Suzuki Solio/Mitsubishi Delica D:2 (MA37S/27S)

The Suzuki Solio or Mitsubishi Delica D:2 in case you went to your nearest Mitsubishi dealer, has been regenerated to its newest generation and whether you like it or not, the new model promises to deliver the same convenience delivered from its predecessors. Small on size, big on space, fuel-efficient, it's the compact minivan that fits through Japan's driving conditions in the midst of the new normal.

Starting at 1,515,800 Japanese Yen (or 1,883,200 Yen if you're in a Mitsubishi dealer for a reason), the new model still offers a choice of two different styles such as the normal and the more stylish Bandit/Custom. Whichever style you go for, you are still welcomed by its modest space and fuel efficiency that is worth questioning.

Looking through the exterior design, the normal Solio/Delica D:2 looks more like a first-gen Spacia Custom when you squint your eyes hard while taking a closer look while the Solio Bandit/Delica D:2 Custom looks more like a Peugeot SUV with some Genesis-esque headlamps on it. Either way, they're still as boxy as their predecessors and they're similarly sized as well, although it's now 20mmm wider than the old one. Good.

Because the new models are now wider than the previous model, you can expect some more room on the interior for up to four people to get themselves accommodated. While the new dashboard is a bit above average for the owners, its added width makes it slightly roomier for either single-child families, joyriders, or even deliverymen using it to deliver the goods to customers. This small minivan works with all walks of life, well, almost.

The new Solio/Delica D:2 still runs on Suzuki's Mild Hybrid technology that works in tandem with SUZUKI GREEN TECHNOLOGY. It's the same K12C Dual Jet engine producing 91PS of power and 118Nm of torque, while coupled with an Integrated Starter Generator, Lithium-ion Battery, an updated idling stop system, and CVT like the previous model. Fuel economy? An honest 19.6kmpl based on WLTC mode standards. Don't worry, they're not exaggerating like last time because this was proven in the real world, I believe. Sadly, no full hybrid on the lineup but why bother?

Both the Solio and the Delica D:2 are offered with mild-hybrid tech but if you're itching for the one with the normal K12C engine without the mild hybrid bits, you'd be better of with the Solio. Either way, in terms of dynamics, thanks to whatever the heck they've done, the new models now weigh over a ton so you might expect that the handling's suffered from the added weight but it didn't bother anyway.

Of course, you can still expect front MacPherson struts and an old-fashioned rear torsion beam as usual so expect the handling to be pretty average for a compact minivan like this but because it now runs on Suzuki's HEARTECT platform, the new Solio/Delica D:2 feels more of an improvement compared to the previous model.

The new Solio/Delica D:2 features a new version of SUZUKI SAFETY SUPPORT, which is a suite of safety features such as Lane Departure Warning function, wandering alarm function, high beam assist, sign recognition function, advance car departure notice function, dual sensor brake support, false start suppression, brake support, backward error start suppression, and more. It's the safest Solio/Delica D:2 offered for those who are willing to get back from another tough day at the office.

And there you have it. The new Solio/Delica D:2 is starting to feel like it's been improved despite the lack of a proper hybrid variant. With the added width, honest fuel efficiency, the added safety, and improved dynamics thanks to its HEARTECT platform, this tiny minivan's evolved.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation/Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Mitsubishi New Delica D:2 (MB36S)

The latest-generation Suzuki Solio, in normal and Bandit models, are rebadged by Mitsubishi as the all-new Delica D:2, in normal and Custom guise. Let's check out the latest model and we thought Mitsubishi had enough of rebadging Suzuki cars ever since the NMKV.

2016 Mitsubishi Delica D:2

2016 Mitsubishi Delica D:2 Custom

Yes, this is broadly similar to the current Suzuki Solio a few months ago and while the badges are the main difference between the two models, it's now taller than the old model, more roomier, and now, a lot more fuel-efficient.

In partial terms of safety, the new D:2 comes with the available dual camera brake support system which detects incoming pedestrians and vehicles and it can even engage an auto brake in an event of a pre-collision scenario. There are other safety features such as Lane Departure Warning, Stagger Alarm Function, Preceding Vehicle Start Alert, Emergency Stop Signal that warns drivers at the back, ESP, and 4-wheel ABS.

