2013 Mitsubishi Space Star

With a long-standing tradition of pioneering technologies and a presence in 160+ world markets, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is rather well equipped to embrace the structural re-shaping affecting the global auto industry, whether geographical or environmental.
From the specific demands of the newly emerging markets (affordable, robust yet contemporary vehicles) to the renewed interest of mature areas (down-sized / lighter / more fuel-efficient automobiles), MMC has pragmatically committed its engineering resources to satisfy these new needs, as highlighted in its 'Jump 2013' business plan with clear targets (20% of EVs and PHEVs by 2020,...).




The first product to be developed by MMC off its all-new and innovative 'Global Small' platform, Space Star can be summed up as:
• One architecture + one factory + one car for one open world.
• Not a MMC 'low cost' offering, but instead, a rational / no-nonsense product for a converging and fast growing global small car market:
– Emerging middle-class in emerging countries.
– Running cost conscious customers in mature regions.
• Global consistency through 'engineering-first' approach.
Less is more
Taking into consideration the environmental (CO2 emissions) and financial (fuel economy and running costs) challenges global customers are now faced with, it became obvious for MMC R&D that the very concept of 'small car' had to be completely reviewed.


More so for the European market where the highly popular B-Segment has drifted away over the last 20 years from its fundamentals with over-specified and over-sized products, often similar what European C-Segment cars used to be…
At the same time, the point was neither for MMC to bring a cheap, de-contented product nor a 'low cost' vehicle – a rational / no-nonsense product it should be instead, with the expected quality and reliability Mitsubishi Motors is renown for*.



Together with a turning radius of just 4.6 m - among the smallest in its class - this packaging allows the driver to maneuver with confidence when turning at
intersections, driving along narrow roads or when parking.
- Powertrain:
o In Europe, Global Small/Space Star is powered by a new generation of lightweight
and compact low friction 3-cylinder petrol engines, available in either 1.0 l or 1.2 l displacements. Lively and thrifty, both use Mitsubishi Motors' MIVEC variable valve timing system (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system).
o Together with a painstaking reduction of engine friction and engine load as well as weight reduction, aerodynamic performance, transmission efficiency and MMC's low
CO2 technologies (see below), Mirage can boast high level of fuel economy and
emissions, amongst the best in the segment:
Output Torque 0-100 km/h Fuel cons.
o As customary now with Mitsubishi Motors products in Europe, Space Star is equipped
(depending on market and model) with the full palette of low CO2 technologies, including:
- Auto Stop & Go,
- Regenerative braking system,
- High-efficiency 95 Ah alternator,
- Intelligent battery sensor ('IBS'),
- 165/65R14 low friction tires,
For Space Star, this package now also features a 3-bar 'Eco Drive Assist' display in the instrument cluster (depending on market and model) meant to gives a visual
indication of how economically the vehicle is being driven based on current fuel
consumption and vehicle speed.
o Last but not least, as an alternative to the standard 5-speed manual gearbox, Space Star can be fitted with the newest version of Mitsubishi's INVECS-III CVT wide-ratio transmission (depending on market and model) which now uses a sub-gear train to deliver a better acceleration and fuel economy. Extending the engine speed range over which the lockup clutch engages and optimization of transmission control has contributed to a further reduction in fuel consumption without affecting acceleration performance.
- Chassis:
o Space Star's basic set up is MacPherson struts at the front with stabilizer bar and a torsion beam axle with coil springs at the rear, optimized to provide easy and stable handling, as well as a very comfortable ride. Streamlining the suspension configuration has reduced its weight, contributing to better fuel economy.
o For the sake of fuel economy, Mirage is equipped with a sharp electric powered rack & pinion steering (3.48 turns, lock to lock).
o Braking system for Europe is courtesy of (depending on market and model):
- Powered front ventilated discs / rear drums,
- ABS + Active Stability Control + Traction Control + Brake Assist
- Hill Start Assist (CVT only) + Emergency Stop Signal System

Quality seal
For a long time, Mitsubishi Motors has implemented processes and systems to ensure that very high levels of development and production quality are realized on a common basis at its production units around the world.

In the area of production, the 'Mitsubishi Motors Production Way' (MMPW) system is employed to achieve rigorous quality assurance at each of its production facilities through a 'station completion' process where only defect-free units are allowed to pass to the next work station

Source - Mitsubishi