Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2 3

It’s a real shame, but the Mirage simply isn’t good enough to be a factor in the European small car market. Not only does it look a little dated, it’s hobbled by a low-rent cabin and a driving experience that feels about 10 years out of date. And while it shouldn’t cost the earth to run, it’s not as cheap as the Skoda.

It's all change for Mitsubishi in the supermini class, as the smaller, cheaper Mirage targets the budget end of the market, and is very different to the outgoing Colt.

While the Smart ForFour-based Colt was a European-focused car, the Mirage is a global product. However, with its value-based approach, Mitsubishi believes the new model will have strong appeal for UK buyers.

Unfortunately, the Mirage looks dated and feels as if it’s been built to a very low price. And although the thin, aero-optimised grille, bluff bumper and rear spoiler deliver an impressive 0.27Cd drag factor, the car can’t match the Skoda or Suzuki for kerb appeal.

The old-fashioned top-hinged door handles wouldn’t look out of place on a 15-year-old car, while some of the exterior details resemble aftermarket add-ons. The keyless entry set-up is spoiled by a cheap entry button, which fills the same hole in the door as the old-fashioned key hole on the passenger side.

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Poor-quality plastics dominate the interior, and while the piano-effect trim on the centre console tries to lift things, it’s not enough – both rivals feel more upmarket. Still, the car is solidly screwed together and the steering wheel and gearlever get a soft leather finish.

There’s also a height-adjustable steering wheel, although the driving position and seats aren’t as comfortable as in the Citigo or Swift. At least the Mirage is a match in terms of rear legroom, plus there are three rear seatbelts – the Skoda is a strict four-seater.

Carrying capacity inside the Mitsubishi also impresses, as the 235-litre boot is 24 litres larger than the Suzuki’s. Versatility is further boosted by the 60:40 split/fold rear seat.

Range-topping 3 models like ours also get a reasonably long list of kit, including climate control, four electric windows and parking sensors. You’ll have to pay extra for Bluetooth connectivity, though.

On the move, the 1.2-litre engine is eager enough and takes the car from 0-60mph in second gear – so the Mirage is faster off the line than its rivals. It’s gruff at idle and there’s plenty of three-cylinder vibration at low revs, plus some flat spots in the rev range, but the gearbox has a light, snappy action. In-gear response isn’t too bad, either, even though the ratios are long and optimised for economy.

Disappointingly, road and engine noise are an issue at speed. The Mitsubishi isn’t as refined or grown-up as the Skoda and doesn’t feel so assured on long trips. Things don’t improve through corners, either.

Even at modest speeds, there’s an alarming amount of body roll, and the Mirage runs out of grip far sooner than either opponent in this test. Over-sensitive and inconsistent ESP compounds the dynamic problems, while the lifeless and slow steering further saps your confidence. You’ll find yourself applying an extra quarter of a turn of the wheel over its rivals to get the same response, plus there’s almost no self-centring effect.

The Mirage doesn’t ride as well as the Citigo. While it feels quite composed on the motorway, at low speeds it can crash through potholes and fidget over smaller bumps. Given its dynamic flaws, it’s best to concentrate on the Mirage’s Eco indicator and try to drive economically. Here the car has some merit. With stop-start, regenerative braking and an aerodynamic body, our 1.2-litre model emits 100g/km and promises 65.7mpg fuel consumption. On our test route we recorded decent economy, although the Citigo GreenTech is a fraction cleaner.

At £11,999, the Mirage 3 is expensive, but Mitsubishi is currently running a £1,000 launch discount. That takes the price of our test car to within £539 of the £10,460 Skoda, and also means an entry-level model is yours for £7,999. The question is whether this is enough to bring the car into contention.