The updated Mitsubishi Mirage has gone on sale across the UK, priced from just £10,550. And yes, if you're frowning, this is Mitsu's B-segment supermini contender. One which is probably outclassed by several cars, if we're honest, but the Japanese company says this 2020MY version offers a 'sharper, more dynamic exterior; a more elegant and well-appointed interior; and enhanced equipment specification', so maybe there's something here to get your juices flowing. The 2020MY Mirage has the Dynamic Shield front end, which is framed by LED daytime running lamps and headlights. A new radiator grille, chunkier bumpers with a squared-off rear design and LED combination taillights are among further visual changes, with a fresh design of 15-inch, two-tone, diamond-cut alloy wheels in the mix. Additional body colours include White Diamond and Sand Yellow, while inside is said to be a more 'user-friendly and stylish' cabin. Which basically translates as new door trims and switchgear, redesigned high-contrast instrumentation and extra upholstery choices. The Smartphone Display Audio (SDA) infotainment system is presented on a (rather small) 6.5-inch touchscreen, and it supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satnav and Bluetooth connectivity. Power comes from the 80hp/106Nm, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine, which is mated to a five-speed manual as standard or a CVT auto as an option on the Design and First Edition models. Speaking of which, there are three trims: base is Verve (from £10,550), then there's Design (from £12,495) and finally the high-spec, limited-run First Edition (from £14,035). Adding the autobox to the top two chucks another £820 to either the Design or the First Edition, and you can expect anything from 50.4-56.5mpg from the Mirage, with CO2 emissions between 105- and 127g/km. Performance is, um, genteel, with the 0-62mph sprint taking at least 12.6 seconds and the top speeds of the range falling between 108- and 112mph.
Matt Robinson - 4 Feb 2020