The Mitsubishi Space Star (DG0) 1.8 16V, produced between 1998 and 2004, represents a compact, five-door minivan designed primarily for the European market. While not officially sold in the United States, it filled a crucial niche as an affordable and practical family vehicle in Europe, competing with models like the Renault Scenic and Opel Zafira. The Space Star offered a blend of space efficiency, reasonable performance, and a relatively low price point, making it a popular choice for small families and individuals needing versatile cargo capacity. This generation, the DG0, was a significant step forward for Mitsubishi in the compact MPV segment.
Mitsubishi Space Star (DG0): An Overview
The Space Star DG0 was conceived as a modern, space-efficient vehicle, prioritizing interior volume within a relatively small footprint. It distinguished itself from traditional station wagons by offering a taller roofline and a more upright seating position, enhancing visibility and passenger comfort. The 1.8 16V engine variant, producing 112 horsepower, was a key offering within the Space Star lineup, balancing fuel economy with adequate performance for everyday driving. The vehicle’s design focused on practicality and functionality, rather than outright sporty aesthetics.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Space Star 1.8 16V is a 1.8-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine delivers 112 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 157 Nm (115.8 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain, contributing to a reasonable level of efficiency and responsiveness. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 10.2 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in around 9.7 seconds. The top speed is rated at 185 km/h (114.95 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 11 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 7.9 kg/Nm, indicating a decent level of performance for its class. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.7 liters per 100 kilometers (30.5 US mpg), offering a balance between performance and economy.
Design & Features
The Mitsubishi Space Star DG0 is a five-door minivan, seating up to five passengers. Its design prioritizes interior space and practicality. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4030 mm (158.66 in) in length, 1715 mm (67.52 in) in width, and 1515 mm (59.65 in) in height – contribute to its compact yet spacious character. A key feature is its versatile interior, with rear seats that can be folded or removed to maximize cargo capacity. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 370 liters (13.07 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1370 liters (48.38 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. Safety features for the era included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The Space Star features a hydraulic power steering system and utilizes a front-wheel-drive drivetrain. The suspension consists of a wishbone setup at the front and a spring strut arrangement at the rear, providing a comfortable ride quality. The vehicle rides on 185/65 R14 tires.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Space Star |
| Generation | Space Star (DG0) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 16V (112 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 30.5 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 36.7 UK mpg |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 112 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 61.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 157 Nm @ 4000 rpm (115.8 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1834 cm3 (111.92 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1235 kg (2722.71 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1700 kg (3747.86 lbs.) |
| Max load | 465 kg (1025.15 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 370 l (13.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1370 l (48.38 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4030 mm (158.66 in.) |
| Width | 1715 mm (67.52 in.) |
| Height | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm (98.43 in.) |
| Front track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R14 |
The Mitsubishi Space Star DG0 1.8 16V, while not a performance vehicle, offered a practical and affordable transportation solution for European families. Its focus on space efficiency, combined with a reliable engine and a reasonable level of equipment, made it a competitive offering in the compact minivan segment during its production run.
