MITSUBISHI MIRAGE DETAILS

What? Subcompact, frontdrive, four-door, hatchback economy car. New to the lineup, but revives an old name.

When? On sale since September. uWhere? Built in Thailand.

How much? DE base model with five-speed manual starts at $13,790. Continuously variable-ratio automatic transmission (CVT) is $1,000 option on all models. ES with navigation package, the top model, is $16,890, though dealers often add their own accessories and boost prices. Test car was ES with navi.

What makes it go? 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine rated 74 horsepower at 6,400 rpm, 74 pounds-feet of torque at 4,000 mated to five-speed manual or CVT.

How big? Similar to Mini Cooper hardtop. Weighs 2,910 lbs. (manual transmission), 3,020 lbs. (CVT). Passenger space, 86.1 cubic feet. Cargo, 17. 2 cu. ft. behind rear seats; 47 cu. ft. rear seat folded. Turning circle diameter, 30.2 ft.

How thirsty? Rated 37 miles per gallon in the city, 44 mpg highway, 40 mpg combined city/highway driving with CVT. 34/42/37 with manual transmission. Test car recorded 29.3 mpg (3.41 gallons per 100 miles) in easygoing suburban driving. Burns regular; tank holds 9.2 gallons.

Overall: OK for crowded cities, quite unpleasant otherwise.