The Mitsubishi Space Star (DG0) is a compact minivan produced by Mitsubishi Motors between 1998 and 2004. Primarily aimed at the European market, it served as a versatile and practical family vehicle, offering a blend of affordability, space, and fuel efficiency. While not officially sold in the United States, the Space Star represents Mitsubishi’s efforts to cater to the growing demand for multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The DG0 generation, specifically the 1.8 GDI model with 122 horsepower, was a popular choice for its balance of performance and economy.
Mitsubishi Space Star (DG0) 1.8 GDI: An Overview
The Space Star occupied a niche between a traditional hatchback and a larger, more expensive minivan. It was designed to provide seating for five passengers with a flexible interior and a reasonably sized trunk. The 1.8 GDI engine was a key feature, utilizing Mitsubishi’s Gasoline Direct Injection technology to improve fuel efficiency and power output. The Space Star competed with vehicles like the Renault Scenic, Opel/Vauxhall Zafira, and Citroën Xsara Picasso in the European market, offering a compelling alternative for families seeking a practical and affordable vehicle.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Space Star (DG0) 1.8 GDI is an inline-four cylinder, 1.8-liter (1834 cm3 or 111.92 cu. in.) gasoline engine. This engine produces 122 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 174 Nm (128.34 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3750 rpm. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is a respectable 66.5 hp/l. The GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) system is a significant feature, injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber, resulting in improved combustion efficiency, increased power, and reduced emissions compared to traditional port fuel injection systems.
Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.3 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 9.8 seconds. The Space Star 1.8 GDI has a maximum speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 10.2 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 7.1 kg/Nm contribute to a reasonably responsive driving experience for its class.
Design & Features
The Mitsubishi Space Star (DG0) is a five-door minivan with a practical and functional design. Its exterior styling is typical of late 1990s/early 2000s MPVs, prioritizing space and usability over flamboyant aesthetics. The interior is designed to maximize passenger space and cargo capacity. The rear seats can be folded down or even removed entirely to create a larger cargo area. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 370 liters (13.07 cu. ft.) with all seats in place 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) as standard equipment. The Space Star also features hydraulic power steering for ease of maneuverability. The vehicle’s suspension utilizes a wishbone setup at the front and a spring strut arrangement at the rear, providing a comfortable ride quality. The Space Star rides on 185/65 R14 tires. The focus of the design was on providing a practical and affordable family vehicle, prioritizing functionality and space over luxury or sporty styling.
Technical Specifications
| General Information | |
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Space Star |
| Generation | Space Star (DG0) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 GDI (122 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg, 30.1 UK mpg, 10.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg, 13.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 122 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 174 Nm @ 3750 rpm (128.34 lb.-ft. @ 3750 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 | 11.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 1240 kg (2733.73 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1730 kg (3814 lbs.) |
| Max load | 490 kg (1080.27 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) |
| Dimensions | |
| 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 track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes & Suspension | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears & gearbox type | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 185/65 R14 |
