The automotive market continues to evolve with rising prices and shifting priorities. However, for buyers who want affordability without sacrificing practicality or essential features, the “Cheapest New Car 2024” offers a compelling proposition. In this review, we explore a model that exemplifies value for money—a car that delivers on performance, design, and advanced safety without the premium price tag. Let’s dive into the details of this budget-friendly option, often referred to as the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage.
Introduction
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage positions itself as the “Cheapest New Car 2024” on the market, designed to meet the needs of cost-conscious buyers while offering modern amenities. With an attractive price point and a host of standard features, it’s aimed at urban commuters, first-time buyers, and anyone in search of reliable daily transportation. This review will cover its design and build quality, performance and engine specs, interior features, comfort and usability, fuel efficiency, infotainment and connectivity, and compare it with competitors. Finally, we’ll wrap up with pricing, variants, and safety features to help you decide if the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is right for you.
Design and Build
The first impression of the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is one of simplicity and smart engineering. Its exterior is characterized by clean lines and a compact silhouette, perfect for navigating crowded city streets. The design emphasizes practicality—large, well-placed headlights and an aerodynamic profile contribute to both its modern look and fuel efficiency.
- Exterior Aesthetics:
- The front fascia features a bold grille framed by slim LED headlights. Subtle chrome accents add a touch of sophistication, despite the model’s budget positioning. The overall design manages to blend utilitarian elements with modern styling cues.
- Build Quality:
- Although it is the cheapest new car on the market, the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage does not compromise on durability. Quality materials are used throughout the cabin, with robust plastics in high-wear areas and soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard. The car’s structure is engineered for urban use, ensuring a lightweight yet resilient frame that performs well in daily driving scenarios.
- Ergonomics:
- Both the driver and front passenger benefit from ergonomically designed seats that offer good support on long commutes. The control layout is intuitive, with easy-to-reach knobs and buttons that contribute to a user-friendly experience.
Performance
Under the hood, the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage surprises with respectable performance figures for its price bracket. It is powered by a modest yet efficient engine designed to deliver a smooth, economical drive.
- Engine Specifications:
- The car is equipped with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces around 85 horsepower. While it isn’t built for high-speed thrills, these engine specs are more than adequate for city driving and everyday commutes. The engine’s design emphasizes efficiency over raw power, contributing to its low running costs.
- Acceleration and Handling:
- With a 0-60 mph time of approximately 12 seconds, the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is not a sports car—but it’s agile enough for urban environments. Its light curb weight and well-tuned suspension allow it to negotiate tight corners and navigate stop-and-go traffic with ease. While highway merging might require a bit more throttle, the overall handling is predictable and confidence-inspiring for new drivers.
- Transmission:
- The car comes with either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), catering to both traditional driving enthusiasts and those preferring a more relaxed driving experience.
Features
Despite its low price, the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage offers a generous list of features that enhance both convenience and driving safety.
- Standard Equipment:
- Every model comes standard with power windows, air conditioning, and a basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen. Additionally, modern connectivity options like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto ensure you stay connected on the go.
- Advanced Safety Systems:
- Even at the entry level, driver-assistance features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking are standard. These features not only enhance safety but also contribute to the car’s reputation as a smart choice for first-time buyers.
- Customization Options:
- For those who wish to add a personal touch, higher trims offer upgraded materials, a sunroof, and enhanced connectivity options such as wireless charging and a premium sound system.
Comfort and Usability
Comfort and everyday usability are key priorities for the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage. Designed with daily commuting in mind, the interior is spacious and practical.
- Seating and Cabin Space:
- The front seats are supportive with ample adjustability, ensuring comfort over long distances. Rear passengers enjoy respectable legroom, making the car a viable option for small families or groups of friends.
- Storage:
- The boot offers decent capacity for a car in this segment, and the rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo space. Clever storage solutions in the cabin—such as cupholders, door pockets, and a center console with a storage bin—add to its practicality.
- Ride Quality:
- The suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections, delivering a comfortable ride even on less-than-perfect surfaces. Noise insulation is adequate, keeping road and wind noise at bay during highway journeys.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance
A major selling point for the Cheapest New Car 2024 is its excellent fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs.
- Fuel Economy:
- The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage delivers impressive fuel efficiency, achieving around 55 miles per gallon (mpg) in combined driving. This efficiency is a direct result of its small engine displacement, lightweight construction, and aerodynamic design.
