Used Mitsubishi Space Star Hatchback 1998 - 2006 review
Category: Small car
The Mitsubishi Space Star is an acceptable five-door hatchback, but it's certainly not a pleasure to drive
What's the used Mitsubishi Space Star hatchback like?
Launched in 1998 on an S plate, the Mitsubishi Space Star was officially on sale until 2005. It was never a popular choice in Britain, but that's hardly surprising.
On anything but the flattest road, the car gives an unpleasant ride. The roly-poly handling is very unsettling, while the steering is light and tells you nothing about what's going on at the wheels.
Road rumble echoes round the cabin, and the tall and narrow shape creates wind noise, too. The engines get noisy once you pick up the pace, too, although they're fine at low speeds.
Overall, it's not that easy to get comfortable, as there's limited adjustment to the driving position, but at least the simple instruments and high number of cubby holes are plus points. Headroom is good, too, and the rear bench slides to boost luggage or passenger space. However, the car's not very roomy in the first place, and the suspension turrets intrude on boot space.
Ownership cost
What used Mitsubishi Space Star hatchback will I get for my budget?
How much does it cost to run a Mitsubishi Space Star hatchback?
Just because the driving experience is poor, don't go thinking that anyone is going to be giving this car away. A limited supply, coupled with reliable mechanicals and solid build quality, mean strong prices in the used market place.
The cost of insurance, too, is at the upper end of the scale when compared with class rivals.
Main dealer servicing tends to be costly, too, so we'd advise you to stay away and find an independent garage specialising in Japanese models.
The 1.9-litre diesel engine offers the best fuel economy at a very respectable 51mpg, but the 1.3 car delivers a respectable 42mpg, although that will come down if you're doing most of your miles round town.
Our recommendations
Which used Mitsubishi Space Star hatchback should I buy?
It's rare to plug the entry-level engine, but that's the case with the Space Star. The alternatives will cost you more and don't offer any great benefit for the extra cash. The 84bhp 1.3-litre base car is flexible enough around town, but it will struggle at higher speeds, so the 1.6 and 1.8 are better for motorways, as is the 1.9-litre diesel.
The good news is that all versions come well equipped, with even the lowly Classic trim getting central locking, alloys, electric front windows and door mirrors, a sunroof and CD player. Equippe, which is called GLX on early examples, adds air-con, and S models get powered rear windows. Mirage trim, which includes twin front airbags as standard, was introduced in 2001.
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