Mitsubishi Delica
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Mitsubishi Delica | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors |
| Production | 1969–present |
| Class | SUV |
| Body style | 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".[1] 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.
Contents |
[edit] First generation (1969)
| Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon | |
|---|---|
| Production | 1969–79 |
| Engine | 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, its maximum payload was 600 kg and had a top end speed of 115 km/h. 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.
[edit] Second generation (1979)
| Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon | |
|---|---|
| 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.
[edit] Third generation (1986)
| Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Also called | Mitsubishi L300 Mitsubishi Express |
| Production | 1986–present |
| Related | Hyundai Grace Nissan Vanette |
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).
[edit] Fourth generation (1994)
| Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Also called | L400 |
| Production | 1994–present |
| Engine | 4D56 2.5 L TD I4 4G64 2.4 L I4 4M40 2.8 L TD I4 6G72 3.0 L V6 |
| Wheelbase | 2800–3000 mm |
| Length | 4595–5085 mm |
| Width | 1695 mm |
| Height | 1855–2070 mm |
| Curb weight | 1690–2170 kg |
The fourth generation is based on the chassis of a Mitsubishi Pajero 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.
Body specifications range from XR, XG, Exceed, Super Exceed and Royal Exceed, and both long and short wheelbase versions are available.
[edit] 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 |
(Sources: Fact & Figures 2000, Fact & Figures 2005, Mitsubishi Motors website)
[edit] Fifth generation (2007)
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.[2] It would be an eight-seater, offering four wheel drive and an INVECS-III continuously variable transmission, coupled to a 4B12 2.4 L MIVEC straight-4 engine. It was finally released in Japan on January 31, 2007, with prices ranging from ¥2,614,500 to ¥3,412,500.[3]
[edit] External links
- Mitsubishi Delica Owners Club UK Website
- Mitsubishi Delica Owners Club Australia Website
- Mitsubishi Delica Owners Club Canada
- videoclip of L400 Delica off road
- videoclip of L300 Delica hill climb
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ Fact & Figures 2005, p.33, Mitsubishi Motors website
- ^ "New Mitsubishi Motors mono-box minivan to be branded "Delica D:5", Mitsubishi Motors press release, October 30, 2006
- ^ "Mitsubishi Motors launches new Delica D:5", Mitsubishi Motors press release, January 31, 2007
