Mitsubishi Space Star

Just graduated? Just got your license? Just got your first 4 figure pay? Unless you are getting a used car (which I highly recommend you do) then why are we comparing or talking about other vehicles? It’S either you want the Space Star or Attrage. Prices for COE is all time high, no point of performance when the speed limit is 50km/hr, there are traffic lights every 10 seconds, parking next to your favourite restaurant is almost impossible, and you don’T want to have to sell the car for petrol money. Unless you are living in any other country than Singapore (forget driving to Malaysia, that’S never going to happen), then cash is king, not overrated Toyota or glorified Mercedes.

Owned the 2020 version of this car. The car is cute and compact, easy to drive but steering is a little heavy. Engine noise is loud. The back suspensions cannot load 2 adults at the back as it will strike the curb when you go on the road hump. Consumption is a about 15 to 17km/l.

Went for a test drive of the vehicle and was pleasantly surprised by the space in the tiny package. This however also emphasized the spartan state of the interior. When they said it was fuss-free.. It really means it's not for the fussy.

Moving off I had the biggest revelation. Being almost agricultural, the vibrations and idol and drone from the engine makes for a very un-enthusiastic and strained start. Almost felt like I was hurting the engine trying to push it over the speed hump. Maybe a tad bit of exaggeration there but it really is quite a stark contrast with a similar vehicle that I tried earlier that day.

On the upside, 6 airbags. Which is quite the assurance needed considering the vibe from the vehicle. Think it was hard not to reconsider the vehicle especially for those on a keen budget or looking to downsize. However can't help but look over at the Attrage at the showroom floor. Awkward boot aside, it has that added space for when needed.

A small Japanese car affordable and economy to your wallet , most importantly Mitsubishi is a well known market brand that you can stick to

Caveat-never tested this car before so I gave average for handling and engine performance.

I came upon this car during the Cars@Expo.

Before I sat into the car, I was told that this is a very spartan and basic car.

However, I was pleasantly surprised as this car was not at all spartan as it has many features that are not supposed to be found on budget cars like this.

The design of the Space Star immediately caught my eye in the showroom. It has LED lights and looks so much better than the Attrage.

Fuel economy is incredible on this thing and it is easy to park. One of the many advantages of getting a small car over a big one.

I also love the car's strong air con. This could be due to its size but I can get into the car on a hot afternoon and cool down within minutes. Great bang for the buck.

Test driven this after its body shape and LED lights caught my attention.

First looks is quite ok compared to its side sibling, where its a hatch that comes with lesser legroom and boot space than Attage.

Inside comes with both auto headlights and rain sensors which other models do not have.

The drive....Start engine is keyless but is noisy, hearing from sales that is only 3-cylinder engine....Faint.

At move off, it has a jerking feel and gear changes are not smooth despite having a CVT. Need to release bit of throttle and step again to "Feel" The gear changes.

The engine is relatively noisy and can be pretty disturbing when reving it.

Align the drive, you can hear the engine "Struggling" To keep up.

For the price of S$ 79k (as of 23rd Feb 2017), you can either see other models like Honda Grace (Pi), Suzuki Swift or even Toyota Vios.

The Mitsubishi Space Star looks like it belongs in the 80s, it vibrates a lot, has a noisy cabin and its steering lacks feedback but there are a few things that make up for its drawbacks.

Space in the rear is phenomenal for its compact size and can easily accommodate taller adults.

It's also pretty cheap to run. Fuel economy is great thanks to its small engine.