juro includes: alloy wheels, keyless entry, DAB radio, Bi-Xenon HID headlights, auto stop and go, rain and dusk sensors, rear parking sensors, electric power steering, ABS with EBD, Hill Start Assist, electric adjustable door mirrors, front, side and curtain airbags, front fog lights, front heated seats, climate control and cruise control.

Verdict:

The latest Mirage Juro is a stylish, well equipped and competitively priced supermini that sees a significant improvement on the old Mitsubishi Colt.

Tech spec:

Mitsubishi Mirage Juro
Price: £11,499.00
Engine: 1193cc, 3-cylinder
Max power: 79 PS
Max torque: 106 Nm @4000 rpm
0-62 mph: 11.7 seconds
Top speed: 112 mph
Emissions: 100 g/km CO2
Economy: 65.7 mpg (combined)