The Mitsubishi Space Star 2022 remains a polarizing choice in the budget city car segment. Known as the Mirage in certain markets, it aims straight at buyers who prioritize low purchase prices and minimal running costs over high-end cabin materials or dynamic driving thrills. With a starting price hovering around €12,000 to €15,000 when new, it offers an affordable entry point for commuters and urban drivers. Yet, as competitors introduce more refined technology and modern designs, you might wonder if this lightweight hatchback still holds its ground on the used market.
Underneath its compact body, the car packs a simple 1.2-liter three-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine pushing out roughly 71 horsepower. It's paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automatic CVT. While it won't win any drag races, hitting 0-100 km/h in well over 12 seconds, it delivers exceptional fuel efficiency that frequently dips below 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers in real-world city traffic. If your daily route consists of tight parking spots and stop-and-go commutes, its tiny turning radius and light steering make city navigation straightforward.
Purchase Price and Depreciation Trends
When evaluating a budget vehicle like the Space Star, depreciation plays a massive role in its current value. Back in 2022, showroom models were competitively positioned to undercut heavy hitters like the Volkswagen up! and Toyota Aygo. Today, secondhand examples offer even deeper discounts, making them attractive first cars or economical second runabouts for families.
Insurance groups for this model sit very low, which keeps yearly overhead minimal for younger or budget-conscious drivers. Road tax is also manageable due to its low CO2 emissions profile. However, you shouldn't confuse a low purchase price with total cost-of-ownership savings if you buy a heavily abused fleet or rental copy. Always check service records to verify that basic maintenance intervals were respected.
Interior Comfort and Cabin Technology
Opening the door reveals where Mitsubishi kept manufacturing costs down. The cabin relies heavily on scratch-resistant hard plastics, simple switchgear, and an analogue dashboard layout that feels a generation behind European rivals. Higher trim levels introduce touchscreen infotainment systems compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but entry-level trims make do with a basic radio setup.
Space utilization is surprisingly clever for a vehicle measuring less than 3.8 meters long. Four adults can squeeze in for short trips, though rear legroom is tight for taller passengers. The boot offers roughly 175 liters of cargo space, which expands nicely when you fold down the rear bench. It's enough for weekly grocery runs, but bulky luggage will require creative packing.
Performance, Ride Quality, and Highway Realities
Driving the Space Star requires realistic expectations. Around town, the soft suspension absorbs minor potholes and speed bumps reasonably well. The lightweight chassis allows the car to dart through gaps with ease.
Once you push it onto faster dual carriageways or motorways, the limitations become obvious. The 1.2-liter engine works hard at 120 km/h, generating notable cabin noise from wind and tires. Crosswinds can also push the featherlight body around, requiring constant steering corrections on stormy days.
Common Reliability Issues to Watch For
The Space Star relies on mechanical simplicity, which generally translates to solid long-term durability. Still, specific problem areas pop up on high-mileage examples:
- Ignition components like coils and spark plugs can wear out prematurely around the 90,000 km mark, leading to rough idling.
- Air conditioning compressors are prone to refrigerant leaks or premature failure if neglected in hot climates.
- Front suspension top mount bearings can develop clunking noises over severe bumps.
- Rear axle alignment should be professionally checked on used models to prevent uneven tire wear.
Is the Space Star Still Worth It?
The 2022 Mitsubishi Space Star remains worth considering if you need basic, highly dependable transport that burns very little fuel. It lacks the charm of a Fiat 500 or the polish of a Hyundai i10, but it undercuts many rivals on price and offers strong mechanical endurance. For pure utilitarian commuting, it gets the job done without financial drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2022 Mitsubishi Space Star feature a manual or automatic transmission?
It is available with both a 5-speed manual gearbox and an automatic CVT transmission, depending on the trim level you choose. The manual offers slightly better pep and highway responsiveness.
How fuel-efficient is the 1.2-liter engine in real-world driving?
Drivers typically see fuel consumption figures between 4.8 and 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers, making it exceptionally cheap to run on daily urban commutes.
Is the Space Star safe for highway driving?
While it includes essential safety kit like stability control and multiple airbags, its lightweight build and small engine make long-distance high-speed cruising less comfortable and more fatiguing than in larger compact cars.
How does it compare to the Dacia Sandero?
The Dacia Sandero generally offers a more spacious interior, a smoother ride, and a more modern cabin layout, while the Space Star often wins on sheer fuel economy and parking maneuverability in tight city spaces.
