The Mitsubishi Space Wagon III 2.4 GDi 16V, produced between 1998 and 2003, represents the third generation of Mitsubishi’s popular multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). While not widely sold in the United States, the Space Wagon held a significant position in the European and Asian markets as a practical and spacious family vehicle. This generation offered a blend of functionality, comfort, and a relatively modern engine for its time, competing with vehicles like the Renault Espace and Citroën Xantia. The 2.4 GDi model, equipped with a 147 horsepower engine, was a key variant within the Space Wagon III lineup, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
Mitsubishi Space Wagon III: An Overview
The Space Wagon III was designed to cater to families needing a versatile vehicle capable of carrying passengers and cargo. Its five-door, seven-seat configuration made it a popular choice for those seeking a practical alternative to larger, more expensive vans. The “GDi” designation in the 2.4 GDi 16V model refers to Mitsubishi’s Gasoline Direct Injection technology, which aimed to improve fuel economy and engine performance. This technology was relatively advanced for the late 1990s and early 2000s, contributing to the Space Wagon’s appeal.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Space Wagon III 2.4 GDi 16V is a 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 147 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 211 Nm (155.63 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3500 rpm. The direct fuel injection system contributes to a power output of 62.6 horsepower per liter. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.4 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of 10.8 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 10.8 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 7.5 kg/Nm indicate a reasonably efficient powertrain for its class and era.
Design & Features
The Mitsubishi Space Wagon III features a traditional minivan silhouette, prioritizing interior space and practicality. The five-door body style provides easy access for passengers, while the seven-seat configuration offers ample room for families. The interior is designed with functionality in mind, offering flexible seating arrangements to accommodate varying cargo and passenger needs. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 240 liters (8.48 cu. ft.) with all seats in use to a maximum of 1930 liters (68.16 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features for the time included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which was becoming increasingly common on family vehicles. The Space Wagon III’s design focused on providing a comfortable and versatile space for everyday use, rather than emphasizing sporty aesthetics.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Space Wagon |
| Generation | Space Wagon III |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 GDi 16V (147 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.8 l/100 km (18.4 US mpg, 22.1 UK mpg, 7.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg, 29.4 UK mpg, 10.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 147 Hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Power per litre | 62.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 211 Nm @ 3500 rpm (155.63 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 2350 cm3 (143.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86.5 mm (3.41 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 100 mm (3.94 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1585 kg (3494.33 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2180 kg (4806.08 lbs.) |
| Max load | 595 kg (1311.75 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 240 l (8.48 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1930 l (68.16 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 63 l (16.64 US gal | 13.86 UK gal) |
| Length | 4600 mm (181.1 in.) |
| Width | 1775 mm (69.88 in.) |
| Height | 1690 mm (66.54 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm (109.45 in.) |
| Front track | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1535 mm (60.43 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| 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 | 205/65 R15 |
The Mitsubishi Space Wagon III 2.4 GDi 16V, while not a performance vehicle, offered a compelling package for families seeking a spacious, practical, and relatively modern MPV. Its direct injection engine provided a reasonable balance of power and fuel economy, making it a popular choice in its target markets during its production run.
