The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the most basic, most frugal new cars you can buy today. Its $13,000 base price gets you a reasonably equipped car for the money with decent space inside and outstanding fuel economy. While it's certainly not a lavish car, the Mirage presents a practical package for those looking for that new car smell (and warranty).
What's New for 2015
Introduced last year, the Mirage gets only minor trim changes for 2015. There's more chrome on the dashboard and ES models gets new seat fabric and turn indicators in the exterior side mirrors.

Choosing Your Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mirage is one of the most fuel efficient vehicles on sale today. It gets its 37/44 mpg rating partly because it's powered by a small 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 74 horsepower. A five-speed manual is standard and gets the most out of that little engine, but an optional CVT gets the highest EPA rating with 40 mpg combined city/highway. (The manual is rated at 37 mpg combined.) An ultra-tight turning circle makes it extremely practical as a city car, too.
Buyers choose between two well-equipped trim levels:
DE
Base DE includes a lot of features for the money. All major power features – windows, locks and mirrors – are included, as is a 4-speaker audio system with USB input. Automatic climate control is also standard, unusual for this class. A folding seat helps make the most of the five-door hatchback layout.
ES
For $1,300 more, the ES adds a few desirable features. Those include 14-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, keyless entry and start, fog lights, cruise control, steering wheel audio and phone controls, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A navigation system and backup camera are optional.
Get the five-speed manual. You lose some of the fuel economy bragging rights, but it makes it easier to access what power the Mirage has. A manual-equipped ES still comes in at less than $15,000, which is still less than a basic Ford Fiesta hatchback, for example, and yet it still has niceties like keyless start and automatic climate control.
Choose your Mitsubishi Mirage »