Item: Used Mitsubishi Space Star Hatchback 1998 - 2006
Author: Steve Huntingford

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<p dir="ltr">While Mitsubishi sells both the Mirage hatchback and the L200 pick-up truck in the UK, the core of its range is in SUVs – handy, since this is one of the largest markets worldwide.</p>

<p dir="ltr">There’s an SUV to suit everyone, too. If you’re a company car driver, the Outlander PHEV mixes low fuel bills with a spacious interior. The ASX, meanwhile, is attractively priced against key rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Seat Ateca. Or, if you prefer mud to asphalt, the Shogun offers genuine off-road ability.</p>

<p dir="ltr">More SUVs are on the way, too, including one that’s rumoured to bring back the ‘Evo’ name made famous in rallying.</p>


MITSUBISHI

SPACE STAR

<p>The Mitsubishi Space Star is an acceptable five-door hatchback, but it's certainly not a pleasure to drive</p>


Used Mitsubishi Space Star Hatchback 1998 - 2006

<p>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.</p>

<p>The cost of insurance, too, is at the upper end of the scale when compared with class rivals.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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The Mitsubishi Space Star is an acceptable five-door hatchback, but it's certainly not a pleasure to drive

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

<p dir="ltr">Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Fiesta remains a star of the class, thanks to its strong Ecoboost petrol engines and suspension settings that are beautifully judged for British roads. However, the latest Volkswagen offers even more practicality, decent performance and a classy interior that has the edge on the Ford’s for quality.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Any of these models will be a competent commuter car – especially if fitted with one of the increasingly popular small turbocharged petrol engines – but just remember that while you’ll be able to carry two adults and two children, it might still be a struggle to get all of their luggage into the boot.</p>

Small

<p>Watch out for gaps in the vehicle's service history. If there's one thing pricey maintenance always leads to it's people neglecting to follow the manufacturer's schedule properly.</p>

<p>Ask the seller whether the airbags have been checked before you buy a pre-2000 car; there was a known fault with one of the sensors, which could lead to the 'bag not deploying in the event of a smash. Have a good listen to the engine while it is running at high revs, too. These Mitsubishi units can sound coarse if they've been worked too hard and a rough one could mean that the car has been thrashed.</p>

<p>Beyond that, there's really not much to worry about. The engines and transmission are all proven, and shouldn't give much bother if they've been cared for properly.</p>

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<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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Used Mitsubishi Space Star Hatchback 1998 - 2006 review

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