The Mitsubishi Mirage V Hatchback, produced between 1995 and 2002, represents the fifth generation of the long-running Mirage line. While not officially sold in the United States during this generation, the Mirage held a significant position in the European and Asian small car markets as an affordable and practical city vehicle. This iteration of the Mirage aimed to provide economical transportation with a focus on fuel efficiency and ease of use, competing with vehicles like the Peugeot 206, Renault Clio, and Ford Fiesta. The Mirage V offered a compact footprint, making it well-suited for navigating congested urban environments.
Mitsubishi Mirage V Hatchback: A Detailed Overview
The Mirage V was designed as a no-frills, reliable hatchback, prioritizing functionality over luxury. It served as a popular choice for first-time car buyers, students, and those seeking a secondary vehicle for short trips. Its relatively simple mechanical design contributed to its affordability and ease of maintenance. The 3-door hatchback configuration further emphasized its compact nature and targeted a younger demographic or those without significant passenger needs.
Engine & Performance
Powering the Mitsubishi Mirage V Hatchback 1.3 i 12V was a 1.3-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine produced 88 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 108 Nm (79.66 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000 rpm. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the engine provided adequate power for everyday driving conditions. The power-to-weight ratio of 94.6 Hp/tonne allowed for a respectable, if not exhilarating, driving experience. The engine featured a multi-port fuel injection system and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain. It was a naturally aspirated engine, meaning it did not utilize a turbocharger or supercharger. The Mirage V was equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, delivering power to the front wheels. The vehicle achieved a maximum speed of 165 km/h (102.53 mph). The weight-to-torque ratio of 8.6 kg/Nm indicated a reasonable balance between engine output and vehicle mass.
Design & Features
The Mirage V Hatchback sported a typical early 1990s hatchback design, characterized by its rounded edges and compact dimensions. Its 3-door configuration prioritized practicality and ease of parking. The interior was functional and straightforward, offering seating for five passengers, although rear passenger space was limited. Safety features for the time included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which was becoming increasingly common in this class of vehicle. The steering system utilized a rack and pinion setup with hydraulic power steering, providing responsive and relatively effortless maneuverability. The vehicle rode on 155/80 R13 S tires. The overall design philosophy centered on providing a basic, reliable, and affordable mode of transportation. The focus was on practicality and efficiency rather than stylistic flair.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Mirage |
| Generation | Mirage V Hatchback |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3 i 12V (88 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1995 year |
| End of production | 2002 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.6 kg/Hp, 94.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.6 kg/Nm, 116.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 88 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 108 Nm @ 3000 rpm (79.66 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1298 cm3 (79.21 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Kerb Weight | 930 kg (2050.3 lbs) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 3870 mm (152.36 in) |
| Width | 1680 mm (66.14 in) |
| Height | 1365 mm (53.74 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2415 mm (95.08 in) |
| Front track | 1450 mm (57.09 in) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1460 mm (57.48 in) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 155/80 R13 S |
In conclusion, the Mitsubishi Mirage V Hatchback was a practical and economical choice for buyers in Europe and Asia during the late 1990s and early 2000s. While not a groundbreaking vehicle, it fulfilled its intended purpose of providing affordable and reliable transportation. Its simple design, fuel efficiency, and compact size made it a popular option for urban dwellers and those seeking a basic, no-nonsense car.
