The Mitsubishi Mirage V Hatchback 1.5 (110 Hp), produced between 1995 and 2002, represents a significant iteration in Mitsubishi’s long-running Mirage line. While not officially sold in the United States during this generation, the Mirage held a prominent position in the European and Asian subcompact car markets. This fifth generation, designated the “Mirage V,” offered a practical and affordable transportation solution, emphasizing fuel efficiency and maneuverability in densely populated urban environments. It served as a competitor to vehicles like the Peugeot 206, Renault Clio, and Ford Fiesta, offering a blend of functionality and value.
Mitsubishi Mirage V Hatchback 1.5 (110 Hp): An Overview
The Mirage V Hatchback was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a small, economical car for daily commuting and city driving. Its compact dimensions and relatively lightweight construction contributed to its nimble handling and reasonable fuel consumption. The 1.5-liter engine, while not exceptionally powerful, provided adequate performance for its intended purpose. The availability of an all-wheel-drive (4×4) system was a notable feature, enhancing traction and stability, particularly in inclement weather conditions – a significant selling point in many European markets.
Engine & Performance
Powering the Mitsubishi Mirage V Hatchback 1.5 was the 4G15 inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This 1.5-liter (1468 cm3 or 89.58 cu. in.) engine produced 110 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 137 Nm (101.05 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine featured a single-point fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with three valves per cylinder. This configuration, while relatively simple by modern standards, provided a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio was 101.9 Hp/tonne, and its torque-to-weight ratio was 126.9 Nm/tonne. The Mirage V was capable of reaching a maximum speed of 165 km/h (102.53 mph). Power delivery was adequate for everyday driving, and the engine proved to be reasonably durable and reliable. The engine’s 9.2:1 compression ratio contributed to its efficiency. The naturally aspirated design meant that performance relied on engine displacement and tuning rather than forced induction.
Design & Features
The Mirage V Hatchback was a three-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. Its exterior styling was typical of the mid-1990s, characterized by rounded edges and a relatively conservative design. The vehicle’s compact size – measuring 3870 mm (152.36 in.) in length, 1680 mm (66.14 in.) in width, and 1375 mm (54.13 in.) in height – made it easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces. The wheelbase was 2415 mm (95.08 in.). The interior was functional and practical, prioritizing space efficiency over luxury. Features were generally basic, reflecting the car’s affordable price point. Safety features of the era, such as seatbelts and a basic chassis structure, were present, but lacked the advanced safety technologies found in modern vehicles. The availability of all-wheel drive was a key feature, providing enhanced grip and stability, particularly on slippery surfaces. The front suspension utilized an independent McPherson strut setup, while the rear employed an independent multi-link suspension, contributing to a comfortable ride quality. Hydraulic power steering assisted with maneuverability. The vehicle’s kerb weight was 1080 kg (2380.99 lbs.), contributing to its nimble handling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Mirage |
| Generation | Mirage V Hatchback |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 (110 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 2002 |
| 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 | 9.8 kg/Hp, 101.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.9 kg/Nm, 126.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 74.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 137 Nm @ 3000 rpm (101.05 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 4G15 |
| Engine displacement | 1468 cm3 (89.58 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75.5 mm (2.97 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Single-point injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1080 kg (2380.99 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 | 1375 mm (54.13 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2415 mm (95.08 in.) |
| Front track | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Rear track | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10 m (32.81 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 165 S R13 |
The Mitsubishi Mirage V Hatchback 1.5 (110 Hp) remains a notable example of a practical and affordable subcompact car from the 1990s. While not known for groundbreaking innovation, it provided reliable transportation and a reasonable level of comfort and features for its price point, particularly in European and Asian markets. Its all-wheel-drive option set it apart from many competitors, making it a popular choice for drivers in regions with challenging weather conditions.
