Mitsubishi - Space Star

1999-04

Space Star lives on the cusp of MPV-dom; it's more of a fat hatchback or small, tall estate. Cheap to buy, well put together and reliable, it simply fails to inspire.

	Cheaper than many small family estate cars
	Roomy family accommodation in a compact body
	Mitsubishi reliability plus sensible running costs
	1.3 needs to be worked hard
	Poor ride and quite a lot of body roll
	Looking dated alongside modern midi-MPVs

Space Star has a self-congratulatory name that misrepresents the car. It's got space (or as much space as its 13-odd feet length permits), but a star it is not.
Underneath its tall hatchback/estate body (make up your own mind on this...) are the chassis and engines from Colt. So it's well built, reliable, worthy and dull. British motorists haven't exactly mobbed Mitsubishi showrooms in the rush to buy; prices have been cut, badging has been changed and equipment has been improved, but it's just not popular.
Ride and handling are merely adequate, with the high body contributing lots of body roll. Engines are OK - best choice being the punchy but rare 1.9 DI-D diesel, which gives 50mpg. Equipment is generous except on stripped out 'lead in' 1.3 models.
The only convincing argument for Space Star is... space itself. Five adults plus plenty of luggage fit in. Just don't go wishing for a star.