About Mitsubishi Space Runner
Mitsubishi used the Galant's platform to build a compact-segment minivan, and it was successful in more countries around the world.
The Japanese carmaker introduced the MPV on its home market in 1991 and started to export it in the following year. Depending on the market, the Space Runner was available with either a front or all-wheel-drive system and with the eye-watering 4G63T turbocharged engine carried over from the Lancer Evolution. But, for most parts of the world, it was just another crossover between a station wagon and a minivan, inspired by Italdesign's concept Lancia Metagamma from 1978. Since the Italian carmaker rejected the project, Mitsubishi bought it and adapted it to its needs.
While the front side resembled the shape of a sedan, with a low-mounted bumper and flat front fascia, the steep hood and windshield looked inspired by a minivan. Also, the side sliding door, only on the passenger side, was an MPV-like idea. At the back, a wide liftgate opened the way to a spacious luggage compartment. With the rear seats folded, the trunk could get up to three mountain bikes inside.
Mitsubishi designed the vehicle for five full-grown adults. At the front, the taller drivers were not very happy with the legroom but had no troubles with the headroom. In the back, on the other hand, there was enough room for three occupants. In the instrument cluster, Mitsubishi installed white dials with red needles for the center-mounted speedometer flanked on the right by a tachometer and on the left by the fuel and temperature gauges.
Mitsubishi installed a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine under the Space Runner's hood for most of the markets. For the European customers, it also provided a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel option.