The PA-46 Malibu Mirage, a pressurized single, is really in a class of its own. It outperforms Cessna’s pressurized P210 with a cabin nearer that of a twin. While not inexpensive to own and operate, it is lower than most twins and its turbine competition, the TBM 700. Introduced in 1982, the Malibu was the last all-new design from Piper. Even though it was introduced in the early 1980s, the beginning of one of general aviation's worst sales depressions, sales success was immediate.
A 350 hp turbocharged Lycoming powers the Malibu Mirage. A 310 hp turbocharged Continental powers the earlier Malibu. The Continental engine developed a poor reputation for reliability, with Piper swapping the Continental for the Lycoming powerplant in 1989. The Lycoming still has a reputation for being difficult to maintain.
Handling and performance are strong suits for the Malibu Mirage. The cabin is snug, but adequate.
From 2005, the aircraft was equipped with the Avidyne Entegra flat-panel display system as standard equipment.
