Mitsubishi Space Star: used car test – AUTO BILD

Two rounds of revisions in 2016 and 2020 ensured the brand’s current look on the bow and moderate technical innovation on board. However, in the 2024 model year, the new base model price is now at least 13,590 euros – before any discount offer from the dealer organization. This ensures affordable prices: even ten-year-old models with high kilometers rarely cost less than 4,500 euros.

Our two-year-old used test car from Mitsubishi partner Autohaus Seevetal in Lower Saxony already has the current improved look. However, the front mask and the confident look of the radiator and stylishly shaped bumpers do not change the old values ​​of the interior. They really don’t justify the high price tag. According to Schwacke’s database, the full “Select+” version of our photo car had a whopping 18,190 euros on the importer’s price tag, plus 550 euros for the metallic paint!

A lot of money, but at least the Skystar was well decorated by its standards. Apart from standard window controls, our test car is also equipped with accessories like aluminum rims, multi-function leather steering wheel, air conditioning, double DIN infotainment system, cruise control and heated front seats. The bottom line is that the Japanese baby enjoys strong customer demand on the German market.

However, upon closer inspection, the built-in technology does not attract any interest from buyers. The three-cylinder multi-injector that powers our photo car is an old-school Nippon engine. It is usually discreet, but its performance is sufficient to match the flow of travelers. If you want to feel the controllable power of the full output of 71 hp, the Euro 6 dISC engine must be turned mercilessly. There is a lack of elasticity, especially in higher gears. On the other hand, the engine is considered to be technically unlimited and durable.

Here’s what he has: Designed as a city car, the Star Star always shines when the going gets tough. A length of only 3,845 mm (originally 3,710 mm) and a width of 1,665 mm significantly increase the possibility of finding a suitable parking space. What if you don’t park but drive? Then Space Star maintains the old school Japanese style. On its narrow seat, but adjustable in height, it gives a surprising impression of a man of space, which is not thanks to the angular, useful design.

The operating logic is traditional in a good sense: analog instruments with real switches and control circuits from the indestructible community was already around 30 years ago. In the back, which on paper has three seats, only small children like to sit for a long time; And on a trunk with a small row? Due to the volume of only 235 liters, it becomes full quickly. At least the issue of trunk expansion is well resolved: asymmetrically split folding back backrest creates a space of up to 912 liters of luggage in just two steps.

Here’s how he drives: Originally. The Space Star’s driving experience shows its structural age, so excessive expectations are certainly not warranted. The ride feels rough in the middle position, the cornering behavior is manageable, but anything but fun despite the low sub-tonne curb weight. The chassis seems out of place on patchy country roads, and the body slides over bumps despite the wetness being intact. In addition, the brake stops without list. It’s a good thing that neither the 71-P variant we tested nor the 80-HP alternative with a continuously variable CVT automatic, which will be available until the end of 2020, tempt you to drive in a sporty way.

We like the 9.20 meter circuit the best. And of course the substance of our Mini, which has been used as a rental car for two years and 66,847 kilometers, is still good. Axle bearing play is undetectable, brakes don’t rub, and the car is bone dry. Modern support systems are almost a non-issue for Space Star. Apart from power steering, ABS, ESP, reversing camera and emergency brake assist, there are no other extras. A futile attempt would be to reverse the trailer hitch: 25 kg of support load is insufficient, as is a trailer load of 200 kg with brakes (without brakes 100 kg).

This is annoying: Mitsubishi’s German importer offered customers a five-year new car and three-year paint warranty (up to 100,000 km each). The warranty against corrosion from the inside out is valid for twelve years. And it is this last step that can be useful in old cars. This warranty does not cover surface corrosion problems on the outer shell. Imperfect painting outside the visible area and inadequate storage on the bottom and in the holes promote sources of corrosion. So it would be best to find a rust-free or low-profile sample and preserve it using every trick in the book. Otherwise, depending on the location and purpose, the body can be an easy victim of corrosion.

If the heating fails, the heat exchanger is often closed. During the new car warranty, Mitsubishi often diligently replaced the clogged heating element, but outside of the warranty, some Space Star experts also swear by the cleaning success of citric acid. As it ages, the mechanical construction of the Space Star primarily suffers from the careless handling of its owners. Unfortunately, despite the average service costs, they do not follow the maintenance requirements correctly, which is actually an argument in favor of the purchase of a model that has been demonstrably maintained in the workshop.

Only one recall has been filed with the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA): Due to incorrect programming of the battery state of charge detection, engine failure may occur when using the shutdown system until 2018.