- Cost of Ownership:
- With such high fuel economy and an affordable price point, the ongoing running costs are very low. Routine maintenance tasks—such as oil changes, brake inspections, and tire rotations—are inexpensive compared to more expensive brands. Many owners can expect a low total cost of ownership over the car’s lifespan.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Staying connected while driving is essential in today’s automotive landscape. The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage comes equipped with a suite of infotainment features that are surprisingly robust for its price.
- Infotainment System:
- The base model features a 7-inch touchscreen interface that provides clear graphics and responsive controls. It supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to integrate your smartphone’s apps, music, and navigation easily.
- Connectivity:
- In addition to wireless connectivity options, the car includes multiple USB ports and Bluetooth pairing. Higher trims may offer enhancements like wireless charging pads and an upgraded digital instrument cluster.
- User Experience:
- The interface is designed with simplicity in mind—menus are straightforward, and the system responds quickly to touch inputs. This makes it ideal for drivers who want essential functions without being overwhelmed by too many options.
Comparison
To put the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage in perspective, let’s briefly compare it with a few of its direct competitors in the subcompact segment.
| Feature / Model | 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage (Cheapest New Car 2024) | Mitsubishi Mirage | Kia Picanto |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $14,000 – $16,000 | $16,000 | $15,600 |
| Engine Specs | 1.2L 3-cyl, ~85 hp | 1.2L 4-cyl, 80 hp | 1.0L or 1.2L options, ~60-75 hp |
| Fuel Efficiency (mpg) | 55 mpg combined | 50-53 mpg combined | 45-54 mpg combined |
| Infotainment | 7-inch touchscreen, CarPlay, Android Auto | Basic 7-inch screen, limited connectivity | 7-inch screen with modern connectivity |
| Safety Features | tandard ABS, collision warning, lane assist | Basic safety features | Advanced safety features on higher trims |
| Interior Space | Roomy for its class | Adequate but slightly cramped | Compact but practical |
As seen, while the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage might offer slightly lower horsepower compared to some rivals, its fuel efficiency, affordability, and standard feature set make it a strong contender for buyers seeking value in the “Cheapest New Car 2024” category.
Pricing and Variants
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is offered in several trim levels, each designed to cater to different buyer preferences while maintaining the core attributes of affordability and efficiency.
- Base Trim:
- The entry-level version focuses on essential features, offering manual transmission, basic infotainment, and a minimalist interior. This trim is ideal for budget-conscious buyers who primarily need a reliable commuter car.
- Mid-Level Trim:
- Adding conveniences such as an upgraded CVT, power windows, and additional connectivity features, the mid-level variant offers a balance between affordability and modern amenities. It also introduces a few enhanced safety and driver-assistance features.
- Top Trim:
- For those willing to spend a little extra, the top trim includes premium touches such as alloy wheels, a larger touchscreen with navigation, advanced safety systems, and an upgraded interior with soft-touch materials. This trim offers the best value in terms of features without a substantial increase in price.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Safety is a paramount concern, especially in the budget segment. The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage comes equipped with a suite of standard safety features designed to protect occupants and assist the driver in emergency situations.
- Driver Assistance:
- Standard features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Some trims also offer lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, which help maintain safe distances on the highway.
- Passive Safety:
- The car’s structure incorporates modern crumple zones and high-strength steel reinforcements, ensuring that energy is effectively absorbed during collisions. Airbags—front, side, and curtain—are standard across all variants.
- Additional Systems:
- Advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come on board with higher trims, offering extra layers of security when merging or reversing.
Conclusion
In a market where vehicles are increasingly expensive, the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage stands out as the “Cheapest New Car 2024” that delivers on its promise of affordability without compromising on essential features. Its efficient 1.2-liter engine, impressive fuel economy, practical design, and an array of modern technologies make it a smart choice for urban commuters, first-time buyers, and those looking to minimize running costs.
While it may not offer the high performance of more expensive models, its balanced package of reliability, safety, and everyday usability makes it an excellent value proposition. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly car that still offers a touch of modern sophistication and advanced driver-assistance systems, the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is well worth a test drive.
Specifications
Below is a quick reference table summarizing key specifications of the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L 3-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 85 hp |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 55 mpg combined |
| 0-60 mph Time | 12 seconds |
| Infotainment | 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Standard Safety Features | ABS, forward collision warning, lane assist |
| Trim Levels | Base, Mid-Level, Top Trim |
| Starting Price | $14,000 – $16,000 |
| Warranty | 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty |