CHALLENGING the expanding budget car market in the UK and Europe while ensuring a place on the world stage isn't an easy task.

Mitsubishi presented the Mirage supermini as a global car to woo existing and new markets across the globe while the same car tries its luck in the bargain basement department in Europe.

The Mirage replaces the dated but fun-to-drive Colt that enjoyed a healthy following in the UK. Its successor is a much smoother, curvier affair but doesn't quite have the same charisma of the older car.

It is certainly a more contemporary looking model and earns itself a gold star as the most aerodynamic contender in its class, but it doesn't match the light, breezy, quirky, 'look-at-me' attitude of some the top snazzy superminis - and city cars - the Mirage is likely to take on.

However, the Mirage - here powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine - does boast low runnings costs courtesy of its streamlined shaped, stop-start system, regenerative braking, lighter weight composition with the use of ultra-high tensile steel and low rolling resistance tyres.

This translates to an official 65.7mpg average fuel consumption, tax-efficient 100g/km emissions, while the 79bhp, three-cylinder engine still allows some lively performance, albeit rather vocally at times. It achieves 0-62mph in 11.7 seconds, not too bad, and manages a top speed of 112mph.

It all looks quite promising but the Mirage's dull cabin doesn't do it any favours. While the exterior looks 21st century, the interior looks quite dated, retro - but not in a complimentary way.

The flimsily padded seat squabs transport you back a few decades, though, surprisingly, they were quite comfortable. The Dacia Sandero has a similar old-fashioned interior but the price tag is considerably less.

The Renault-owned Dacia starts at £6,000 whereas the Mirage (for a comparative 1.0-litre petrol engine) starts at £8,000. It is a big difference when you enter the fray of the bargain car sector. Move up to the 1.2-litreversion in the top Mirage 3 spec - as driven here - and that jumps up to £12,000.

The Mirage's saving grace at this level is its impressive kit list which includes electric windows, USB connection, keyless entry, climate control, alloys and front and rear parking sensors which makes it feel less cheap, more cheerful.

The 79bhp engine is perhaps the most redeeming aspect of the Mirage, displaying plenty of spunk, provided it is worked. It does respond well urged through a non-fuss five-speed manual gearbox(a CTV automatic is also available), but again, it can prove quite noisy at times.

Steering is disappointingly vague - not an uncommon complaint in this category and price band - but the car generally feels light and easy to drive and manoeuvre.

Bodyroll is pronounced in corners but the Mirage's softly-set suspension provides reasonable comfort and composure, mopping up superficial indentations. Where the surface is more chewed up, the ride does become markedly jostly. Stick to better maintained roads and motorways and the supermini progresses in a settled manner.

Built in Thailand, the five-door supermini does offer good space for driver and four passengers - albeit a snug arrangement for three in the back. It's acceptable and an improvement on what many rivals can offer.

The boot is adequate at 235 litres, but the high load lip isn't helpful.