Test Drive Mitsubishi Space Star 2002 - 2006 Minivan

Episode II.

Without loud words and special pathos, Mitsubishi introduced Amsterdam in the medieval urban scenery of Amsterdam a second series of blockbuster Space Star.
 
To begin with - a summary of the first series. On July 10, 1998, Mitsubishi Motors made a little bit of a completely new class car, not directly competitors. The model cozy settled in the free sector between the hatchbacks of the C and CD-Wanet segment (MPV). From the first it is beneficial to the size and capacity, from the second - lower price.
 
For four years of existence, Space Star has accumulated curious statistics. Total produced 160 thousand such cars. The calculation of marketers was true: 98 percent of buyers of new items moved to it from 5-door hatchbacks of the C segment, and 52% of the owners relate to the most active age group (from 30 to 40 years), 25% of women. In Europe, the Space Star sales share amounted to 26% of the total amount of realized Mitsubishi cars.
 
So, four years was enough to collect the necessary information, analyze it and decide whether to continue the production of the model. Decided - worth it.
 
On Parking at Amsterdam Airport, our delegation is expecting new Space Star, in the design of the siffers, according to the representatives of Mitsubishi Sales Europe, more than twenty changes are made compared with the previous version. Three cars pay attention to the color previously unaware of space stars: dark red (Terra Cotta), dark blue metallic (Midnight Blue) and silver-green metallic (Mint Silver). Note that the new multi-layer technology of the body painting allowed in all versions to add depth color.
 
Taking a car with a new gasoline engine 1.8, we study its appearance and interior.
 
Other front bumper and radiator grille changed the expression of the face of the car. The corporate diamond - Mitsubishi emblem - became chrome. Straight lines and angles are successfully combined with longitudinal firewalls on the hood. The black protective molding on the bumper painted in the body color is now made of several parts (repairing such a lining is much cheaper than integrated). All this, in combination with upgraded optics (rotation indicators are built into the headlights), made the face of the machine more harmonious and even a little sporty.
 
The side moldings continue the line set by the front bumper, and lead us to the rear, where new, more modern lights are found.
 
Let's go through the changes found in the spacious salon. The upholstery looks much richer former. Fully converted torpedo pleases good ergonomics and a large number of branches for small things. A new four-spin steering wheel created specifically for this model has decreased in diameter up to 370 mm.
 
Extremely successful front armrest helps conveniently get a long trip and does not interfere with the shift switching even by car with a manual box.
 
In most foreign tests, come across one difficulty. Trying to devote all myself to drive a car and identifying his features when you go around the country in which I have never been, - I want to consider everything around. In this case, there is no such problem - Space Star does not prevent the traveler to satisfy curiosity. The car forgets the forgetfulness in switching down when the speed is reset, and it is necessary to accelerate, and patiently pulls the speedometer arrow to the desired figure even from the highest gear. It forgets inattention, when it comes from a good move sharply refrigerated to the layer of the police. Allows the light movements of the steering wheel to drive around an obstacle on the road or at the last moment to dive into almost a farewell turn.
 
The most pleasant impression of Space Star produces on the autobahn. Overclocking is fast and confident (in this, the newcomer is like a segment hatchback C). Handling at high speeds above all praise. Predicting the situation on the track is helped by a ransom review and high landing. Under the quiet rustle of the tires, you can cut the clock on the highway, enjoying good music, pouring from the columns of the built-in audio system, and the air-conditioned salon atmosphere.
 
Amsterdam Streets - perhaps the best place to check the car handling: on one strip in each side, on the left - trams, right - cyclists and everywhere - pedestrians (eyes and gait give in many of them the regulars of the notorious Amsterdam coffee shops). Complete and next speed is limited to twenty kilometers per hour. How do you not agree with Mitsubishi in the fact that the compact size of the model is one of its main advantages.
 
Cooking around the city, we assure that when maneuvering the car does not create any problems. The only note is: when driving a wheel paving 195 / 55R15, which perfectly manifested itself on the asphalt, cause vibration even at low speed. Apparently, not in vain in Amsterdam so much cyclists ...
 
Well, the premiere took place. I liked the movie. Prospects for rental are quite good - taking into account the choice of complete sets and prices established for Russia in the range of 15900 - 19250 dollars.
 
Text: Artem Shurgalsky
 

A source: Magazine 5 Wheel