My home state of California recently called me back for the second time this summer to attend my cousin’s wedding. (congratulations Nick and Nicole!)

My trip included lots of city driving, both around the Bay Area in cities including San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley, and around Los Angeles, where my brother is a student at USC. (Fight on!)

During my time in the California sunshine, I had the opportunity to drive the 2105 Mitsubishi Mirage, which just so happens to be one of the best cars for city driving and a perfect vehicle for city drivers on a budget.

The Mitsubishi Mirage is a sleek, sub-compact 5-door hatchback. It is one of the most fuel efficient vehicles available on the market and also received the number one ranking on Cars.com for “New Cars for Penny Pinchers.”

Trendy Colors

First impressions can make all the difference, and the sapphire blue of the vehicle really caught my eye from the get go. The color is youthful, trendy, and bright. In addition to looking as cool as a pair of sunglasses at the beach, the unique shade also had a more practical benefit; it made spotting the car in crowded parking lots super easy.

The Mitsubishi Mirage comes in a host of fun colors that are sure to appeal to my fellow Gen Y-ers, including kiwi green, infared, plasma purple, cloud white and starlight silver.

Easy to Park

Aesthetics aside, the Mitsubishi Mirage has all kinds of features that make it ideal for city driving.

When exploring cities by car, parking can prove to be one of the biggest challenges. The compact size of this vehicle makes it easier to parallel park and to squeeze into tight city parking spaces. The side view mirrors with turn indicators and backup camera also make city parking a breeze. My family and I weren’t the only fans of the ease of parking the Mirage – we found a few other fans after parking in this convenient space just steps from Venice Beach!

Although the vehicle is small in size, there is still plenty of space for five people to sit comfortably, as well as a spacious trunk that can fit several suitcases (or tons of groceries).

I shared the backseat of the vehicle with my brother and sister during part of our city explorations and we all agreed that the amount of space available was comfy enough for us to be able to relax and take in the sights out the windows.

Cost Efficient

Travelers on a budget are all too aware that fuel costs tend to rise during the summer months, causing the cost of city driving to add up quickly. With an EPA fuel mileage rating of up to 37 mpg city/44 mpg highway, the 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage is the most fuel efficient non-hybrid gasoline vehicle available in the United States. Being able to drive 100 miles on just 2.5 gallons of gas means you’ll be filling up at the pump less. Drivers of this vehicle can save an estimated $1,300 in fuel costs annually, or $4,500 over the course of five years. That’s a lot of savings!

Speaking of savings, Cars.com ranked the 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage as the best new car for drivers on a budget. With a starting MSRP of $12,995 it is indeed one of the most affordable vehicles of its class on the market.

A Fun Drive

Of course what’s a vehicle really worth if it isn’t fun to drive, right? In addition to the many practical features that make the Mitsubishi Mirage a smart car choice, it also has many features that make city cruising a fun experience.

The car’s body is constructed using Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution. This gives the vehicle a stable and secure base that, in addition to keeping you safe, results in a smoother drive. The low-drag exterior, Electric Power Steering and Hill Start Assist also make for a seamless driving experience.

The driver’s seat is adjustable in six different directions, making driving as comfortable as possible. The 4 speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 helped me catch up on the latest radio hits I’ve been missing in Costa Rica, and with a USB/iPod® input I could also listen to my favorite songs as I wanted to. The tilt steering wheel also has radio controls.

Of course, a driver’s seat within easy reach is a must for me while driving. After all, I have to find a way to support my Starbucks addiction! Lucky for me the vehicle’s cup holder was a perfect fit for my reusable cup.

For city driving and beyond, the 2015 Mistsubishi Mirage is a safe, cost efficient and fashionable choice!

Note: I was provided with a Mitsubishi Mirage to test drive. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.