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Are you the new Delica? Mitsubishi teases Tokyo-bound new MPV
Concept will feature an electric powertrain, four-wheel-drive and "a high ground clearance".
Teased last month, Mitsubishi’s latest teaser image all but reveals the newcomer as an MPV either previewing or replacing the Delica outright. Image: Mitsubishi
In the clearest depiction yet, Mitsubishi has released a secondary image of a new concept due to be revealed at the Tokyo Mobility Show in just over two weeks’ time.
MPV it is
Although teased at the end of last month for the first time, the single blacked-out image provided little in the way of hints, apart from suggesting the newcomer as possibly an SUV or people carrier based on the direction of the rear headrests.
According to the latest depiction though, the concept boasts a distinct MPV appearance bolstered by the look of the rear window, the slab-sided appearance and by Mitsubishi’s own definition of it as an electrified crossover MPV.
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Going further, the automaker states the concept, “features a vastly spacious cabin with a sense of openness, and offers the cruising range and driving performance to handle all kinds of adventures”.
Also confirmed to be an EV, the description mentions it as featuring a “high ground clearance and an electric four-wheel drive system”, plus off-road tyres and the “ability to switch driving modes as the situation demands”.
New everything
While initially thought to preview the next generation Pajero Sport, the teaser all but confirms the concept as the preview of the next generation Delica Mitsubishi has been selling as the Delica D:5 since 2007.
A model still based on the DaimlerChrysler-era GS platform, the Delica D:5 has long been rumoured for markets outside of Japan, namely Australia and South Africa, though nothing has since come to fruition.
Powered exclusively by a 2.2-litre DI-D turbodiesel engine hooked to an eight-speed automatic gearbox in its current guise, the Delica D:5 also sports an electronically locking centre differential, the option of all-terrain tyres and three off-road modes; 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock.
While branded a concept, and therefore not part of the six new models Mitsubishi will debut this year as part of its bigger 16 model Challenge 2025 product roll-out, the unveiling of the still unnamed MPV is likely to attract significant attention given the popularity of the Delica in Japan.
More details soon
As it stands, little else continues to be known, however, don’t be surprised if more information and/or images emerge before the wraps come off in Tokyo on 25 October.
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