2021 Mitsubishi Mirage

If you’re looking for a new car and your chief goal is getting from point A to point B affordably, the new, restyled and updated 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage might be your ride. Its starting price of $15,290 (including destination) isn’t quite the cheapest — that title still belongs to the 2021 Chevrolet Spark — but it does offer a combination of safety, available convenience tech and affordability that may make it appealing to shoppers.

Related: Mitsubishi Outlander, Eclipse Cross, Mirage Get Redesigns in Model Lineup Overhaul

New Look

Both the Mirage hatchback and Mirage G4 sedan get significantly updated exterior styling. That includes a new grille design and new bumpers front and rear, bringing the cars more in line with the current Mitsubishi design language while giving them a sportier look. New LED taillights complete the look across the lineup, while the top SE trim can also be equipped with LED headlights and daytime running lights.

A new Carbonite Edition special edition version is available with select exterior paint colors, too. It includes no overt “Star Wars” references but does revise the exterior appearance slightly with faux carbon-fiber and red accents.

Some Modern Tech

With a starting price just over $15,000 — just over $16,500 with the optional continuously variable automatic transmission — the Mirage doesn’t come with a lot of standard comfort or advanced safety features. There are some, however, including a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility. Forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection is also standard on all trim levels. Buyers will have to upgrade to the top SE trim to get the aforementioned LED headlights, as well as lane departure warning and automatic high beams.

Engine and Transmission

All Mirage and Mirage G4 variants are powered by the same 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that makes 78 horsepower and 74 pounds-feet of torque. The base ES comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, which can be swapped for a CVT for a $1,300 charge. All other trims come standard with the CVT.

Pricing and Release Date

Both the 2021 Mirage and Mirage G4 are on sale now. All prices include a $995 destination fee.

• Mirage ES (manual): $15,290
• Mirage ES: $16,590
• Mirage LE: $17,215
• Mirage Carbonite Edition: $17,990
• Mirage SE: $18,440
• Mirage G4 ES (manual): $16,290
• Mirage G4 ES: $17,590
• Mirage G4 LE: $18,215
• Mirage G4 Carbonite Edition: $18,990
• Mirage G4 SE: $19,190

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