Mitsubishi Space Star 1.8 - Car Test April 1999

Sep 15, 2026

April 1999 car test of the Mitsubishi Space Star 1.8, focusing on how the compact five-seater positions itself as an easily accessible estate-car alternative. Coverage highlights shared rear-seat comfort and flexible split/fold bench use, alongside direct-injection power delivery and lean-burn efficiency. Ride and handling are assessed as competent rather than exceptional, with noted damping behavior, generous equipment, and missing air conditioning. Practical performance, fuel consumption, braking distances, and measurements are provided.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

Interior and practicality

Engine and driving feel

Ride, handling, and equipment

Comparison

Performance and fuel consumption

Brakes

Measurements

Likes and gripes

Car test R9927 April 1999 Mitsubishi Space Star |
MAYBE IT’S EASIER TO DEFINE THIS
more-compact alternative to Mitsubishi’s
long-running Space Wagon by stating what it doesn’t do. It’s not a seven seater (only five) and it doesn’t have removable or disappearing-trick seats that can also fold to provide table-tops or loungers.
What it sets out to do – and achieves – is to provide a roomy, comfortable and easily accessible five-seater alternative to a normal estate car within especially compact external dimensions. Even so, its lofty build and commanding driving position, with an excellent all-round view for everyone, are typically MPV.
The interior space and comfort are evenly shared – the rear passenger behind an average-sized driver enjoys plenty of legroom, especially when this comfortable split/fold rear bench is slid rearwards on its runners. The centre rear occupant unwinds the seatbelt from the roof, Scenic-style, and the belts don’t seriously impede theseat-folding arrangement, when a large, flat cargo-area is the priority instead.
The direct-injection petrol engine is generous of power output, but lacks strong acceleration at lower revs, though it’s never harsh. Fuel economy is best in “lean-burn”mode (when a green light shines approvingly), but as you press the pedal a bit harder, it’s like flicking a switch sometimes, as the surge of power cuts in. Overall, mpg is commendable, though not the breakthrough Mitsubishi would have you believe.
Neither are the Space-Star’s ride and handling out of this world. It corners deftly and absorbs most of the rough stuff, but tends to heave a bit in under-damped fashion. It’s a comfortable driving position with a range of adjustments to suit most, however, and equipment is generous at its competitive price – only air conditioning is absent. Instead, a generously sized, buffet-free electric sunroof is provided. So are twin airbags, ABS and a trip computer, as well as a plethora of practical oddments compartments.
With an excellent background of reliability, Mitsubishi’s Space Star works really well as an unassuming holdall for a family of five ; it’s not exciting, but we imagine everyone becoming very fond ofit as a faithful servant. | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | HOW THE SPACE STAR COMPARES
Engine cap/power (cc/bhp)
Revs at 70mph (rpm)
30-70mph through gears (sec)
30-70mph in 5th/4th gears (sec)
Fuel
economy (mpg)
Brakes best stop (m/kg)
Maximum Typical leg/ Steering Overall legroom- kneeroom- turns/ (p) length front (cm) rear (cm) circle (m) (cm) | | | | MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR 1.8 1834/121 3150 10.6 27. 1/20.4 38 27½/18* 109 103/75 3. 1/10.0 403 | | | | Renault Megane Scenic 1.6 1598/90 3450 13.7 28.4/21.9 34 29/30* 105 102/76 3.5/10.5 414 | | | | Citroën Berlingo Multispace 1761/90 3070 12.4 28.1/20.7 33 29/18 109 107/74 3.3/11.1 411 | | | | Fiat Multipla 1.6 1581/103 3800 12.7 29.2/20.6 29 27½/20 106 114/83 2.8/11.1 399 | | | | Daihatsu Grand Move 1.6 1590/90 3370 10 .8 28. 1/20 .0 35 28/16 103 109/75 3.7/9 .5 410 | | | | * with ABS (p) all power assisted | | | | | | | 2 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | |
PERFORMANCE
Acceleration time in seconds
mph 30 4 0 5 0 6 0 70 THROUGH THE GEARS IN 5TH
GEAR

IN 4TH GEAR

20 mph 30 4
13.1/10.4
0 5 0 6
13.2/10.1 0 70
14.1/10.2 5TH/4TH SPEED RANGES 13.0/10.2

Maximum speeds

* for best acceleration Gearing gives 22.2mph per 1000rpm in top gear = 3150 rpm at 70mph

1
3
5
4
2

mph

FUEL CONSUMPTION
Type of use-air conditioning not fitted* mpg Urban (17mph average/heavy traffic) 24 Suburban (27mph average/6.4 miles from cold start) 31½ Motorway (70mph cruising) 38 Cross-country (brisk driving/20 miles from cold start) 38 Rural (gentle driving/20 miles from cold start) 46 Typical mpg overall 38 Realistic tank range (not nominal tank capacity) 48 litres/400miles
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FAQs

What seating and practicality does the Space Star offer?

It is a roomy five-seater with a comfortable split/fold rear bench on runners. The layout supports a large flat cargo area when folding is prioritized.

How does the 1.8 engine perform in real driving?

The direct-injection petrol engine provides power but can feel lacking in strong acceleration at lower revs. Fuel economy is best in lean-burn mode, while harder pressing may cause noticeable surge behavior.

What are the key findings on ride, handling, and equipment?

The car corners deftly and absorbs most roughness, but can heave with under-damped motion. Equipment is generous for the price, with ABS, twin airbags, a trip computer, and a sunroof, while air conditioning is absent.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Taylor Morgan