Mitsubishi Space Star engines

The Mitsubishi Space Star is a Japanese subcompact van manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation from 1998 to 2004. The car was assembled in the Netherlands and sold in the markets of European countries. In 2002, an updated version of the model was released. On the European market since 2012, it was sold under the same name 6th generation Mitsubishi Mirage. In total, about 280 thousand copies of the Space Star were made.

Mitsubishi Space Star, 1st generation, 1998–2005

First generation Mitsubishi Space Star, 1998–2005 Compact MPV Mitsubishi Space Star, which debuted in 1998, was created specifically for the European market. The car was produced at the NedCar plant in Holland. Mitsubishi Carisma and Volvo S40 sedans were also made there, on a common platform with which Space Star was created.

The range of power units consisted of gasoline engines 1.3 (82–86 hp), 1.6 (98 hp), as well as a 122-horsepower 1.8 GDI engine with direct fuel injection. Later, turbodiesels with a volume of 1.9 liters and a power of 102 or 115 hp appeared in the range. The compact van had a five-speed manual gearbox in the base, and a four-speed automatic transmission was offered for an additional fee for modifications 1.6 and 1.8.

Restyling in 2002 slightly refreshed the appearance of the model, and instead of the previous 1.8-liter engine, the Mitsubishi Space Star began to install an engine of the same volume, but without direct injection, its return was 112 hp.

Mitsubishi Space Star, 2nd generation, 2013

Second generation Mitsubishi Space Star, 2013 A compact five-door hatchback produced in Thailand since 2013. In 2016 and 2020, the model was restyled.

Under this name, the car is sold only in the European market; in Asia and America, the model is known as the Mitsubishi Mirage.

The Mitsubishi Space Star is powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine with 71 hp. In the model range there are versions with a five-speed manual transmission and a CVT. Before restyling in 2020, the car was also equipped with a one-liter engine.

The company positions this model as a simple and inexpensive car, so the Mitsubishi Space Star is cheaper than most classmates.

The Mitsubishi Space Star was offered with 6 engines since 1998 (5 petrol, 1 diesel). Displacement ranges from 1.0 to 1.9 liters, power output from 60 to 215 hp. 2 use a timing chain and 4 a timing belt. 2 are turbocharged. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Renault F9Q (dCi) (about 500,000 km).

Mitsubishi Space Star engines by generation

EngineYearsVolumePowerFuelTimingOilLifespan
Mitsubishi Space Star 1 (DG) 1998–2005
Mitsubishi 4G181998–20051.6 L R498–112 hppetrolbelt3.6 L~300,000 km
Mitsubishi 4G131998–20051.3 L R460–86 hppetrolbelt3.6 L~300,000 km
Mitsubishi Space Star DG0 1998–2005
Mitsubishi 4G931998–20051.8 L R4110–215 hppetrol, NA / turbobelt3.5–3.6 L~350,000 km
Mitsubishi Space Star 2 (A00) 2012–present
Mitsubishi 3A922012–present1.2 L R378–80 hppetrolchain3.2 L~230,000 km
Mitsubishi 3A902012–present1.0 L R371 hppetrolchain3.2 L~200,000 km
Other Mitsubishi Space Star engines generation not specified
Renault F9Q (dCi)1998–20121.9 L R480–130 hpdiesel, turbobelt5.5 L~500,000 km

Mitsubishi Space Star engine FAQ

What engines were used in the Mitsubishi Space Star?

Mitsubishi Space Star 1 (DG) (1998–2005): Mitsubishi 4G18 and Mitsubishi 4G13; Mitsubishi Space Star DG0 (1998–2005): Mitsubishi 4G93; Mitsubishi Space Star 2 (A00) (2012–present): Mitsubishi 3A92 and Mitsubishi 3A90.

Which Mitsubishi Space Star engine is the most durable?

By rated service life the most durable Mitsubishi Space Star engines are: Renault F9Q (dCi) — about 500,000 km; Mitsubishi 4G93 — about 350,000 km; Mitsubishi 4G13 — about 300,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.

How much oil does the Mitsubishi Space Star engine take?

Engine oil capacity with filter: Mitsubishi 3A90 — 3.2 L (5W-30); Mitsubishi 3A92 — 3.2 L (5W-30); Mitsubishi 4G13 — 3.6 L (5W-30, 5W-40); Mitsubishi 4G18 — 3.6 L (5W-30, 5W-40); Mitsubishi 4G93 — 3.5–3.6 L (5W-30); Renault F9Q (dCi) — 5.5 L (5W-30, 5W-40).

Does the Mitsubishi Space Star have a timing belt or chain?

Timing chain: Mitsubishi 3A90 and Mitsubishi 3A92; timing belt: Mitsubishi 4G13, Mitsubishi 4G18, Mitsubishi 4G93 and Renault F9Q (dCi). Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.

Was the Mitsubishi Space Star available with a diesel engine?

Yes: Renault F9Q (dCi).

Engine details

Mitsubishi 4G13

Mitsubishi 4G13

1985–2012 · 1.3 L R4 · petrol · 60–86 hp · belt

The most famous problem of the Orion family of engines is increased or floating engine speed at idle due to strong backlash…

Mitsubishi 4G93

Mitsubishi 4G93

1991–2014 · 1.8 L R4 · petrol · 110–215 hp · belt

GDi modifications are known for the frequent vagaries of the direct fuel injection system.

Mitsubishi 4G18

Mitsubishi 4G18

1998–2012 · 1.6 L R4 · petrol · 98–112 hp · belt

Most of the complaints of car owners with such a power unit are associated with an oil burner due to the occurrence…

Renault F9Q (dCi)

Renault F9Q (dCi)

1998–2012 · 1.9 L R4 · diesel · 80–130 hp · belt

The resource of this motor depends on the condition of the oil pump, which wears out quickly, from which its performance drops.…

Mitsubishi 3A90

Mitsubishi 3A90

2012–present · 1.0 L R3 · petrol · 71 hp · chain

This motor has a high compression ratio and is prone to detonation from bad fuel.

Mitsubishi 3A92

Mitsubishi 3A92

2012–present · 1.2 L R3 · petrol · 78–80 hp · chain

The Japanese market version of the engine has a high compression ratio and is prone to detonation.

Models with the same engines

The most complete catalog of car and truck engines: specifications, oil capacity, timing drive, typical problems and lifespan.

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