Cars are seldom low cost now a-days. The propensity for auto manufacturers to fit as much expensive technological gadgetry into new vehicles is strong, yet Mitsubishi has included all the desirable bits and bobs into the 2017 Mirage G4 and kept it under $18,000.

The Mirage G4 sedan is all-new for the US market, building off the hatchback that has been around for a while.

The front end features a dark chrome plated front grille that goes well with the vibrant Sapphire Blue paint on our tester car. The side profile was tall, but that made for a roomy interior. The Mirage boasted 12.3 cu.ft. of trunk space.

It has powerful halogen headlights that keep the road well-illuminated at night, even in the dark areas of the Puget Sound. Clean aesthetic design lines sweep past the headlamps and down the side panels featuring understated wheel arches.

The 2017 Mirage G4 footprint is truly pint-sized which is great for Seattle daily driving, measuring in at 168.5 inches in length and 60.2 inches in width. The small footprint makes for smiles around the many roundabouts in Seattle.

I had a bit of fun driving circles around the many in North Seattle as the Mitsubishi Mirage is nimble, able to keep driving circles around them like a gas-powered Energizer Bunny.

I won’t lie… I went ’roundabout’ hunting after I realized this. Granite Falls roundabouts were too big, the ones in West Seattle were too small, but the ones in North Seattle were just right.

Under the pint-sized hood was a pint-sized engine.  You won’t be winning any street races in it straight from the dealership, but it has more than enough pep to get up to speed even in areas that are 70 mph. The 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is powered by a 1.2L inline 3-cylinder engine creating 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft torque. Our tester had a continuously variable transmission, but other trims have a 5-speed manual.

It’s also just a pinch over 3,000 lbs, meaning you don’t need as much horsepower to get it up and moving. The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the Mirage G4 is 37 mpg combined, 35 mpg city and 42 mpg highway.

For all its small sizes, the Mirage G4 is also roomy in the interior and has all the modern conveniences consumers demand. The cloth seats were comfortable and both front seats were heated to boot. There’s Android Auto and Apple Car Play providing hands-free communications and navigation. The leather wrapped steering wheel has all the buttons one needs for answering calls or changing music.

A push-button ignition starts the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 conveniently and key-free. Safety equipment includes hill-start assist, airbags all-around, stability and traction control, and a built-in security system with an anti-theft engine immobilizer.

Even the rear seats were big enough for adults to fit comfortably, though they weren’t heated. They also sported the latest in child LATCH safety equipment for those with young ones.

As driven, the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE only costs $17,830 and comes with a 100,000-mile, 10-year warranty. With a low cost of ownership, consumers get the benefits that come along with new car ownership without the usual high price tag.

To check out a 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE, please head to www.mitsubishicars.com for more information.