Mitsubishi Space Star 2017 - 1.0 Petrol Manual City Car Rental in Albania

Mitsubishi Space Star 2017 1.0 Petrol Manual – City Car Rental in Albania

The Mitsubishi Space Star 2017 1.0 petrol manual is the ideal budget-friendly city car for visitors who want simple, reliable transport while exploring Albania. This compact 5-door hatchback is easy to park, light on fuel and comfortable enough for day trips from Tirana to nearby towns and coastal destinations.

With a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, five-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, the Space Star is designed for efficiency and practicality. It is a great answer if you are searching “what kind of car to rent in Albania”, “car for rent in Tirana Albania” or “rent a car airport in Albania” and you care more about low running costs and easy driving than about high power.

Compact Size, Easy Parking

The Mitsubishi Space Star 2017 measures about 3,795 mm in length, 1,665 mm in width and 1,505 mm in height, making it one of the smallest five-door cars in its class.

Its short body and tight turning circle of around 9.2 metres mean it is very easy to manoeuvre in city traffic, perform U-turns and fit into tight parking spaces in Tirana, Vlora or Saranda.

Despite its compact footprint, the Space Star still seats up to five people, so couples, small families or groups of friends can travel together without needing to rent a larger, more expensive car.

1.0 Petrol Engine – Efficient and Simple

Under the bonnet, this Space Star uses Mitsubishi’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine (code 3A90) producing around 71 horsepower and 88 Nm of torque.

Official combined fuel consumption for the 1.0 Edition models is about 4.2 l/100 km, with around 5.0 l/100 km in city driving and 3.6 l/100 km on the highway according to NEDC tests.

With a fuel tank of roughly 35 litres, this means you can typically drive several hundred kilometres on a single fill – enough for multiple day trips or a full week of light use around Tirana and nearby regions without frequent refuelling.

Manual Transmission and Front-Wheel Drive

The Space Star’s five-speed manual gearbox gives you direct control over the engine, which many drivers appreciate on hilly roads and when overtaking. Gear changes are light and straightforward, so even visitors who are used to modern manuals quickly feel at home behind the wheel.

Front-wheel drive and a relatively low kerb weight of around 920 kg help the car feel agile at low speeds and stable on normal paved roads.

Boot Space and Interior Practicality

In this generation, the Space Star offers a boot capacity of about 209–235 litres with the rear seats in place, depending on exact version.

That is enough for a couple of medium suitcases plus hand luggage, and you can fold the rear bench to create more space for larger items if needed. The interior layout is simple and functional, focusing on the basics – supportive seats, clear instruments, useful storage compartments and easy-to-reach controls.

Air-conditioning, a compact steering wheel and straightforward climate and audio controls help keep the driving experience relaxed, even in summer temperatures or during longer journeys between Tirana and other cities.

Ground Clearance and Albanian Roads

The Space Star sits with a ground clearance of around 150 mm, which is enough for most city streets and paved regional roads in Albania, as long as you drive cautiously on rough sections.

For pure city use, airport transfers and light touring, this height works well. If your plans include more rugged mountain routes or unpaved tracks, a higher-clearance SUV might be better, but for typical hotel-to-city and coastal drives the Space Star is fully capable.

Perfect for Budget-Conscious Travellers and City Users

If you are looking at prices on search terms like “car rental Albania Tirana”, “car rental Albania Tirana airport” or “car rental in Albania airport”, you will notice that small petrol hatchbacks such as the Space Star often offer the lowest daily rates.

Combined with very low fuel consumption, this means the total cost of your trip remains low, making more budget available for accommodation, restaurants and activities. For solo travellers, couples or small groups who mainly stay in Tirana, Durrës or coastal towns, the Space Star is usually a smarter choice than a larger, more expensive vehicle.

Why Book the Space Star with TiRental?

TiRental specialises in car rental in Albania, with locations at Tirana International Airport (Rinas) and in Tirana city. Booking your Mitsubishi Space Star directly with TiRental means you get a clearly defined car class – a modern, economical 1.0 petrol manual hatchback – rather than a vague “or similar” category that may change at arrival.

Compared with aggregators and brands like Yoyo Rent, Otoq or large international chains, TiRental focuses on transparent local service, unlimited mileage options and fast airport handover. This combination is especially important for budget-conscious travellers who want predictable costs and a simple pick-up experience after landing.

Questions and Answers About Renting this Mitsubishi Space Star in Albania

What kind of car should I rent in Albania if I mainly stay in cities?

If your plan is to stay mostly in Tirana, Durrës, Vlora or Saranda and drive on paved roads, a small city car like the Mitsubishi Space Star 1.0 petrol is usually the best option. Its compact size makes parking simple, and its low fuel consumption keeps day-to-day costs down.

Is the Mitsubishi Space Star 1.0 petrol economical enough for longer day trips?

Yes. Official combined consumption around 4.1–4.2 l/100 km means the car uses much less fuel than larger petrol or diesel vehicles, and with a 35-litre tank you can cover several hundred kilometres between fill-ups. That is more than enough for day trips from Tirana to coastal areas or nearby cities.

How much luggage can the Space Star carry?

With the rear seats upright, the boot holds roughly 209–235 litres, which fits one or two medium suitcases plus smaller bags. Folding the rear bench increases capacity significantly for bulkier items such as sports equipment or extra luggage, though a larger car may be more comfortable if you travel with four adults and many big cases.

Can I rent this car at Tirana Airport and drive to other cities like Korçë or Fier?

Yes. The Space Star is perfectly suited for inter-city drives on main roads, thanks to its low fuel use and easy steering. As long as you stay mostly on paved routes and respect speed limits, it makes comfortable trips from Tirana to Korçë, Fier, Vlora or Saranda, especially for up to three adults plus luggage.

Is the 1.0 petrol engine powerful enough for Albanian hills?

The 71 hp engine is not designed for high performance, but with its light weight and manual gearbox it copes fine with typical hills and mountain roads when driven sensibly. You just need to plan overtakes carefully and use lower gears on steeper sections to keep the engine in its power band.

Can I rent a car in Albania with a US, UK or other foreign licence?

Most rental companies in Albania accept valid foreign licences as long as they match the name on your passport and rental contract. It is recommended to bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your licence, especially if the licence is not in Latin script, as this simplifies checks by police and rental staff.

Can I rent a car in Albania without a credit card?

Some international brands insist on a credit card and large deposit. Local companies such as TiRental often provide more flexible terms, including debit-card payments or smaller deposits when you choose comprehensive insurance. It is best to confirm deposit and payment options when you book your Mitsubishi Space Star.

Is the Space Star suitable for new drivers or people who are nervous about driving abroad?

Yes. The small size, light controls and good visibility make the Space Star a friendly car for drivers who are less experienced or worried about navigating unfamiliar streets. Manual transmission helps you stay engaged and in control, and the car’s simple layout means there are few distractions inside.

Why choose this Mitsubishi Space Star instead of a larger car?

Larger cars offer more space, but they cost more to rent and use more fuel. The Space Star keeps both rental and running costs low while still carrying up to five people and their luggage. For many visitors, especially those travelling as a couple or small group, this balance makes it the smartest choice.