Faults:

So far, no issues with the car. I bought it practically new, with only 3,000 kilometers on it.

It has only had two oil changes, each at 15,000-kilometer intervals.

General Comments:

It is a city car designed for navigating streets, traffic lights, and other vehicles. Its greatest appeal lies precisely in this: it is a reliable, no-fuss vehicle for getting around town, though, aesthetically, it is also far more attractive than its predecessors. It looks more like a small car than an MPV, which is what the Space Star actually is.

Quite spacious on the inside, it offers good legroom for rear-seat passengers, who also benefit from easy access thanks to the space provided by the doors. Overall, there is a strong sense of roominess, a welcome feature in such a small car. However, the trunk, with a capacity of 210 liters, is the trade-off.

Driving position is somewhat elevated, which allows for better all-around visibility, good for city driving. The steering wheel is adjustable only for height, which can, to some extent, make it a bit more challenging to find the ideal driving position. Nevertheless, the driving experience is straightforward and simple. The Space Star feels light, pleasant, and comfortable, with entirely conventional handling when navigating the city.

The engine really caught my attention due to its strong pull at low and mid-range RPMs—the very range used for most everyday driving. In fact, it feels especially agile in the city. It’s not just the 80 hp output; the car’s low weight (barely 950 kilograms) results in a very well-balanced power-to-weight ratio.

The 5-speed transmission, which has a decent feel, helps make the most of the engine’s relatively modest power in the lower gears, while also keeping fuel consumption low when in 5th gear. It’s not difficult to achieve an average fuel consumption of around 5 liters per 100 km, whether driving in the city or on the open road.

Inside, hard plastics predominate, though there are padded fabric finishes on the door panels. There is a front USB port, and the 7-inch touchscreen, which includes a rearview camera, allows for the mirroring of content from a mobile phone, such as navigation or music apps. Additionally, the vehicle features driver-assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.

Good car, simple to maintain, fuel-efficient, and with quite reliable mechanics.