Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2 GLX CVT (2016) vs Kia Picanto 1.2 MT (2018)

Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2 GLX CVT (2016) vs Kia Picanto 1.2 MT (2018): which should you buy?

Both the 2016 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2 GLX CVT and the 2018 Kia Picanto 1.2 MT sit in the B‑segment hatchback class and share a three‑year/100,000‑km warranty, front‑wheel drive and unibody construction, making them suitable for city driving and first‑time owners. The Mirage is priced at ₱688,000, about ₱53,000 more than the Picanto’s ₱635,000, but it offers a continuously variable transmission (INVECS‑III CVT) that can provide smoother acceleration in stop‑and‑go traffic. The Picanto, however, delivers higher peak output – 84 PS and 122 Nm versus the Mirage’s 78 PS and 100 Nm – and uses a 5‑speed manual, which may appeal to drivers who prefer more control and better fuel‑economy at higher speeds. The Mirage’s 1.2‑litre inline‑3 engine is slightly smaller (1193 cc) than the Picanto’s 1248 cc inline‑4, but both meet Euro‑4 emissions. In terms of practicality, both have five doors and five seats; the Picanto’s length is listed at 3595 mm, while the Mirage’s dimensions are not provided, so no direct size comparison can be made. Choose the Mirage if you value a CVT for effortless city cruising and can absorb the higher price. Opt for the Picanto if you want a lower purchase price, more power, and a manual gearbox for a more engaging drive.