Mitsubishi COLT SPACE STAR (1998 - 2002)
MODELS COVERED: 1998-2002 (5 dr Micro MPV 1.3, 1.8 petrol [base, GL, GLX])
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
Mitsubishi werent the first company to enter the micro MPV sector, and they certainly wont be the last. Their offering in this corner of the market, the Colt Space Star, isnt the quickest, the most spacious, the cleverest or the cheapest. What it does offer is a comfortable middle ground, a smartly styled appearance and an impressive pair of engines. Most will overlook it in favour of more conspicuous offerings such as the
Renault Scenic,
Fiat Multipla or
Vauxhall Zafira, but in truth the Mitsubishi is a smaller, less ambitious proposition more akin to a
Mazda Demio or
Daihatsu Grand Move.
To ignore a used Space Star because of this is to pass a competent offering by, and one that offers 90% of the utility of
mini MPVs at a modest price. If you want a nearly new micro MPV that does nothing badly and wont go out of fashion by the end of the month, then a Mitsubishi Space Star bears closer scrutiny.
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Inside, the seating layout is pretty conventional, apart from the way the rear seats slide 150mm forward and back, either to improve legroom or increase rear luggage capacity. There are some neat MPV-orientated storage touches though. Take the under-
seat tray for a first aid kit, the sunglasses pocket and the floor console box which can store up to 9 CDs or 12 cassettes. Or the sturdy hooks at the four corners of the cargo area to secure bulky items.
The way that the emergency triangle is stored above-floor in its own compartment so you dont have to fish about for it in an emergency is also neat. Plus, bear in mind that the extra roof height allows the Colt Space Star to carry awkward things that wouldnt go in a family hatch: a bicycle, for example, or a barbecue. On the subject of nice touches, theres also a pod on top of the centre console which houses an LCD display, intended, say
Mitsubishi, to function as an executive assistant to the driver. This may be overstating things a bit but it is a very useful device. The same screen incorporates a standard trip computer giving the usual information on items like average speed, outside temperature, fuel consumption and the distance you can go on the remaining fuel.
Alternatively it functions as the display for the stereo and optional satellite navigation system.
Used prices for the Space Star begin at around £3,500 for a 1998 S-plate 1.3 base model. Pay an extra £300 for the GL version and a further £200 for the plushest 1.3, the GLX.
The more impressive 1.8-litre GDI variants kick off at £4,100 for a GLX model on a 1998 S-plate, whilst if you prefer the additional equipment of the GLS, youll have to set aside another £400. Insurance for the smaller engined models is a reasonable Group 7, rising to a Group 10 for the 1.8-litre models.
Gone are the days when Mitsubishi was a byword for extortionate insurance ratings.
The Space Star suffers from the traditional Japanese failing of insubstantial plastics qualities. This may appear a trivial complaint, but despite the decent equipment levels, the Space Star could do with some higher quality fitments. Its obvious where costs have been cut, and it could have been done in a cleverer way. Check the interior for tears, stains and snapped off fittings, and inspect the luggage bay and the seat backs for signs of damage when loading.
Otherwise insist on a service history. Mechanically the Space Star benefits from Mitsubishis usual reputation for extreme durability.
(approx based on a 1999 Space Star 1.3i) Spare prices for the Space Star arent too meteoric, except for the black hole in your finances represented by a new exhaust system, which will require around £675 to replace if you factor in the catalyst. A new clutch assembly is around £170, front and rear brake pads retail at around £40 a pair, and a new alternator will e around £150. Finally if youre after a new starter motor, set aside £130.
Opt for one of the punchy 1.8-litre GDi-powered cars and although the pump performance is good (expect to average 40mpg), you can still expect rest to sixty in just 10.8s a figure not unbecoming a warmish hot hatch. Another driving plus point is the strong low speed pulling power, which limits the need to constantly change gears around town.
Not that youd mind doing so, for the five-speed gearbox has a smooth, quality feel to the shift. Sadly (and strangely for a town-orientated car) theres no auto option. Around tight car parks, a turning circle of just 4.8 metres is a boon, while out on the road, the slippery 0.
33Cd figure means that wind noise is kept to a minimum. On the move, as long as you dont drive like Damon Hill, 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 its compact dimensions and
smart styling, a used Space Star is bound to appeal to many. Expect it to be as spacious inside or as clever as a
Renault Scenic and youll probably end up disappointed, but otherwise the Space Star is a good buy. There arent too many around on the used market, so shopping at a Mitsubishi franchised dealer may well represent your best opportunity of finding one in the colour and specification of your choice. As long as outright space isnt too important, the Space Star excels.
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