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New Mitsubishi Delica D:5 Is an Awesome Minivan-SUV Mashup

Minivans are still among the most popular models in Asia, with ever-bolder styling and impressive features. And for many years, Mitsubishi's claim to fame was the Delica, a unique machine which had as much off-road capability as a Pajero.
New Mitsubishi Delica D:5 Is an Awesome Minivan-SUV Mashup 13 photos
Photo: Mitsubishi
New Mitsubishi Delica D:5 Is an Awesome Minivan-SUV MashupNew Mitsubishi Delica D:5 Is an Awesome Minivan-SUV MashupNew Mitsubishi Delica D:5 Is an Awesome Minivan-SUV MashupNew Mitsubishi Delica D:5 Is an Awesome Minivan-SUV MashupNew Mitsubishi Delica D:5 Is an Awesome Minivan-SUV MashupNew Mitsubishi Delica D:5 Is an Awesome Minivan-SUV MashupNew Mitsubishi Delica D:5 Is an Awesome Minivan-SUV MashupNew Mitsubishi Delica D:5 Is an Awesome Minivan-SUV MashupNew Mitsubishi Delica D:5 Is an Awesome Minivan-SUV MashupNew Mitsubishi Delica D:5 Is an Awesome Minivan-SUV MashupNew Mitsubishi Delica D:5 Is an Awesome Minivan-SUV MashupNew Mitsubishi Delica D:5 Is an Awesome Minivan-SUV Mashup
Even though you've probably never heard of it, the Delica was introduced in 1968, 50 years ago, which makes it older than the VW Golf.

And now there's a new one. For 2019, the Delica D:5 looks much more modern, thanks to a design infusion from out Eclipse and other Mitsubishi models. The front end features a large grille which together with the narrow LED headlights forms the shape of the letter X.

Of course, Mitsubishi is still a very small automaker, and the Delica is only sold in a few markets like Japan, Indonesia, and Taiwan. So the all-new Delica is based on the older model. You can easily tell this by looking at the profile, where they've kept most of the door metalwork intact.

Diversity has always been key to the survival of Japanese automakers, and the D:5 has many trim levels. It also has an urban body kit with low skirts and an off-road model with silver scuff plates. The wheels also range from 16 to 18 inches.

The main powertrain is a 2.2-liter 4N14 direct-injection diesel which usually produces 145 HP and 380 Nm, sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic. However, the off-road model has a 6-speed which can only tolerate 360 Nm. In some markets, the Delica will continue to sell with its older 2.0-liter SOHC gasoline engine making 150 HP and 191 Nm of torque.

This SUV cure is available with up to eight seats and in its most rugged configuration has an approach angle of 24 degrees plus 210mm of ground clearance. The interior looks pretty much unchanged, but new safety systems have introduced, such as collision mitigation, rear cross traffic alert, and even radar cruise control. Is this Nissan tech?

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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