DE3A (Global variant), DG1A (North American variant - essentially a rebadged Mitsubishi Carisma)
Engine Codes Primary:
4G93 (1.8L SOHC MPI), 4G94 (2.0L DOHC GDI - prevalent in some markets)
Engine Codes Secondary:
4G13 (1.3L SOHC MPI - less common in North America), 4G15 (1.5L SOHC MPI)
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Vehicle Segment:
Compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) / Minivan
Target Audience:
Families seeking a practical, versatile, and fuel-efficient vehicle.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Ford Focus Wagon, Volkswagen Golf Variant, Opel/Vauxhall Astra Caravan, Renault Scenic, Citroen Picasso, Toyota Corolla Verso
Key Features
Unique Selling Points:
Spacious and flexible interior for its size, good fuel economy (especially with smaller engines), practical sliding rear doors (in some configurations/markets), reputation for reliability (generally).
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides owners and independent mechanics with the essential technical knowledge to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Space Star, saving on dealership service costs and extending vehicle lifespan.
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Horsepower Secondary:
Approx. 130-135 PS (96-100 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque Secondary:
Approx. 180-185 Nm (133-137 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Delivery System:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for 4G93, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) for 4G94
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (INVECS-II with AI shift control)
Features
Automatic Transmission Features:
Sport mode, Winter mode (in some variants)
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 75W-85
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
DIA QUEEN ATF-SP (or equivalent DEXRON II/III compatible fluid)
Fluid Capacities
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 2.2 Liters (2.3 US Quarts)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 6.0 Liters (6.3 US Quarts) (Total fill, including torque converter)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4185 mm (164.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 1695 mm (66.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1545 mm (60.8 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2650 mm (104.3 in)
Front Track:
Approx. 1470 mm (57.9 in)
Rear Track:
Approx. 1470 mm (57.9 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1250-1350 kg (2755-2976 lbs), depending on engine and transmission
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Typically around 1700-1800 kg (3750-3970 lbs)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 420 Liters (14.8 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 1570 Liters (55.4 cu ft)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Not consistently rated or data may vary by market and specific year. Generally considered average for its class at the time.
Euro Ncap Rating:
3-star (for models tested in European markets, e.g., 1999-2003 model tested by Euro NCAP)
Active Features
ABS Availability:
Optional on most trims, standard on higher trims and later models.
Traction Control Availability:
Rarely available, typically not a standard or common option for this generation.
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most models.
Airbags Side:
Optional side airbags available on some higher trims or later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front seats, three-point or lap belts for rear seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX/LATCH anchor points available on rear seats (availability varies by market/trim).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM radio with CD player or cassette tape player. Optional premium audio systems with more speakers.
Navigation System:
Not commonly available for this model year. Aftermarket options were more prevalent.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Parking Sensors:
Rarely available, not a common factory feature.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory. Aftermarket head unit installation is required.
Usb Port:
Not available from factory.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific engine type and oil used.
Engine Oil Filter Change:
Replace at every engine oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum/Iridium plugs: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Copper plugs: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial item. Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 24 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for climate suitability).
Coolant Specification:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with demineralized water (50/50 mix).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Known Issues
Common Problems Engine:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), occasional issues with engine sensors (e.g., crankshaft position sensor), potential carbon buildup with GDI engines.
Common Problems Transmission:
Clutch wear (manual transmission), occasional automatic transmission solenoid or valve body issues, minor leaks.
Common Problems Suspension Steering:
Worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints, power steering fluid leaks, worn steering rack seals.
Common Problems Electrical:
Corrosion on electrical connectors, aging wiring harnesses, occasional issues with power window motors, instrument cluster faults.
Common Problems Body:
Rust on body panels (especially wheel arches and sills), interior trim creaks and rattles, aging weatherstripping.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mitsubishi Motors Legacy:
Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for its robust engineering and participation in motorsports (e.g., Rally). The Space Star represents their entry into the compact MPV segment.
Model Evolution
Generation Introduction:
The first generation Space Star (also known as the Space Wagon or Nimbus in some markets) was introduced in 1998/1999, replacing the older Mitsubishi Space Runner. The North American version, sold as the Mitsubishi M space, was essentially a rebadged Mitsubishi Carisma hatchback.
Facelifts And Updates:
A minor facelift occurred around 2001-2002, with updated styling (grille, headlights, bumpers) and some interior trim enhancements. Engine options were refined in certain markets.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan (Mizushima Plant) and the Netherlands (NedCar plant) for European markets. North American versions (as a rebadged Carisma) may have had different origins.
Production Years:
1998-2004 (First Generation)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Awards:
While specific awards for the Space Star are not widely publicized, it was generally well-received in Europe for its practicality and value, contributing to Mitsubishi's market presence in the compact MPV segment.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied by year and specific components, with some years showing average to above-average reliability, while others experienced more common issues in specific areas.