The Mitsubishi Space Star (DG0) 1.6, produced between 2001 and 2004, represents a compact, five-door minivan designed primarily for the European market. While not officially sold in the United States, it served as a practical and affordable family vehicle in regions where smaller MPVs were highly popular. The Space Star occupied a niche between a traditional hatchback and a larger multi-purpose vehicle, offering a flexible interior and reasonable fuel economy. This generation, the DG0, was a significant iteration of the Space Star lineage, focusing on improved practicality and a more modern design compared to its predecessors.
Mitsubishi Space Star (DG0) 1.6: An Overview
The Space Star DG0 was intended to provide a versatile solution for families needing a compact vehicle capable of carrying passengers and cargo. It distinguished itself with a relatively spacious interior for its size, a practical five-door layout, and a focus on affordability. The 1.6-liter engine variant, producing 98 horsepower, was a common choice, balancing performance with fuel efficiency. The vehicle’s design prioritized functionality over outright sportiness, making it a popular choice for everyday transportation.
Engine & Performance
The Mitsubishi Space Star DG0 1.6 was powered by the 4G18 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produced 98 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 150 Nm (110.63 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provided adequate power for typical urban and highway driving. The engine featured multi-port fuel injection and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 12 seconds, with a 0-60 mph time calculated at 11.4 seconds. The vehicle had a maximum speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio was 12.6 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio was 8.2 kg/Nm. Fuel economy figures were respectable for the period, with combined fuel consumption averaging 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg or 39.8 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The Space Star DG0 featured a conventional minivan body style with five doors and seating for five passengers. Its design was characterized by a relatively high roofline and a practical, boxy shape maximizing interior space. The interior was designed with functionality in mind, offering a flexible seating arrangement and a decent amount of cargo space. The rear seats could be folded down to increase cargo capacity from a minimum of 370 liters (13.07 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1370 liters (48.38 cu. ft.). Safety features for the time included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The vehicle utilized a hydraulic power steering system and a front-wheel-drive drivetrain. The suspension consisted of a wishbone setup at the front and a spring strut arrangement at the rear. The Space Star DG0 was equipped with 185/65 R14 tires.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Space Star |
| Generation | Space Star (DG0) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (98 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2001 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 98 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 150 Nm @ 4000 rpm (110.63 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 4G18 |
| Engine displacement | 1584 cm3 (96.66 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76 mm (2.99 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 87.3 mm (3.44 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.3 l (3.49 US qt | 2.9 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1235 kg (2722.71 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1690 kg (3725.81 lbs.) |
| Max load | 455 kg (1003.1 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 1.6, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, provided a practical and affordable transportation solution for families in Europe. Its combination of a compact size, flexible interior, and reasonable fuel economy made it a popular choice in its segment. Though never officially available in the US market, it represents a significant example of Mitsubishi’s commitment to producing versatile and efficient vehicles for diverse global markets.
