We didn’t know it is still possible to make cars that are not five-star safe, but the Mitsubishi Mirage has managed it. The car scored four stars in Euro NCAP’s latest crash test campaign, which is not that bad, considering the Mirage is a cheap, global product.

Expectations are usually lower from a car that is principally designed for emerging markets such as Thailand and India. Mind you, Mitsu is going to sell this car in Europe and America as well, and unless they can price it very, very cheap, it is not going to win many customers.

The Mitsubishi Mirage actually has quite a sturdy core, thanks to the firm’s patented “RISE” (“Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution”) active structure. It also features straight and large section front cross-members, so called “Multi-load pass frame”, and a reinforced cabin. In fact the only thing that let the car down is the lack of safety assist systems (Mirage scores: Adult Occupant: 90%, Child Occupant: 72%, Pedestrian: 73%, Safety Assist: 55% ).

The standard safety kit on the Mitsubishi Mirage include six airbags, ABS, Active Stability Control, Traction Control, Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist (CVT only) + Emergency Stop Signal System.