Mitsubishi Space Star / Mirage earns four-star Euro NCAP safety rating
Euro NCAP has awarded the Mitsubishi Space Star, also known as the Mirage, a four-star safety rating, with high marks for adult occupant protection and pedestrian safety.
Euro NCAP has awarded the Mitsubishi Space Star, sold as the Mirage in some markets, a four-star safety rating following its 2013 crash tests. The result reflects strong adult occupant protection and a robust overall performance for a city car in this segment.
Crash test results in detail
In Euro NCAP’s assessment, the Space Star achieved a 90 percent score for adult occupant protection. The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal offset crash, and dummy readings indicated good protection for the knees and femurs of both the driver and front passenger. The car scored maximum points in the side barrier test, and chest protection in the more severe side pole test was rated as adequate. Whiplash protection for front-seat occupants was also rated good.
Child occupant protection was rated at 72 percent. The Space Star performed well for both the 18-month-old and 3-year-old dummies in the frontal impact test. The car’s structure and restraint systems provided good protection, though some potential for improvement remains in the rear seat belt reminder and ISOFIX labelling.
Pedestrian and safety assist scores
Pedestrian protection was measured at 73 percent. The bumper scored maximum points for its protection of pedestrians’ legs, but the front edge of the bonnet offered only marginal protection to the pelvis region. The bonnet surface generally performed well for head impact, which is a key concern for city cars likely to encounter pedestrians.
Safety assist features were rated at 55 percent. Electronic stability control is standard on the new generation Space Star, meeting Euro NCAP’s requirements for this category. Other assist features are more limited compared to some rivals, which contributed to the lower score in this area.
Comparison with rivals and segment context
The Space Star’s four-star rating places it behind some of the latest five-star performers in the supermini and city car segment. For example, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class achieved a five-star rating in the same round of Euro NCAP tests, reflecting wider use of advanced safety technology. However, the Space Star’s result is competitive for a budget-focused city car, offering strong occupant and pedestrian protection at this price point. For buyers prioritising outright safety, it is worth comparing with segment leaders such as the Skoda Fabia, which was later named best in class by Euro NCAP.
- 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class: Five stars in Euro NCAP tests
- Skoda Fabia: Named safest supermini by Euro NCAP for 2014
