The least expensive car in the country is still the only one under $20,000
With new vehicle prices soaring across the industry in recent years, many consumers looking for an affordable model would like to turn to a small car. However, sub-compacts are now down to just two, with the recent discontinuation of the Kia Rio.
And good luck finding them! As our research has shown, the Mitsubishi Mirage and Nissan Versa are largely absent from dealer inventories. If you show up, you'll be directed to another vehicle that's available more quickly, and inevitably more expensive.
Be that as it may, Mitsubishi is keeping its Mirage alive for the 2024 model year, and it's still available to order. Sure, it's no longer the $10,000 bargain it was when launched in 2013, but this city hatchback officially remains the cheapest car in the country - and the only one under $20,000 including various costs (transportation, preparation, dealer, air conditioning, etc.).
Priced from $16,998, or $19,480.50 all-in, the Mirage 2024 ES base model has lost its five-speed manual gearbox and costs $1,500 more than the equivalent 2023 model with its unpleasant CVT.
Its standard equipment has been slightly upgraded, including a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control... and electric rear windows! No armrest for the driver, however.
The Mirage SE is replaced by a Black Edition, which costs an extra $2,000. It features black-painted 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, a red grille element, premium cloth seats with six driver's settings, red stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Last but not least, we'd like to mention the GT version at $21,498 ($23,980.50 all-inclusive), which includes lane departure warning, a front collision mitigation system, keyless access and a bit of leatherette on the seats.
In any case, let's not forget that the engine is a meagre 1.2-liter three-cylinder that develops just 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. The 0-100 km/h sprint in 13.2 seconds is the slowest of all, unsurprisingly. The upside is average fuel consumption of just 6.2 L/100 km (exceptional for a non-electrified car) and, of course, a 10-year/160,000 km powertrain warranty.
On that last point, can you see yourself behind the wheel of a Mirage until 2034?
