Mitsubishi Delica

Mitsubishi Delica
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Production	1969–present
Class	SUV
Body style(s)	minivan

The Mitsubishi Delica is a range of multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) built by Mitsubishi Motors since 1969. It was originally based on a small pickup truck introduced the previous year, also called the Delica, its name derived from the English "DELIvery CAr". This truck, and a commercial van derived from it, was later rebadged as L300 and thereafter the Delica nameplate was reserved for the non-commercial market.

First generation (1969)

Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Production	1969–79
Engine(s)	1088 cc

The production of the Delica light commercial cab-over pickup began in 1968. Using a KE44 1.1 L engine producing 58 PS (57 hp/43 kW), its maximum payload was 600 kg (1323 lb) and had a top end speed of 115 km/h (71 mph). A year later, in line with consumer needs, a cargo van and a passenger van were added to the lineup. The passenger van adopted the name Star Wagon and could seat nine people in three rows of seats.

Second generation (1979)

Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Production	1979–86

The Delica's popularity meant that in 1979 the line-up was expanded to include ten model variations encompassing a wide variety of passenger, cargo and recreational applications. A four-wheel drive option was made available in 1982, a first in the Japanese van market.

Third generation L300 Star Wagon(1986)

Mitsubishi Delica L300 Star Wagon
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Also called	Mitsubishi L300 Mitsubishi Express
Production	1986–present
Body style(s)	P35W body
Engine(s)	4D56 turbodiesel
Transmission(s)	4-speed auto, 5-speed manual
Fuel capacity	60–75 litres
Related	Hyundai Grace

In 1986 the Delica underwent its third full model change. More aerodynamic than previous versions, its monocoque body and extensive safety features proved very popular in Japan's fast-growing recreational vehicle market segment.

Although the subsequent L400 Space Gear was introduced in 1994, the L300 model remained in production in parallel until 1998. Thereafter, Mitsubishi sold badge engineered Mazda Bongos, an arrangement also followed by Hyundai (Grace) and Nissan (Vanette).

Fourth generation L400 Space Gear (1994)

Mitsubishi Delica L400 Series 1
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Also called	Space Gear - L400
Production	1994–present
Engine(s)	4D56 2.5 L TD I4 4G64 2.4 L I4 4M40 2.8 L TD I4 6G72 3.0 L V6
Wheelbase	2800 mm (110.2 in) – 3000 mm (118.1 in)
Length	4595 mm (180.9 in) – 5085 mm (200.2 in)
Width	1695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1855 mm (73 in) – 2070 mm (81.5 in)
Curb weight	1690 kg (3726 lb) – 2170 kg (4784 lb)

The fourth generation is based on the chassis of a Mitsubishi Pajero (known as a Shogun in the UK) and has full off road capabilities, with four-wheel drive, high and low ratio gears and differential locking. It has engine variations from 2.5 litres through to a 2.8 L intercooled turbodiesel. A 2.4 L and a 3.0 L V6 petrol engine with 12 or 24 valves, each with 4 gears and overdrive. Apart from the 2.8 L diesel model they are available as a two or a four wheel drive version.

(1993–1996)

Fuel system: Distributor type injection pump
Compression ratio: 21:1
Power: 92 kW (125 PS) at 4000 rpm
Torque: 294 N·m (217 ft·lbf) at 2000 rpm

Body specifications range from XR, XG, Exceed, Super Exceed and Royal Exceed, and both long and short wheelbase versions were available.

Fourth generation (L400) - Series 2 (1996)

In 1996/1997 the Delica Space Gear was upgraded with a facelift model. The upgrade is mostly cosmetic with changes to the lighting clusters and front bodypanel, with the integration of a moulded bumper in place of the original three section bullbar. The engine was upgraded with an electronic control type distribution type jet pump and an electronic sidestep was made standard on the higher specification versions.

(1996–present)

Fuel system: Electronic control type distribution type jet pump
Compression ratio: 21:1
Power: 103 kW (140 PS) at 4000 rpm
Torque: 314 N·m (232 ft·lbf) at 2000 rpm

Fourth generation (L400) - Series 2

Fifth generation (2007)

Mitsubishi Delica D5
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Also called	D:5
Production	2007–present
Engine(s)	4B12 2.4 L MIVEC straight-4
Transmission(s)	INVECS-III

On October 30, 2006 Mitsubishi Motors announced that the next generation of its monobox minivan would be called the Delica D:5, based on the Concept D-5 prototype first exhibited at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show in 2005. It is an eight-seater, that features Mitsubishi's AWC four wheel drive system and an INVECS-III continuously variable transmission, coupled to a 4B12 2.4 L MIVEC straight-4 engine. Based on a new global GS platform, new Delica features Mitsubishi's next-generation RISE safety body.

It was finally released in Japan on January 31, 2007, with prices ranging from ¥2,614,500 to ¥3,412,500.

Production

Year	Japan	Philippines	Taiwan	China
1995	109,930	n/a	n/a
1996	88,978	n/a	n/a
1997	69,495	n/a	n/a
1998	34,614	n/a	n/a
1999	17,758	n/a	n/a
2000	28,242	2,918	8,125
2001	12,965	2,079	5,133	690
2002	17,456	2,925	4,192	600
2003	13,011	3,529	5,166	13,710
2004	16,432	2,826	3,862	16,074
2005	16,444	3,685	2,315	5,960
2006	16,041	3,992	1,160	-