SMALL cars are big in terms of popularity and my latest venture in this particular field finds me in the company of Mitsubishi's newest little car.

The Mirage is an urban runabout which has seen the Japanese car maker return to its city car roots.

Dubbed by the company as "a car for everyone", the Mirage comes in three different trim levels and driven here is the top model, the Mirage 3.

Mitsuibishi also claims it's "clever by design" and the Mirage has roof lines which create distinctive side view proportions in a very aerodynamically efficient shape.

The design team's efforts can be seen in the front grille with its minimal opening, the front bumper with its airflow rectifying design and aerodynamic wheelcovers which reduce turbulence around the wheels.

The Mirage is also said to be the lightest car in its class and it has been created to compete with the likes of the Kia Picanto, the Suzuki Splash, Nissan Micra and the Chevrolet Spark.

The Mirage has been constructed using Mitsubishi's RISE safety body design which translates as Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution and involves the use of a massively strong monocoque structure made from ultra-high tensile steel.

The body has been created to ensure maximum crash protection from all angles and directs impact forces away from the passengers who remain within a steel safety cell.

Mitsubishi says that impact testing has shown the Mirage to have the highest collision safety rating in its class in Japan and all Mirage variants feature as standard front, side and curtain airbags, active stability control, brake assist, an emergency stop system, child protection rear door locks and daytime running lights.

Inside, a flat dashboard design with an accent line which creates an arc stretching from the windscreen edge across the whole length gives a sense of width to the cockpit while the edge of the dash is cambered.

The centre panel with its glossy piano black finish also enhances the interior. When it comes to space, the Mirage has ample front and rear leg room and delivers a pretty comfortable ride in all parts.

Luggage space of 235 litres is par for the course in this size of vehicle.

The front end design also allows the driver to see both edges of the bonnet, making it easier to determine the positioning of the vehicle on the road and overall the driver has an excellent field of vision.