Based on the same platform with the Mitsubishi Carisma and Volvo S40, the Space Star was a lost train for the compact MPV market. It appeared on the market when that segment was already gone.
Mitsubishi and Volvo participated together in the NEDCAR project. A car-factory built in the Netherlands, where the two car-makers shared the same production lines for some of their cars. The Space Star model appeared on the market in 1998 and it was facelifted in 2002.
Mitsubishi didn't want to build a station-wagon for its Carisma model, so it chose to make a minivan. The result was a vehicle that looked almost like a station-wagon, but with a higher beltline. It was not as high as an MPV, but higher than a hatchback. The rectangular headlights and the corner-mounted taillights were separated by a boxy-looking body. Unlike other minivans on the market, it featured a two-box bodywork.
Inside, due to the high roof, the car-maker installed higher seats and thus it increased the space for the passengers. Since it was built on the Carisma platform, it allowed a three seating position for the bench and a spacious trunk.
The Space Star was available with a choice of gasoline and diesel engines, ranged between 1.3- and 1.9-liter engines. A five-speed manual was standard for the entire range.