- The brand new Delica Mini made its first look in Japan forward of its market launch.
- It could look acquainted, however the kei automobile is totally redesigned and features new tech.
- Mitsubishi has additionally unveiled a brand new era of the mechanically-related ek Area.
The Japanese kei automobile phase has at all times been fiercely aggressive, pushing automakers to replace their smallest fashions extra usually than bigger automobiles. The Mitsubishi Delica Mini, launched in spring 2023, is already set for a brand new era arriving in autumn 2025. The refreshed model brings sharper styling, upgraded know-how, and a revised chassis setup to maintain tempo with rivals.
At first look, the brand new Delica Mini is immediately recognizable because it retains all the signature parts of its predecessor. A better look, although, exhibits that almost each exterior panel has been reworked.
Redesigned Exterior
On the entrance, the headlights with the Defender-style semicircular LED graphics have grown bigger, whereas the Jeep-inspired grille is thicker and has a protruding space across the emblem. The bumper has additionally been revised with body-colored Dynamic Defend parts, completely different intakes, and a extra distinguished skid plate.
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The hood, entrance fenders, and doorways are extra sculpted than earlier than, whereas the higher nook of the windshield has been moved forwards by 115 mm (4.5 inches), giving it a extra upright stance. One other essential change is the stable D-pillar changing the wraparound design of the earlier mannequin. Lastly, the rear finish options extra fashionable LED taillights, a body-colored trim on the tailgate and a bigger skid plate.
The colour palette has been refreshed with two new shades, Sand Beige Pearl and Denim Blue Pearl, accessible in single-tone and bi-tone configurations with a black roof. The three,395 mm (133.7 inches) lengthy mannequin retains the compact footprint of its predecessor and is in keeping with Japan’s kei automobile rules.
Mitsubishi Delica Mini
The inside adopts a extra fashionable digital cockpit with a 7-inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment built-in in the identical panel. We additionally discover nicer supplies with a premium-looking beige trim, improved insulation, and extra choices for the configurable seating structure. Tools features a wider suite of ADAS and a 3D Multi Round Monitor that makes use of 4 digicam sensors.
Mitsubishi has but to announce the specs of the brand new Delica Mini, however the outgoing mannequin is powered by a three-cylinder 658 cc gasoline engine. The mill generates 51 hp (38 kW / 52 PS) and 60 Nm (44 lb-ftr) of torque in naturally aspirated kind, whereas the turbocharged model churns out 63 hp (47 kW / 64 PS) and 100 Nm (74 lb-ft). Energy is transmitted to both the entrance (FWD) or all 4 wheels (full-time 4WD) solely by a CVT automated gearbox.
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The motive force can selected amongst 5 modes (Energy, Regular, Eco, Gravel, and Snow) relying on the terrain. The kei automobile rides on new Kayaba Prosmooth shock absorbers which supposedly enhance the journey high quality along with a revised suspension setup which is completely different on 4WD fashions.
A Non-Rugged Companion
Mitsubishi has additionally unveiled the brand new era of the eK Area. The tiny van shares the identical underpinnings, inside, and a big portion of the sheet metallic with the Delica Mini. Nonetheless, it has a special entrance finish, sits nearer to the bottom, and does with out the plastic cladding and skid plates of its sibling.
The automaker has determined to discontinue the eK Cross Area variant which was made out of date by the considerably extra well-liked Delica Mini. The fashions are intently associated to the brand new Nissan Roox that was additionally unveiled earlier at this time.
The market launch of Mitsubishi’s new kei vehicles within the Japanese market is scheduled for this autumn. The Delica Mini will likely be priced between ¥1.95-2.95 million ($13,100-19,900), whereas the eK Area will value ¥1.75-1.95 ($11,800-13,100).
Mitsubishi eK Area