CLASSY 14-inch alloy wheels, spoilers front and back, sideskirts, a jaunty roof spoiler and a shiny exhaust tip gave the test Mirage a "big bucks at the accessory shop" look.

But this one had a discreet VR-X script on its jaunty tail, confirming it was a rare factory number: one of just 500 of a limited edition.

The door handles were the same hue as the rest of the car and inside there were more pleasantries: a competition-style instrument panel complete with rev counter and white dials, the windows had power operation and the seats were in colour co-ordinated cloth with a black surround.

Also new, and standard in all of the Year 2000 Mirages, was the Clarion radio and single CD unit, and the test car had the $1500 optional pack, made up of power steering, body-coloured bumpers and central locking.

Mirage has long been the leader of the fiercely-fought small car class in just about every department but sales.

It’s consistently won "best small car" awards, is a top performer in controlled and real crash tests and its tallish gearing for long legs on the open road give it excellent fuel economy. The fact that it does not top the sales charts must leave Mitsubishi Australia’s beancounters scratching their heads.

Respected parentage
Mirage is built on the same floorpan as the Lancer, which is one of the most competent packages on the road and the basis for the World Rally Championship-winning Evo models.

In VR-X form, it gets more than just extra looks and luxuries.

Those 14-inch alloy wheels, fitted with Bridgestone 185 Potenzas, give the wide-tracked hatch even better handling.

Inside, the car feels bigger than it is, probably due to its width and comparitively silent ride. A bit of road-rumble from the Potenzas makes itself heard, but NVH levels generally in the Mirage are commendably low.

Everything fits snugly, there are lots of storage bins and places for oddments. The split-fold rear seat offers good accommodation with adequate shoulder, leg and headroom and allows access to a bigger than expected boot.

The front seats are supportive, easily adjusted via the smooth side controls and give both driver and front passenger very good comfort and visibility.

The engine hasn’t changed. It’s still the slick 12-valve single overhead cam 1.5 litre, mated to a five-speed manual. 69kW of power is not enough to give any real edge at the traffic lights, yet it can display impressive acceleration and top-end performance.

Drive it hard and it’s a rewarding beastie in terms of driver satisfaction, but take it easy and it rewards you with more change in your pocket than you might have hoped for.

Our test fuel consumption of 8.0L/100km probably reflected the efficiency of the engine and the value of decent aerodynamics.

The wide stance and rally-bred suspension combine to give good comfort, admirable roadholding and great stability.

The bigger wheels and extra footprint area of the fat Bridgestones on the VR-X allow these attributes to be enjoyed even more.

A driver’s footrest, vital for anyone with a motorsport driving style, is standard.

Roomy, responsive and oozing quality beyond its price,  Mirage in VR-X form gains visual and practical appeal. And because of its limited numbers, it will probably benefit from good resale value a few years hence.

At a premium of just $4000 on the standard model, there could be a bit of a stampede to get one of the 500 VR-X Mirages.