2002 Mitsubishi Space Star Equippe review from UK and Ireland

Minor wheel balancing problems.

The stuck-on 'Equippe' badges have fallen off the side trims.

Otherwise there have been no problems at all.

The car feels very solid and well put together, and there are very few rattles.

The 101 bhp Renault-sourced 1.9 common rail turbodiesel engine is refined and powerful, with loads of torque and gives effortless motorway cruising, but turbo lag can cause a few anxious moments when overtaking.

So far, overall diesel consumption is 47.5mpg, a little short of Mitsubishi's claimed 51.4 mpg, but as most of my driving is either fast on the motorway or slow around town, this seems pretty good.

The 9000 mile service interval is short by current standards. Mitsubishi should do something about this if they want to sell more of these cars.

Engine noise can be rather intrusive at lower speeds, but settles down to a distant hum at motorway speeds, where there is also a fair bit of wind noise.

The seats are firm but comfortable on long journeys.

The car can easily carry four passengers, but the boot is small and there isn't much space for luggage. A family with Granny and two kids could struggle to get everything in.

Steering and handling are good. The brakes are powerful, but feel slightly lifeless.

The CD player is good and the aircon is powerful. It's worth paying the extra for the Equippe specification.

I enjoy driving this car. The diesel engine is a gem and feels as if it will go on forever. Considering the price I paid, it may have to!