This is how luxurious the cheapest new car in the Netherlands is

This test of the Mitsubishi Space Star and the Toyota Aygo X is a shortened version of the extensive comparison in Auto Review 7. Buy the magazine now in the supermarket, bookstore or in our webshop.

Let’s get straight to the point: the Mitsubishi Space Star has little luxury. The basic model of 17,490 euros does not have a radio or air conditioning. Even a parcel shelf is missing. Mitsubishi lends us a (slightly) more luxurious version, but it remains makeshift.

But let’s look at it positively and stretch the term ‘luxury’ as broadly as possible. Because even if you’re sweating behind the wheel next summer and have to whistle a tune yourself, you’ll still be driving a new car with an eight-year warranty. If you ask us, an eight-year warranty is very luxurious.

Legroom doesn’t expire

The compact Mitsubishi may date from 2013, but it proves that legroom doesn’t go out of style. The 3.85-meter-long Space Star offers more freedom of movement on the back seat than the Toyota Aygo X of 3.70 meters.

Both city cars have a loading volume of over 230 litres. That can be a bit tight after shopping. Fortunately, you can fold down both rear seats in two parts. That gives you more space in the Mitsubishi (912 litres) than in the Toyota (829 litres). What a blessing.

The luxury of a comfortable back seat

When choosing the best seat, it’s important to know whether you’re going to sit in the front or the back. The Aygo X’s front seats have infinitely adjustable backrests – the epitome of luxury in this part of the market. However, the seat is set at an uncomfortable angle and there’s little you can do about it. Still, we’d rather sit here than in the Space Star’s flat front seats.

However, if you are a passenger in the back, we prefer the Mitsubishi’s bench seat. By city car standards, you are sitting royally here. Children of bank managers can experience what it is like to be chauffeured at an early age.

Power over abundance *cough*

The Space Star is a beast when compared to the Aygo X. It sprints to 100 km/h almost two seconds faster and has a top speed that is 9 km/h higher. In other words: the Mitsubishi clocks in 13.4 seconds and 167 km/h, while the Toyota barely makes a dent in a stick of butter with 15.2 seconds and 158 km/h.

Is not having to stress about making a choice a form of luxury?

It was already mentioned briefly: the entry-level version of the Space Star, which costs 17,490 euros, is an old-fashioned showroom lure. Its equipment is so meager that it is endearing. If you ask us, you would be better off spending 3,000 euros more and going for the comfortable Dynamic version.

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But then you end up in the price range in which the most affordable Aygo X operates. That basic version costs 20,495 euros and is even better equipped than the Space Star Dynamic. In that respect, the Space Star comes into its own best if you buy the cheapest version. No choice stress is also a form of luxury, right?

Conclusion

What do you want from a city car? The somewhat older Mitsubishi Space Star is more spacious and cheaper than the Toyota Aygo X. Soberly considered, it is the sober car for sober people. These are people who find it a luxury to drive a new car that successfully accomplishes its primary task: getting you safely and easily from A to B.

Next time we’ll highlight the plus points of the Aygo X. It comes with adaptive cruise control as standard, by the way!

You can read the full comparative test in Auto Review 7You can buy the magazine in the supermarket, the bookstore or in our webshop.