The two versions of the Mirage siblings are different mainly because of their engines. The DE coupes and sedans uses a 1.5 liter overhead cam four cylinder engine, which gives 92 horsepower and 93 lb-ft of torque. Its power does the job of moving the car well enough, but the uplevel LS models, and their 1.8 liter version of the same engine, carry surprising pep under their hoods. The larger engine uses a single overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder, but puts out another 21 horsepower. Buyers in California will have to settle for 111 horses in the LS, due to emissions regulations.
Coil springs support both front and rear, while an anti-roll bar is available only up front.
It would be difficult to achieve a luxury car ride from an economy car, but Mirage's ride is competent, and most bumps are handled with ease. Its body structure has been stiffened, and the resulting rigidity works well to keep the car firmly planted on the road. Also, our test car's larger tires did a commendable job at limiting tire scrub and understeer. Having power steering on such a light car is mostly beneficial only during slow-speed maneuvers such as parking. ABS is optional.