2014 Mitsubishi Mirage pricing starts at $13,720

Mitsubishi has just announced pricing for its 2014 Mirage, not to be confused with the Cadillac Elmiraj. Mitsubishi's version -- being a bit smaller and bit cheaper -- loses a few letters and opts for conventional spelling.

As you can see, this Mirage is a little different from the last time we saw back in the '90s (when it was a compact sedan) -- different to the point of being a completely different car in a completely different segment. The 2014 Mirage returns to the North American market as a subcompact four-door hatch to battle the likes of the Nissan Versa Note, Ford Fiesta, and the Mazda 2. And along those lines, Mitsubishi is quick to point out that the Mirage will be the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid gas-powered vehicle available in the U.S. when it goes on sale.

Just how efficient? The CVT and 5-speed manual models boast an EPA rated fuel economy of 37 mpg city and 44 mpg highway for a combined 40 mpg, and will start at just $13,720. To achieve this, Mitsubishi credits the Mirage's sleek 0.28 coefficient of drag, as well as an engine with their latest Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) variable valve-timing system.

Mitsubishi
The Mirage will be full of modern safety tech inside, including seven airbags -- features that could only be found in much larger cars just years ago.

On the safety front, the Mirage is practically filled with modern features that you could only find in a midsize sedan a generation ago, like a seven air bag Supplemental Restraint System, Active Stability Control with Traction Control Logic, and Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution impact-absorbing safety cell technology, among others.

As nice as all those systems are, it'll be the Mirage's MSRP that's sure to get buyers in the dealership doors, and the car is aimed to give other subcompacts a run for their money. The 2014 Nissan Versa, one of the sales leaders in his segment, starts as $14,780 (the Versa sedan is a bit cheaper at $12,780). The Ford Fiesta, another popular choice, starts at $14,795 for the S trim sedan for the 2014 model year, and $15,395 for the S trim four-door hatch. Likewise, the Mirage is bound to face stiff competition from the Mazda 2, an impressive little car that we liked quite a lot, one that starts at $15,515. Perhaps its most direct competitor will be the Chevrolet Spark, which starts at just $12,995 for the base four-door hatch.

One step up from the base DE trim, the Mirage ES will offer features such as keyless entry, a start-stop engine switch, Bluetooth connectivity, and steering-mounted cruise and audio controls, along with 14-inch alloys and a leather-wrapped steering. All these goodies will push the price just $1,200 north to $14,920.

By Jay Ramey