Mitsubishi SPACE STAR
Sleeker Lines, Higher Quality Interiors And A Formidable Range Of Engines Mark Mitsubishis Attempt To Crack A Market Of One. Andy Enright Reports
Mitsubishis Space Star has always been a vehicle that can reduce any industry sage to a chin stroking standstill. Ostensibly it resembles a
mini-MPV, yet theres a signal absence of the sort of mini-MPV accoutrements like swivelling and removable seats.
Mitsubishi prefer to call it a semi-tall hatch. Whilst that still leaves most of us none the wiser, it does mean the Space Star operates in a highly specialised sub-sub sector of the market and not without some success.
Cynics may note that with no direct rivals, success is relative, but the latest Space Stars arent resting on their laurels. They have imaginary competition to administer a sound thrashing to.
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Those who recall earlier iterations of the Space Star will appreciate the facelift thats been visited upon this model. With a colour-keyed front bumper, an integrated grille, black protective mouldings and revised headlights and indicators, the look is a good deal more contemporary. Squint hard and you can even make out design cues from the Lancer Evo models in the frontal aspect. Squint harder still and you can make it look like a
Ferrari 360 but this isnt wholly recommended your gurning mug may scare small children.
The rear lights have also been smoothed over and every model is fitted with alloy wheels.
"The Space Star proves you can have your cake and eat it too."
The interior has also come in for a freshening. The upholstery is markedly superior to the old Space Star, as is the quality of the plastics used about the cabin. The centre console has been redesigned to bring it into the here and now, as has the steering wheel. There are even cup holders for rear passengers.
Whilst the seating arrangement doesnt mirror that of a fully paid-up member of the
mini-MPV club, storage capacity certainly does. As well as being fitted with huge door bins, the Space Star also has stowage space beneath the passenger
seat, in the back of the front seats and in the centre console. Locating a carelessly secreted Yorkie can detain you for some time. Of more significance is a revised engine line-up.
Three engines are offered in the standard range, the first two being the familiar 1.3 and 1.6-litre units already used in the smaller Colt. Theyre relatively frugal, but unremarkable against the clock.
Prices start at £8,999 for the entry level 1.3 Space Star Mirage, with the 1.6 Equippe retailing at £10,999. Of more interest to those looking for something bang up to date is the Space Star 1.
9 DI-D diesel retailing at £12,249 in Equippe trim. Further to these models, there are two S special editions, one powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine at £11,999 and the other by a 115bhp version of the 1.9 DI-D diesel at £12,999.
Producing 101bhp at 4,000rpm, the standard 1.9-litre direct injection diesel offers the sort of smooth refinement weve come to expect from contemporary diesels. The 1,870cc engine has electronically controlled common-rail injection. The common rail fuel accumulator stores fuel from a high-pressure pump and the fuel mist is then directed in precise amounts into the combustion chamber by the ECU which also governs the multi-stage injection process.
Rather like GDI petrol engine technology, this right amount of fuel at the right time to meet engine demands maximises performance and throttle response and minimises emissions with no over-fuelling during engine operation. Exhaust gas re-circulation is also used. What all this means is a car that emits only 146 grammes of carbon dioxide per kilometre travelled. A car that manages to eke over 51 miles out of every gallon of diesel and yet manages to accelerate to 60mph in under 12 seconds is proof indeed that you can have your cake and eat it too.
Although the diesel engine is hugely impressive, its not the only trick the Space Star has up its sleeve. The optional INVECS-II automatic gearbox that can be specified with the 1.6-litre Space Stars is also worth a closer look. This four-speed auto allows for the sort of hands-on control of a Tiptronic gearbox or you can leave it in full auto mode and let the processors decide when to change gear, learning driving styles as they go.
The learning process doesnt take too long, the INVECS box soon realising when you are getting a hustle on and when youre merely bimbling about. On the move, as long as you dont drive like Tiff Needell, you shouldnt be disappointed. Refinement and ride are reasonable (though not exceptional) and body roll is well controlled for a car with such a high roofline. On the safety front, theres the expected airbag availability (twin front and side-mounted), plus the now common three-point rear belts for all three back seat passengers.
With over 8,000 Space Stars already having been sold in the UK,
Mitsubishi have a quietly successful product line on their books. The NedCar production line in Holland is now cranking out 200 current generation Space Stars a day, a fair proportion of them destined for these shores. With improved quality, more modern design and a better range of powerplants whos to say the latest Space Star wont make a bigger impact?
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Mitsubishi Space Star range
PRICES: £8,999-£12,999 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 7-10
CO2 EMISSIONS: 146-192g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.9 DI-D] Max Speed 115mph / 0-60mph 11.8s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.3] (urban) 32.1mpg / (extra urban) 49.6mpg / (Combined) 41.5mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4050/1715/1515
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