2019 Mitsubishi Mirage G4

Modern cars don't get a lot more basic than the Mitsubishi Mirage G4. This sedan version of Mitsubishi's entry-level model was designed primarily for markets where a car with this level of refinement is considered pretty nice for buyers on a tight budget. In North America, however, its performance deficiencies are apparent even compared to other inexpensive cars.

Let's be clear: the Mirage is not a bad car, it's just a very simple one. For better or worse, there are no changes for the 2019 model.

Mitsu also makes the Mirage as a hatchback that is covered in a separate buyer's guide article.

The Mirage is powered by a 1.2L three-cylinder engine that makes 78 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque. It comes paired with a five-speed manual gearbox in the entry-level ES trim. There, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional, and it becomes standard in the top-trim GT.

Mitsubishi seems to feel there's a wider audience for the Mirage hatch, which it offers in four distinct trims to the sedan's two.

There are not many sedans at the low end of the new-car market in Canada. The Mirage G4's closest competition comes from the likes of the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio and the Toyota Yaris sedan. All three of those cars are a big step up in performance, refinement and safety. Mitsubishi doesn't offer advanced safety gear like collision warning, automatic braking or blind spot monitoring, even as options.

What the Mirage G4 does come with in ES trim are 14-inch steel wheels with covers, four-way adjustable front seats, air conditioning, power locks with keyless entry, power windows, power side mirrors, cruise control, four-speaker stereo with 6.5-inch touchscreen controls and tilt-and-telescopic steering.

GT trim brings 15-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, driver's seat armrest, six-way manual driver's seat, premium cloth upholstery, leather-trimmed steering wheel, shifter and parking brake handle, automatic climate control and passive keyless entry.

Mitsubishi's fuel consumption estimates for the Mirage G4 are 7.2/5.9 L/100 km (city/highway) with the manual transmission, and 6.9/5.7 L/100 km with the automatic.