Mitsubishi Mirage is returning to the American market with high hopes. The car looks a bit sad and miserable, but it boasts value for money, great efficiency, and good features, and these are the qualities that Mitsu believes matter most to the customers. 

The Mirage is powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder DOHC engine with valve timing control capable of developing 74 bhp and 74 lb.-ft. of torque. It does 40 mpg combined/37 mpg city/44 mpg highway with a CVT transmission, and 37 mpg combined/34 mpg city/42 mpg highway when equipped with a 5-speed manual ‘box. Not exactly mind-blowing numbers considering the size of the engine and the power output.

The 5-door sub-compact is a vulnerable car in accidents, which is why they have packed it with safety features. The list includes seven airbags including dual front air bags, dual front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, dual side-impact curtain air bags, and a driver’s knee air bag; Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); and Brake Assist. It also comes with Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL) as standard.

As for the standard features and equipments, you get tilt steering; automatic climate control; power windows with driver’s side auto-up/down; power side mirrors; body-colored side mirrors, door handles and tailgate handle, a convenient 60/40 split folding rear seat; keyless entry with panic alarm; variable intermittent wipers; a sporty rear spoiler and a dynamic sounding 4 speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 with USB/iPod input.

Among the most notable options you can get a navigation system, exterior pack with different bumpers, parking assist and cargo package.