Jalopnik Nissan Micra vs Mitsubishi Mirage

[Daox]

This writer takes a Micra for a spin and then immediately takes a Mirage for a test drive right after. This is his comparison. To my surprise, he likes the Mirage more. Usually, auto reviewers tend to like the more horsepower zippy cars. Though, he did test a Micra with an automatic transmission and a Mirage with a 5 speed manual.

****box Showdown: Nissan Micra vs Mitsubishi Mirage

[MetroMPG]

That is a hilarious read.

But I question the opinion of someone who wasn't aware until after he wrote his review that the Micra he was driving did not have a CVT!

(Though in his defense, the salesman told him it was a CVT... and if you drive the Micra 4AT gently, you can't really feel the shifts.)

I've also driven both cars and I'm surprised he didn't talk more about the handling differences between the two. The Micra is more buttoned down of the pair and more fun to drive if you enjoy corners (front/rear sway bar on the Micra, better steering feel & meatier tires; front bar only on the Mirage and skinnier tires).

I agree with him on the subjective issue of engine character though: I dig the thrummy growl of the 3-cylinder. But I'm biased - I've been driving triples for years.

[MetroMPG]

Also: the review pic is misleading. It shows optional 15 inch wheels on the Mirage that aren't yet available in North America (looks to be an Australian spec Mirage). We get 14's only at this point.

[AlphaMicra]

In light of this ****ty article, I think it's pretty obvious that Nissan **** the bed by not offering enough manual transmissions on their initial product release. The Nissan 5 speed manual transmission and clutch are head and shoulders above the Mirage.

[MetroMPG]

Paul, did you drive the Mirage?

I don't think its manual transmission is much different from the Micra's. They're both pleasant to use with light, smooth shifting action. The Mirage's clutch is actually the lightest I've ever used -- extremely easy to drive, even in stop & go. But you won't mistake either car's transmission for a Miata.

The big letdown in the Mirage vs. Micra is handling.

[AlphaMicra]

They're both pleasant to use with light, smooth shifting action. The Mirage's clutch is actually the lightest I've ever used -- extremely easy to drive, even in stop & go.

Agreed, but the Micra's engine is what puts it ahead of the Mirage when both are stick. Given the choice between a manual Mirage or an automatic Micra, I'd opt for the manual Mirage.