The Mitsubishi Space Star is a car produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors from either 1998 or 1999 until 2005.[inconsistent] Described as a hatchback, a compact people carrier,[1] or a micro MPV,[2] it was built at the NedCar factory in the Netherlands and was primarily sold in the European markets. In 2013, Mitsubishi began selling the sixth generation Mirage supermini under the Space Star name in parts of Europe, owing to legal rights relating to the use of the Mirage nameplate.[3]

Mitsubishi Space Star
Mitsubishi Space Star (pre-facelift)
Overview
ManufacturerMitsubishi Motors
Production1999–2005[1]
AssemblyBorn, Netherlands (NedCar)
Body and chassis
ClassMini MPV (M)
Body style5-door hatchback[1]
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
RelatedMitsubishi Carisma
Mitsubishi RVR
Powertrain
Engine1.0 L 3A90 I4
1.6 L 4G92 I4
1.8 L 4G93 I4
1.8 L 4G93 GDI I4
1.9 L F9Q DI-D I4
Transmission5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,500 mm (98.4 in)
Length4,030 mm (158.7 in) (1998–2002)
4,050 mm (159.4 in) (2002–2005)
Width1,715 mm (67.5 in)
Height1,515 mm (59.6 in)
Curb weight1,160 kg (2,557 lb)

Overview

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Mitsubishi Space Star (pre-facelift)
Mitsubishi Space Star (facelift)

The Space Star shared its platform with the Mitsubishi Carisma and Volvo S40/V40. It was first introduced to the market in the autumn of 1998,[dubiousdiscuss] replacing the Mitsubishi Space Runner. Production of the Space Star stopped in 2005. Since the car's introduction to the market its visual appearance stayed almost identical and it only received a minor facelift in 2002.[citation needed] In 2001, the Space Star was crash tested by Euro NCAP and received a three-star rating for the safety of its adult passengers,[1] and a two-star rating for the safety of pedestrians.

The base Space Stars were equipped with 1.3-litre petrol engines with a maximum output of 80–84 horsepower (60–63 kW). The other petrol-powered engines were a 1.6-litre with 97 hp (72 kW) and a 1.8-litre with 112 hp (84 kW). A model equipped with a 1.8-litre GDI engine with 121 hp (90 kW) was available until its discontinuation in 2002. Diesel engines were the 1.9 L DI-D with 101 hp (75 kW), introduced in 2002, and the 1.9 L DI-D S version with 115 hp (86 kW), released in 2003. All engines are straight-4 engines.

Nameplate reintroduction

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Mitsubishi Mirage, marketed in some parts of Europe and Singapore as the Mitsubishi Space Star

The sixth generation Mitsubishi Mirage, released in 2012, is rebadged as the Mitsubishi Space Star in the European markets. It is a supermini car, in five-door hatchback body style, powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine.

Production and sales figures

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Year Production Sales
1998 13,645 n/a
1999 58,871 n/a
2000 30,116 38,164
2001 44,908 42,987
2002 46,824 44,957
2003 57,090 42,392
2004 24,315 30,584
2005 - 10,193
2006 - 612

(Production, sales sources: Facts & Figures 2000, Facts & Figures 2005, Facts & Figures 2007, Mitsubishi Motors website)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Mitsubishi Space Star Hatchback (1999 - 2005) review". Parker's Car Guides. 6 June 2019. Retrieved 14 June 2022.
  2. ^ Enright, Andy (17 October 2005). "Mitsubishi Colt Space Star (1998 - 2002) used car review". RAC Limited. Retrieved 14 June 2022.
  3. ^ MirageForum (2013-01-17). "2014 Mirage to be called "Space Star" in Ireland, other European countries". MirageForum.com. Retrieved 2013-01-21.
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