Photo: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: MichalPL, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Verdict
Simple city car rated 4 stars by Euro NCAP (2013), offered with a 71 hp 1.0 or a 1.2 with optional CVT gearbox. Its MOT (contrôle technique) record is fairly favourable (11.2% of failed re-tests against an average of 18.9%, iAutos), but the 2013-2018 models were subject to a start-stop system recall and the CVT gearbox has attracted complaints. Check the recall and prefer the manual gearbox.
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Indicative prices
- €6,000 – €15,000
- Monthly cost
- €312
- Euro NCAP
- 4/5
Which version to choose
Versions to favour: 1.0 MIVEC 71.
1.0 MIVEC 71
✓ RecommendedPetrol · Manual · 71 hp · 4.6 L/100 km · Crit'Air 1
3-cylinder 1.0 with 71 hp and 88 Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox: the version recommended by the press.
1.2 MIVEC 80 AS&G CVT
Petrol · Automatic · 80 hp · Crit'Air 1
1.2 MIVEC with 80 hp, start-stop (AS&G) and CVT gearbox, available from 2016. Consumption measured at over 7 l/100 km in one test.
1.2 MIVEC 71 CVT
Petrol · Automatic · 71 hp · Crit'Air 1
1.2 MIVEC with 71 hp and CVT gearbox, offered on recent model years (2022 data sheet).
Market prices
€6,000 – €15,000
Indicative range: 2015 to 2026, yearly medians of 267 online listings collected by iAutos (years with at least 3 listings).
Collected on 20 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.
Known faults
CVT gearbox: slipping and reported failures
Severity 2/3 · CostlyOwners report failures of the CVT gearbox; a Caradisiac review describes a gearbox that died at 45,000 km and was replaced for around 4,000 euros. La Revue Automobile cites cases of overheating and loss of performance, mostly before 2017, and Que Choisir notes a feeling of slipping. These are anecdotal sources: no failure statistics were found.
- Versions
- 1.2 MIVEC 80 AS&G CVT, 1.2 MIVEC 71 CVT
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Start-stop recall: possible engine cut-out
Manufacturer recallVoluntary recall of 2013-2018 Space Stars: a software setting in the engine control unit does not always detect the state of the battery; the engine can stop when idling and fail to restart if the battery is too weak (CCPC, kfz-betrieb). The fix is a software update at an approved repairer. Check that the update has been carried out.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
- Versions
- 1.0 MIVEC 71, 1.2 MIVEC 80 AS&G CVT
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Manufacturer recalls
See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Mitsubishi Space Star”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.
Real monthly cost
Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated
| Fuel or electricity | €113 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €55 |
| Maintenance | €35 |
| Depreciation | €109 |
| Total per month | €312 |
⚠ Estimates to treat with caution
- NEDC consumption (older, more optimistic than WLTP) as no WLTP figure is published: fuel is probably slightly underestimated.
- Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
- Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
- Fuel (petrol)€113
1.0 MIVEC 71 version: combined consumption of 4.6 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.14 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.
4.6 × 1.15 × 2.14 € × 10 = €113
Petrol price (SP95-E10): French national average on 7 October 2026.
- Insurance€55
Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.
- Maintenance€35
Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.
- Depreciation€109
Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.
Inspection checklist
Mitsubishi Space Star II — inspection checklist
Things to check
- Check with a Mitsubishi dealer, using the serial number, that the start-stop recall software update (2013-2018) has been carried out.
- Check the battery's condition and that the start-stop works properly (cold restart).
- CVT: extended test drive, looking for slipping or noise under acceleration, and ask for proof of gearbox servicing.
- Listen to the 3-cylinder engine when cold and check the idle.
- Test the electrical accessories (windows, central locking, air conditioning).
- Check the service book and the latest MOT (contrôle technique) report.
Questions to ask the seller
- Has the start-stop recall been carried out at Mitsubishi? Do you have proof?
- Has the CVT gearbox been drained or repaired, and at what mileage?
- Has the battery been replaced recently?
Test-drive tip: read the fault codes
A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.
Electric or hybrid equivalent
No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost
Alternatives
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Suzuki Swift
IV · 2017–2024
- Price
- €10,000 – €16,400
- Reliability
- not rated
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Hybrid
Photo: Jakub "flyz1" Maciejewski, CC BY-SA 3.0
Kia Picanto
III · since 2017
- Price
- €8,890 – €17,899
- Reliability
- 5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Hyundai i10
III · since 2019
- Price
- €11,499 – €17,990
- Reliability
- 5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol
Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Toyota Aygo
II · 2014–2021
- Price
- €7,000 – €10,900
- Reliability
- 4/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of parts for the Mitsubishi Space Star II (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.
Frequently asked questions
What Euro NCAP rating does the Mitsubishi Space Star have?
4 stars out of 5 in 2013: 90% adult protection, 72% child protection, 73% pedestrian and 55% safety assist (Euro NCAP). Safety assist remains below the 65% required for 5 stars (La Tribune Auto).
What is the boot capacity of the Space Star?
235 litres according to Caroom and Auto-Selection; L'argus gives about 210 litres for the 2020 version; figures vary by source.
Has the Mitsubishi Space Star been recalled?
Yes, a recall for a start-stop system software update concerns 2013-2018 Space Stars (CCPC, kfz-betrieb). Have your vehicle checked at a dealer.
Found a listing?
Soon, we will analyse your Mitsubishi Space Star listing: price, mileage, watch points.
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