2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 3-cyl coming to U.S. & Canada this year - 40 MPG (US) combined

[user removed]

That Versa rating is not for the CVT version. Both the 2013 and 2014 Versas are 31-35-40 with the CVT. You're quoting the base model 4 speed, with OD, auto I think.
I think Nissan has added the two speed to their CVTs also, the latest Altima is rated at 38 Highway.
All that being said I like this Mitsu Mirage. I might consider it as a Fiesta replacement, but would probably rent one first, maybe both the CVT and manual versions. I still don't get the logic behind crippling the manual cars with a pitiful overall drive ratio. It will be a while since the Fiesta has only 21k miles (a little less) as of this post.

regards
Mech

[MetroMPG]

A plus for the Spark: I think owners are doing well vs. the EPA ratings if you look at Fuelly. Several of the reviews from the Mirage first drive event last week say they were able to get close to or beat the rating as well.

UltArc: 60/40 split seat (U.S. / Canada spec Mirage): http://images.passionperformance.ca/...shi_Mirage.jpg

[niky]

Originally Posted by ProDarwin

Last I checked, the Versa MSRP is $1000 less than the Mirage...

What I meant by likely is: It likely should be cheaper than the Versa, because the Versa is humongous. The Versa is even bigger than the Rio and the Fit.

Now... if they made the Fit cheaper than the Versa... a lot of people would be very happy.

The Mirage is priced right compared to the Spark and everything else on the US market. The Versa is just dirt cheap compared to everything else.

-

We've finally gotten the Versa sedan here (as the Almera). Egads, it's jumongous. Still narrow, not any great shakes in elbow room, but the rear seat is incredible. Sad we're not getting the CVT. And price differences due to issues with regionalization and import taxes make it more expensive than the Mirage here... it's around the same price as the Fit/Rio/Accent/et al... and at that price, the interior quality is a bit of a let-down.

[Miller88]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

I really wanted to like the Spark, but its underwhelming mileage turned me off. And its slushbox automatic gets particularly horrid mileage.

People with the Spark are getting much better mileage (with manual trans) than EPA rating.

Originally Posted by niky

We've finally gotten the Versa sedan here (as the Almera). Egads, it's jumongous. Still narrow, not any great shakes in elbow room, but the rear seat is incredible.

That's one of the things I like about the Versa. The rear seat is HUGE. It's larger than most mid sizes, actually. But it's dirt cheap. If I were to buy a new car right now, the Versa Sedan and Hatch would be #1 and #2 on my list. No doubt about it.

To me, the other huge advantage of the Versa is lack of power windows, power locks and all of the other unnecessary stuff that finds it way into cars.

[PaleMelanesian]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

I'd love to compare the sub/urban economy of each -- head to head. I'm confident the stick would prevail despite the CVT's better rating (without resorting to P&G).

I agree. It should. A well-tuned driver should be able to optimise the MT's performance, and at lower speeds the handicap of high revs doesn't appear yet.

[Xist]

Originally Posted by Miller88

To me, the other huge advantage of the Versa is lack of power windows, power locks and all of the other unnecessary stuff that finds it way into cars.

I remember a guy complaining that he rented a car that did not have power locks, so he needed to walk around, locking each door.

Life is so difficult!

Me, however, I forget everything. Twice recently, I rolled down my windows and neglected to roll up the rear ones when I parked. When I have driven a car without power locks, I tend to forget to lock the other doors, but for people with functional memories, it should be too easy to lock each door before closing it.

My dad's F150 has manual windows. I have really long arms. My Prelude was wide, but I still easily reached over to lock and unlock the door, but I needed to park Dad's truck to adjust the passenger window, although in a four-door go-kart, no problem!

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

I still don't get the logic behind crippling the manual cars with a pitiful overall drive ratio.

There is no logic, they're just attempting to create a marketing excuse to phaseout manuals...

[Fat Charlie]

No, it's that manuals are sporty- so they get lower gearing for better acceleration. Using tall gears for efficiency would dilute the sportiness brand. So yes marketing, but shortsighted instead of evil.

[MetroMPG]

Except that in the case of the Mirage, the company is on record multiple times as saying the Mirage has no "sporty" pretentions. Its stated mission is inexpensive motoring that's easy to use.

[PaleMelanesian]

Originally Posted by Fat Charlie

No, it's that manuals are sporty- so they get lower gearing for better acceleration. Using tall gears for efficiency would dilute the sportiness brand. So yes marketing, but shortsighted instead of evil.

Also, it sells well during a 10 minute test drive. "ooh, it's zippy" Later when you've already signed your life away, you find out how the zippiness will cost you every mile you drive it.