Mitsubishi Mirage G4

Sometimes, all you need is a new car that hopefully won't break down anytime soon and won't cost much to buy and maintain. In other words, you want basic transportation.

That describes the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 in a nutshell, and if you can operate a manual transmission, you can purchase this subcompact sedan for one of the lowest as-new prices around. There's also the similar Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback, which is even cheaper.

But understand that affordability, efficiency and a long warranty are the extent of the benefits associated with owning a Mirage G4. Otherwise, this car is a study in compromise. From its awkward proportions and uncomfortable interior to its lack of power and refinement, the Mirage G4 offers little incentive. Safety might be a question mark for you, too, because there aren't any crash test ratings for the Mirage G4.

For the same money, you could very well be better served by a lightly used car. But if nothing but the scent of new-car smell will do, we urge you to consider the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio or Nissan Versa before choosing the Mitsubishi Mirage G4. They're a little more expensive but are considerably more refined.

Which Mirage G4 does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is available in ES, LE, Carbonite Edition and SE trim levels. Each includes a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 76 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is offered only with ES trim. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional with the ES trim and standard on other versions of the car.

ES Standard equipment for the base Mirage G4 ES includes:

• 14-inch steel wheels with plastic wheel covers
• LED taillights
• Height-adjustable driver's seat
• Power windows
• Remote keyless entry
• Automatic climate control
• Cruise control
• 7-inch infotainment touchscreen display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• One USB port
• Four-speaker stereo
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

LE Choose the Mirage G4 LE and the car comes with:

• CVT automatic
• 15-inch alloy wheels

Carbonite Edition (CE) New for 2021, the Carbonite Edition spruces up the Mirage G4's design with:

• Silver lower grille accent stripe
• Lower body kit running the perimeter of the car
• Carbon-pattern decal on middle roof pillars

SE The top-of-the-line version of the Mirage G4 provides:

• LED headlights and running lights
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Foglights
• Side-mirror turn signal indicators
• Leather and fabric upholstery
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Heated front seats
• Proximity keyless entry and push-button start
• CD/MP3 player
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)