THERE cannot be many cars that start out in life as three digits written on a piece of paper.

But, if you believe Mitsubishi, that was precisely how the Mirage supermini came into being.

The target for the car of emitting 100 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre was placed above everything else when the designers first turned to the drawing board.

They achieved their aim with a combination of efficient petrol-powered engines and a lightweight body.

The tangible results range from excellent fuel economy and no London Congestion Charge to pay, to zero vehicle excise duty.

The no-nonsense Mirage needs every advantage going, as there is a mass of choice in the sector with rivals ranging from the Nissan Micra and Kia Picanto, to the Suzuki Splash and Chevrolet Spark.

But it is a sector in which Mitsubishi has always done well in the past with the Colt hatchback.

Like the Colt, the aerodynamic Mirage is stylish, practical and well-equipped. But, much more importantly, the five-door hatchback is also good to drive. Power comes from a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine that puts out a healthy 80 horsepower, making the car more than capable of mixing it with motorway traffic.

But it is around town that the Mirage is at its happiest with a tight turning circle and an automatic stop-start system on the engine, that cuts the power in stationary traffic, helping to keep fuel consumption down.

The interior is spacious and the rear seats split and fold to increase carrying capacity, though you have to open the rear hatch to get to the rear seatback releases.

All models come with front electric windows, side air dams, a tyre repair kit, a glovebox USB terminal and stability and traction control.

The top-of-the-range test model was packed with equipment normally associated with much larger cars. So you get a seat height adjuster for the driver, rain-sensing wipers and air conditioning, not to mention front fog lamps, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearknob, keyless entry system with push-button start, and front and rear parking sensors.

There is also an onboard computer, that displays information such as average fuel consumption, outside temperature and distance to empty, though the control is a fiddly stalk which you have to operate by putting your right hand through the steering wheel — not advisable when the car is moving.

Safety equipment on all models is also solidly comprehensive, with an array of front, side and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control and an emergency stop system. So, despite the name, the Mirage is a real contender in the supermini stakes.