- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Andrey Tishin
- Ru He Fr
Mitsubishi Space Star hatchback. 2nd generation, restyled in 2016
Mitsubishi Space Star is a compact 5-door hatchback, a progeny of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. The second generation has been produced since 2012 and was restyled in 2016. This car is sold all over the world. In Israel, it has been offered with a 1.2 L motor and a CVT as of 2021.
The first-generation Space Star appeared in 1998, while the former model, produced until 2005, was positioned as a compact minivan. Then the manufacturer offered a hatchback model called Colt. It was replaced by the Space Star of the new generation. In its second generation, the model became a hatchback. This is how the slightly confusing and eventful biography of our little friend goes.
The second-generation Space Star after 2016 restyling is assembled within the Global Small project. It aims to meet the demand for affordable models. The hatchback is built on the same platform as the Attrage sedan. Therefore, these cars have a lot in common in design and equipment. The bodywork length of the 2016 model year Mitsubishi Space Star is as small as 3,710 mm with a width of 1,665 mm and a height of 1,505 mm. The wheelbase of the hatchback is 2450 mm. Therefore, the car has a small turning radius: 4.6 meters. The mass of the car is as small as 845 kg.
Exterior
The marketing success of this model starts with its exterior. An affordable model involves a simple but beautiful design, and the Space Star has it. The front end looks friendly with its unusually shaped headlights, simple grille, and the signature 'X' Dynamic Shield to show the model’s affiliation with the 'diamond car brand'. The hatchback’s flying lines, striking hood, sides, and rear bumper shapes, a spoiler on the upper edge of the fifth door make the hatchback’s exterior dynamic. Through all these, is not so obvious that the model aims at rather inexpensive pricing. In addition to its attractiveness, the bodywork has excellent aerodynamics: the drag coefficient is as small as 0.27.
The body design uses RISE high passive safety technology. It involves a reinforced framework of increased strength to protect the passengers regardless of the impact direction during a potential car accident. The deformation zones dissipate the impact away from the passenger compartment. The bright colors of the bodywork catch an eye, making the car stand out and make driving somewhat safer.
Interior
The interior design shows its high quality from first sight. Large multimedia display, unusually shaped central air ducts, small steering wheel of soft matte plastic, climate control unit with display, beautiful and informative dashboard are really nice to see. The steering wheel is tilt-adjustable.
The seats are available either in black or in gray and always with good support. In the top version, they are trimmed with synthetic leather. At the rear, there are 3 seat belts and 3 headrests, but the sofa is clearly designed for two full-sized passengers. The length of the interior of the car reaches 1870 mm, its width and height are 1390 and 1220 mm, respectively. The trunk volume is as small as 235 L, but the rear seats fold down, increasing the trunk volume to 912 L. By the way, each rear seat folds down separately. The interior of the car has a lot of compartments for belongings. There is an additional compartment on the trunk floor. Nowadays, we can consider it a legacy of the days when the Space Star was a compact van.
Engines and chassis
The restyled hatchback is offered in the Israeli market with a single 1.2-L engine. It has 3 cylinders and the MIVEC variable valve timing system. Power is very good for such a modest volume of 80 hp at 6000 rpm crankshaft and 106 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. This car belongs to the fourth, low air pollution, class.
The 2016/2017 Space Star hatchback is only equipped with a CVT. The transmission has the INVECS-III adaptive control system and 6 virtual gears. Drive is FWD only. Fuel consumption in the city is just above 5 L per 100 km. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 12.8 seconds.
The hatchback has an independent front suspension (McPherson) and a semi-independent rear suspension (torsion beam) just like most subcompacts. The available tire sizes are 165/65R14 and 175/55R15. The brakes use the ventilated disc mechanisms at the front axle and brake-drums at the rear axle.
Equipment options
As of 2021, there have been 3 options available for the Mitsubishi Space Star in Israel: Instyle, Supreme, and Premium. The last one is the rest, it has red horizontal lines on the grille, keyless access, engine start button, as well as LED headlights.
The standard version includes, for instance, a rain sensor, Bluetooth audio, and cruise control. Both Bluetooth audio and cruise control have control keys on the steering wheel, the cruise control is active and brakes the car when it detects an obstacle ahead. This version also has climate control with a digital display, HSA, lane-keeping aid, usual Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with a load-based Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The Supreme and Premium versions include automatic low/high beam shifting.
