Mitsubishi Mirage

1997-2001 models

FRONTAL OFFSET TEST

OVERALL EVALUATION: Poor

Structure/safety cage Injury measures Restraints/dummy kinematics
Head/neck Chest Leg/foot, left Leg/foot, right
Marginal Acceptable Good Good Poor Poor

Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

Good Good Acceptable Acceptable Marginal Marginal Poor Poor

Test details:

The Mitsubishi Mirage was redesigned for the 1997 model year.

Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement wasn't well controlled. There was too much upward movement of the steering wheel, which contributed to the dummy's head bottoming out the airbag and hitting the steering wheel. During rebound, the dummy moved toward the driver door, which had bowed outward, and its head hit the B-pillar.

Injury measures — Measures taken from the chest and left leg indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. A high head acceleration occurred when the dummy's head hit the steering wheel through the airbag, and again when it hit the B-pillar, indicating that injuries to the head would be possible. Forces on the right tibia and accelerations on the right foot indicate the that injuries to the lower leg and foot would be likely.

Left to right:

  • Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.
  • The driver's survival space wasn't maintained well, and upward movement of the steering wheel allowed the dummy's head to bottom out the airbag.
  • Smeared greasepaint indicates where the dummy's head hit the B-pillar. High head acceleration was recorded from this impact.
  • Crumpling of the occupant compartment floor is evident, indicating excessive intrusion into the footwell area.

Additional features:

  • Antilock brakes (optional, 1997-99 models only)

Tested vehicle specifications:

  • 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage DE 4-door
  • Class: Small car
  • Weight: 2,407 lbs.
  • Side airbags: none
  • Wheelbase: 98 in.
  • Length: 174 in.
  • Width: 66 in.
  • Engine: 1.5 L 4-cylinder
  • EPA ratings: 29 mpg city | 36 mpg highway

See all test results for Mitsubishi Mirage

Last updated: September 2, 2005

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