- Willing and economical 1.5-litre engine
- Accomplished ride/handling balance
- Good front seat space and comfort
- Limited rear seat legroom
- Cabin lacks sound insulation
Review: Mitsubishi CE.I Mirage (1996-98)
Overview
Released in July 1996, the Mitsubishi CE Series I (CE.I) Mirage was a light, three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Kurashiki, Japan, the front-wheel drive Mirage was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.
The Mirage was based on the same platform as the CE Lancer sedan and wagon , although with the shorter wheelbase of the CE Lancer coupe . As such, the Mirage had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension. Furthermore, the Mirage was 3880 mm long, 1680 mm wide, 1365 mm tall and had a 2415 mm long wheelbase.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mirage | 1.5-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
69 kW at 5500 rpm | 126 Nm at 3000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment was largely limited to the Mirage’s structure and packaging, as dual front airbags were only available as extra-cost options.
Features
Standard features for the Mirage included a two speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, cloth trim, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. An optional ‘power pack’ added power steering, a rear window wiper and body-coloured bumpers.
Review: Mitsubishi CE.II Mirage (1998-01)
Overview
Released in August 1998, the CE Series II (CE.II) Mirage introduced additional features and a subtle facelift. Visually, the CE.II Mirage could be identified by its new front bumper which incorporated a single-bar grille and multi-parabola headlights. There were also new rear tail lights, full wheel covers and the ‘Mirage’ name was spelt across the tailgate. Inside, there was a brighter trim material.
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Unnamed] | 1998-01 | 1.5-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
69 kW at 5500 rpm | 126 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| VRX | 1999-00 |
Features
Compared to its CE.I predecessor, standard features for the CE.II Mirage were extended to include a four speaker sound system with CD player (replacing the radio and cassette player) and a tailgate wiper.
1999 Mirage VRX
In October 1999, a limited-run VRX variant was released. Compared to the standard Mirage, the VRX was distinguished by its 14-inch alloy wheels, power windows, tachometer, body-coloured bumpers and sports body kit.
Review: Mitsubishi CE.III Mirage (2001-03)
Overview
Released in December 2001, the CE Series III (CE.III) Mirage was a minor update. Compared to its CE.II predecessor, safety equipment for the CE.III Mirage was improved with a driver’s airbag fitted as standard across the range. Standard features, however, were substantially unchanged.
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Unnamed] | 2001-03 | 1.5-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
69 kW at 5500 rpm | 126 Nm at 3000 rpm |
| VRX | 2001-03 |
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