These days are not good for small cars: increasing regulations at European level on data protection, assistance systems and emissions are making small cars so expensive that many manufacturers are withdrawing them from the program. The latest victim is the Mitsubishi Space Star. As it has now been confirmed, it will be withdrawn from the program at the end of 2024 or at the beginning of 2025.
The Mitsubishi Space Star can still be ordered. The price of the base version in Germany currently starts at 11.990 euros. However, this does not include air conditioning, which is only available in the "Select" version from 13.590 euros. According to the spokesperson, there are still enough vehicles in stock and in the warehouse to supply those interested.
The Space Star has been on the market since 2012, and the last facelift was carried out in 2021, which is a death blow for the old warhorse: From July 2024, all new cars will have to be equipped with a number of assistance systems in accordance with EU regulations and simultaneously adopted UN rules on cyber security and software updates for networked vehicles. This would make the little Mitsubishi much more expensive. This is clearly seen in the recently redesigned Kia Picanto, whose price starts at 16.690 euros. For just €100 more, the larger Renault Clio-based Mitsubishi Colt is available in base 67bhp, including air conditioning and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. This model thus replaces the Space Star model. You'll be able to read about how the base Colt drives in our test report soon.
What other short vehicles are available in the small car class like the Polo? The VW Up has been absent for some time, and neither has the Renault Twingo. It is expected to return in 2026 as an affordable, retro-styled electric car. Until then, Fiat will continue to make the Panda model with an internal combustion engine, the price of which currently starts at 14.990 euros. The Fiat 500 with an internal combustion engine is dead, and the electric 500 with a mild hybrid is expected to arrive in 2025. The Fiat Grande Panda is coming soon. With a 100 HP petrol engine, it could start selling for around 15.000 euros like its technical sibling, the Citroën C3. Suzuki will bury the Ignis and Jimny models by the end of 2024. Hyundai still offers the i10 model, which costs a good 17.000 euros. It remains to be seen if MG will introduce a version of the MG3 with a simpler engine.
