The Mitsubishi Space Wagon III 2.4 GDi 16V 4X4 (147 Hp), produced between 1998 and 2004, represents the third generation of Mitsubishi’s popular minivan. While not officially sold in the United States, the Space Wagon held a significant position in the European and Asian markets as a practical and versatile family vehicle. It competed with models like the Renault Espace, Volkswagen Sharan, and Toyota Previa, offering a blend of space, comfort, and available all-wheel drive. This generation marked an evolution in design and technology for the Space Wagon, focusing on improved fuel efficiency and enhanced safety features compared to its predecessors.
Mitsubishi Space Wagon III: An Overview
The Space Wagon III was designed to cater to families needing a spacious and adaptable vehicle. Its five-seater configuration, combined with a generous cargo area, made it ideal for both daily commutes and longer journeys. The availability of a 2.4-liter GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine, coupled with a four-wheel-drive system, provided a balance of performance and all-weather capability. The GDi engine was a key feature, offering improved fuel economy and power delivery compared to traditional port fuel injection systems.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Space Wagon III 2.4 GDi 16V 4X4 is a 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 211 Nm (155.63 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3500 rpm. This engine utilizes Gasoline Direct Injection (GDi) technology, where fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber, resulting in more efficient combustion and increased power output. The engine’s configuration is front-mounted and transverse, driving all four wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 12.4 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 11.8 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 185 km/h (114.95 mph). The power-to-weight ratio is 11.5 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 8 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably efficient powertrain for its size and class.
Design & Features
The Space Wagon III maintains the classic minivan silhouette, characterized by a boxy shape maximizing interior space. It’s a five-door vehicle with seating for five passengers. The interior prioritizes practicality and comfort, with a focus on modular seating arrangements to accommodate varying cargo and passenger needs. The trunk space is particularly impressive, ranging from a minimum of 240 liters (8.48 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1930 liters (68.16 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features for the era included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4600 mm (181.1 in) in length, 1775 mm (69.88 in) in width, and 1690 mm (66.54 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2780 mm (109.45 in). The suspension utilizes a wishbone setup at the front and coil springs at the rear, providing a comfortable ride. Ventilated discs are used for the front brakes, while discs are used for the rear brakes. The vehicle rides on 205/65 R15 tires.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Space Wagon |
| Generation | Space Wagon III |
| Type | 2.4 GDi 16V 4X4 (147 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.7 l/100 km (17.2 US mpg, 20.6 UK mpg, 7.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg, 34 UK mpg, 12 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg, 27.4 UK mpg, 9.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 147 Hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 211 Nm @ 3500 rpm (155.63 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 2350 cm3 (143.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86.5 mm (3.41 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 100 mm (3.94 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1685 kg (3714.79 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2260 kg (4982.45 lbs.) |
| Max load | 575 kg (1267.66 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 240 l (8.48 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1930 l (68.16 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 58 l (15.32 US gal | 12.76 UK gal) |
| Length | 4600 mm (181.1 in.) |
| Width | 1775 mm (69.88 in.) |
| Height | 1690 mm (66.54 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm (109.45 in.) |
| Front track | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1535 mm (60.43 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
The Mitsubishi Space Wagon III 2.4 GDi 16V 4X4 offered a compelling package for families seeking a spacious, practical, and reasonably efficient minivan. Its GDi engine and available all-wheel drive made it a versatile choice for a variety of driving conditions, cementing its position as a popular vehicle in its target markets.
