Mitsubishi Space Star 2022: A Comprehensive Test Drive

Hey guys! Today we're diving deep into the Mitsubishi Space Star 2022, a car that's been turning heads for its practicality and value. If you're in the market for a no-nonsense, budget-friendly hatchback, you're in for a treat. We've put the 2022 model through its paces to see if it still holds its own in a crowded segment. Let's get into it!

First Impressions: A Familiar Face, But What's New?

Walking up to the Mitsubishi Space Star 2022, you'll notice it retains that distinctive, almost quirky, yet undeniably functional design. It's not a car that screams for attention with flashy styling, and honestly, that's part of its charm for many buyers. The dimensions are compact, making it perfect for navigating tight city streets and squeezing into those notoriously small parking spots. We're talking about a car that prioritizes utility over ostentatious aesthetics. The front fascia features Mitsubishi's signature Dynamic Shield grille, which gives it a modern touch, and the updated headlights and taillights, depending on the trim level, can add a bit more flair. However, the overall silhouette remains largely unchanged, a testament to its enduring, if understated, design language. For 2022, Mitsubishi has introduced a few new color options and some minor tweaks to the wheel designs, which, while subtle, do help keep it feeling fresh. Don't expect a radical redesign here; instead, think of it as a refinement of a proven formula. The paint finishes are generally solid, and the panel gaps are consistent, suggesting decent build quality for its class. The doors open wide enough for easy access, and the overall impression is of a car that's built to last rather than to impress with cutting-edge looks. It’s the kind of car that you know exactly what you’re getting – reliable, sensible, and ready for everyday life. This is crucial for buyers who are looking for a dependable mode of transport without any fuss.

Interior Comfort and Practicality: Space Galore?

The Mitsubishi Space Star 2022's interior is where its name truly comes into play, offering a surprising amount of space for its compact exterior dimensions. Slip inside, and you're greeted by a cabin that's clean, functional, and surprisingly airy. The materials used are predominantly hard plastics, which is expected in this price bracket, but they feel durable and well-assembled. What truly shines here is the clever packaging. Despite its small footprint, the Space Star manages to offer generous legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. This is a huge win for anyone who frequently carries adult passengers or needs to install child seats. The seats themselves are comfortable for shorter journeys, providing adequate support. For longer road trips, they might become a bit firm for some, but overall, they do the job. The dashboard layout is intuitive and easy to navigate, with all the essential controls within easy reach. You won't find yourself fumbling through complex menus here; it’s straightforward and user-friendly. The infotainment system, depending on the trim, is typically a touchscreen unit that supports smartphone integration like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While it might not be the most visually stunning or feature-rich system on the market, it's responsive and gets the job done for navigation, music, and calls. Storage solutions are also well thought out, with decent-sized door bins, a glove compartment, and a center console storage area. The boot space is also quite competitive for its class, offering enough room for your weekly groceries, luggage for a weekend getaway, or even a stroller. And if you need more space, the rear seats fold down, creating a flat loading area that significantly expands its cargo-carrying capacity. This versatility is a hallmark of the Space Star and makes it a practical choice for a variety of needs. The visibility from the driver's seat is excellent, thanks to the large windows and slim pillars, further enhancing the sense of space and making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. It’s a cabin designed with real-world use in mind, prioritizing comfort and utility without unnecessary frills.

Performance and Driving Dynamics: City Slicker, Highway Hiker?

When it comes to performance, the Mitsubishi Space Star 2022 isn't aiming to set any speed records, but it excels in its intended environment: the city. Under the hood, you'll typically find a choice of efficient petrol engines, usually in the 1.0L to 1.2L range. These engines are perfectly suited for stop-start traffic and short urban commutes, offering a good balance of fuel economy and adequate power. You won't be breaking any acceleration records, but the responsiveness is good enough for darting into gaps in traffic and merging onto busy roads. The steering is light and precise, making maneuvering through congested streets a breeze. It's the kind of car that makes you feel confident and in control, even if you're a newer driver. Fuel efficiency is a major strong suit for the Space Star, with impressive MPG figures that will keep your running costs down – a huge plus for budget-conscious buyers. On the highway, the Space Star holds its own, though it's here that you might feel its limitations more acutely. At higher speeds, the engine can become a bit more vocal as it works harder, and road noise can become more noticeable. However, for moderate highway cruising, it remains composed and comfortable enough. The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up most road imperfections without much fuss, which contributes to a pleasant ride quality. It’s not a sporty car by any stretch of the imagination; there's a fair amount of body roll when cornering enthusiastically. But that's not what it's designed for. Its strength lies in its agile handling in urban environments and its smooth, predictable nature. The brakes are effective, providing good stopping power when needed. For those looking for a car that's easy to drive, economical, and capable of handling both city life and occasional longer trips, the Space Star 2022 delivers. It’s a no-fuss driving experience that prioritizes ease of use and cost-effectiveness over outright performance. The available automatic transmission options are generally smooth, making it even easier to pilot through traffic.

Technology and Safety Features: What's Included?

The Mitsubishi Space Star 2022 offers a solid, if not class-leading, suite of technology and safety features, especially when you consider its competitive pricing. On the tech front, as mentioned earlier, the infotainment system is a key player. Even base models often come with a decent audio system and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for hands-free calls and music streaming. Higher trims often upgrade to a touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which is a massive convenience for smartphone-savvy drivers. This means you can easily access your favorite navigation apps, music playlists, and messaging services directly through the car's display. While the system might not boast the largest screen or the most advanced graphics, its ease of use and seamless smartphone integration are significant advantages. Other tech features can include USB ports for charging devices, power windows and mirrors, and climate control. When it comes to safety, Mitsubishi equips the Space Star with a range of essential features designed to protect you and your passengers. Standard safety equipment typically includes multiple airbags (front, side, and curtain), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and stability and traction control systems. These are crucial for maintaining control in slippery conditions or during emergency maneuvers. Depending on the market and trim level, you might also find advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These could include features like forward collision mitigation (which can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or reduce the impact of a frontal collision), lane departure warning, and a rearview camera. While it might not have every single advanced safety gizmo available on the market, the Space Star provides a commendable level of safety assurance for its segment. The availability of these modern safety aids significantly enhances the car's appeal, offering peace of mind to drivers and families. Mitsubishi's commitment to safety is evident, ensuring that even budget-friendly vehicles are equipped with crucial protective measures. The overall impression is a car that balances affordability with essential modern safety and technology, making it a smart choice for pragmatic buyers.

The Verdict: Is the Mitsubishi Space Star 2022 Still a Smart Buy?

So, after our extensive test of the Mitsubishi Space Star 2022, what's the final word? For buyers prioritizing affordability, practicality, and low running costs, this car remains a compelling option. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It’s a straightforward, reliable hatchback that excels in urban environments. The surprisingly spacious interior, excellent fuel economy, and user-friendly controls make it an ideal choice for city dwellers, new drivers, or anyone looking for a sensible second car. While it might lack the sporty driving dynamics or cutting-edge technology found in some rivals, it more than makes up for it with its unflappable sense of purpose and value. The 2022 model continues to refine this formula, offering a well-rounded package that's hard to beat on price. If you’re looking for a car that’s easy to live with, economical to run, and offers plenty of space for its size, the Mitsubishi Space Star 2022 is definitely worth a closer look. It’s a testament to Mitsubishi’s ability to create a car that meets the practical needs of everyday drivers without breaking the bank. It’s not flashy, but it’s incredibly functional, and in today’s world, that’s a quality that many people truly appreciate. A solid contender for anyone seeking smart, sensible motoring.