2003 Mitsubishi Space Gear: Aggressive

Revitalized for 2003, the updated 10-seater Mitsubishi Space Gear has been given dynamic and aesthetic improvements to keep it up-to-date against competitors such as the Chevrolet Venture, Toyota Grandia, and Nissan Q-RV.

On exterior features, the 2003 Space Gear presents a more aggressive personality with a new front fascia highlighted by a new grille and BMW-esque headlamp design. The rear has also been freshened with new combination taillamps and a redesigned bumper.

The Space Gear also gains more headroom courtesy of a higher roof than before, and dual sliding doors are now standard. Seats have been improved considerably to provide a more relaxing ride. High-quality fabric upholstery is also used, and the nominal 3/3/4 seating configuration can be varied to suit a wide variety of passenger and cargo carrying needs. A side armrest for the driver seat and center armrests are standard for second and third row seats. Power features are also standard such as power windows, door locks, and side mirrors. The power-assisted, 4-spoke steering wheel is also tilt-adjustable to avoid the uncomfortable, near-horizontal angle of most vans’ steering wheels.

For entertainment, the Space Gear comes with a 10.4-inch LCD monitor, the biggest OEM video monitor equipped in a locally available vehicle. The Mitsubishi Motors Video Entertainment System (MMVES) features a Kenwood single in-dash CD/VCD player, a four-speaker system, and a glass printed antenna on the rear quarter window.

Other interior highlights include a sporty black-on-white meter cluster, analog clock, Euro-style gated column shifter, flexible 3/3/4 seating configuration with high-quality fabric upholstery, courtesy lamps on the sliding doors, and a rear 12V DC power plug. A rear underview mirror, rear intermittent wiper with washer, center high mounted stop lamp, and Mitsubishi Motors Auto Security (MMAS) system with alarm, keyless entry, and engine immobilizer are also standard.

The biggest news is under the hood: the new 2.4-liter 4G64 multi-point fuel injected engine. A single overhead camshaft, 16-valve design, it produces 132 PS at 5,500 rpm, 19.6 kg-m of torque at 2,500 rpm and is mated to a responsive four-speed automatic transmission.

The Space Gear’s suspension is composed of front double wishbones and rear five-link coil springs with stabilizer bars, and it rides on 215/65R15 radial tires fitted to aero-look five-spoke alloy wheels. Brakes are front ventilated disks and rear drums, and the van uses a dual circuit system with brake booster and Load Sensing Proportioning Valve. The 2003 Space Gear is a completely built-up unit from China Motor Company of Taiwan and carries a price tag of P1,090,000.