A fond farewell to the Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage has proved to be a reliable companion. Dave Brown looks back at the car’s many talents
After spending several months in the custody of the PA Motoring team, the time was approaching to say goodbye to our long-term Mitsubishi Mirage Juro, and it was decided that a spring clean was in order before the car was picked up.
We headed for the local car wash (as you can see from the pictures!) to make sure it was looking good for the journey to the manufacturer’s UK head office in Gloucestershire.
So what conclusions did we reach after our time with WR66RKJ?
Well, in a nutshell, the Mirage Juro is a terrific little car from a manufacturer known above all else for reliability. If you’re out and about (especially in rural areas) and see an oldish pick-up or 4×4 rumbling towards you along a narrow lane, check out the badge and you may well find it’s a Mitsubishi Shogun or an L200.
This is a manufacturer that builds vehicles that go on and on and on – and although those bigger models are the ones it is best known for, it deserves credit for bringing a great little city car to market.
Mitsubishi are fond of saying the Mirage Juro is as comfortable on city streets as it is on motorways. It’s a claim they are entitled to make – and we should know, having enjoyed trips of varying lengths in it over the past few weeks.
A quick recap of its main features, then. Firstly, it’s one of the lightest, most aerodynamic and most efficient petrol-powered hatchbacks you can buy. The Mirage Juro has emissions of under 100g/km of CO2 across the range while a combined fuel efficiency of 65.7mpg means you get more miles for your money.
The engine itself is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit, with Auto Stop and Go as standard. Both manual and automatic transmissions produce 79bhp, with 106Nm of torque, and a top speed of 107mph.
The body of the car may be lightweight, but it is strong, with Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) safety body design. As standard, the Mirage Juro comes with six airbags, ABS, active stability and traction control, brake assist, hill start assist, emergency stop system (ESS), child-proof rear door locks, engine immobiliser and daytime running lights.
The interior is simple and clean, with plenty of space for taller drivers and passengers, while a CD player and FM/AM radio come as standard, as do heated front seats, cruise control and audio controls on the steering wheel.
Additionally, its useful 175-litre boot is sure to come in handy.
Our model had keyless entry and start, with no need to remove the key from your pocket or bag as you approach – simply press a little button below the door handle and Bob’s your uncle.
The Mirage Juro is not a big-seller compared to rivals in the supermini sector but we think it’s a small car with a big personality and well worth a look. Farewell WR66RKJ, you’ll be missed!
Model: Mitsubishi Mirage Juro
Price: £12,499
Engine: 1.2-litre, petrol manual
Power: 79bhp, 106Nm
Max speed: 112mph
0-60mph: 11.5 seconds
Emissions: 100g/km
Mpg: 65.7 (combined)
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH: Thinking over all of the Mirage’s many talents