The new D:2 is now a mild-hybrid small minivan fitted with a brand new K12C Dual Jet engine producing 91PS of power and 118Nm of torque while coupled with an Integrated Starter Generator, Lithium-ion Battery, an updated idling stop system, and CVT, which is rather unsurprising for an average driver. With these, the fuel economy is now 27.8kmpl based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards.

The normal Delica D:2 starts at 1,787,400 to 2,187,000 Japanese Yen while the more stylish Delica D:2 Custom starts at 1,963,440 to 2,089,800 Japanese Yen. They're both available to buy at your nearest Mitsubishi dealerships across Japan.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

The Mitsubishi Delica family

For several years, the Delica name remains sacred to the Mitsubishi history because it's the series of vans coveted by Japanese families because of its practicality and versatility. It's the 21st Century, and the Delica story has been changed since the arrival of the Mitsubishi Delica D:5 in 2007. Yes, we had this around for five years but haven't aged a bit. Mitsubishi kept themselves busy to keep the Delica name alive and hey, in 2011, they have another Delica models only this time borrowed from other Japanese car manufacturers. The Delica D:2 is essentially a Suzuki Solio with a Mitsubishi badge on it while the Delica D:3 is a triple-diamond star version of the Nissan NV200 Vanette.

Question is, how does these Delica models compare?

Mitsubishi Delica D:5

Mitsubishi Delica D:5

PRICE LIST:

2.0 M 8-seater - 2,330,000 Yen

2.0 G Power Package 7/8-seater - 2,661,000 Yen

2.4 M 8-seater 4WD - 2,772,000

2.4 G Power Package 7/8-seater 4WD - 3,072,000 Yen

2.4 G Premium 7/8-seater 4WD - 3,619,000 Yen

The Mitsubishi Delica D:5 may look stodgy and old, but still catching up in today's trends. 2WD variants come with the 2.0L 4J11 4-cylinder SOHC MIVEC engine that produces 150PS of power and 191Nm of torque while mated with a CVT. Fuel economy based on the JC08 cycle is 13.6km/L.

Meanwhile, 4WD models come with the 2.4L 4B11 DOHC MIVEC engine that generates 170PS of power and 226Nm of torque. Fuel economy is 11.2km/L based on the JC08 test cycle.

Mitsubishi Delica D:2

Mitsubishi Delica D:2

PRICE LIST:

1.2 X - 1,542,000 Yen

1.2 S - 1,656,000 Yen

1.2 S AS&G - 1,747,000 Yen

1.2 X 4WD - 1,667,000 Yen

1.2 S 4WD - 1,779,000 Yen

The Delica D:2 is powered by a K12B engine that generates 91PS of power and 118Nm of torque. For 2WD models, it has a fuel economy of  20.6km/L but if you're opted with the Auto Stop & Go function, this will have the fuel economy raised to 21.8km/L. For 4WD variants of the D:2, this will get up to 18.8km/L.

Mitsubishi Delica D:3

Mitsubishi Delica D:3

PRICE LIST:

1.6 M (5-seater) - 1,889,000 Yen

1.6 G (7-seater) - 1,984,000 Yen

The Delica D:3 is powered by a 1.6L HR16DE engine that produces 109PS of power and 152Nm of torque. 5-seater variants of the D:3 will have a fuel economy of 13.2km/L while the 7-seater D:3 has a fuel economy of 12.8km/L.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Well, the Delica D:5 is the top of the Delica family because not only it carries up to either 7 or 8 people but also it has tons of features that you are expecting for a minivan. Also, it has INVECS-III 6-speed Sport Mode CVT to make things a little bit smoother. The Delica D:3 and the D:2 are just borrowed from different carmakers. The D:2 maybe the baby of the Delica range while the D:3 is a workhorse suitable for a simple Japanese family. Sadly though, I don't need some more explanations because for me, I think that the Delica D:5 is the better bet because unlike the D:2 and D:3, it's the best Mitsubishi minivan for the average Japanese family. I may gonna say that the Delica D:5 is a Japan-only car but what I heard, it's available also in Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and that's it.

2013MY Suzuki Palette and Solio has improved fuel consumption

Suzuki Palette

Suzuki Solio

 

For the 2013 model year, the Suzuki Palette range and the Suzuki Solio got their fuel consumption data improved.

Variants of the Palette and the Palette SW that comes with FF layout and natural aspiration 660cc engine get an improved CVT, resulting a 20.8km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode scale. The Solio, on the other hand, also got an improved CVT, resulting a fuel economy of 20.6km/L on the JC08 Mode scale. Those CVT were upgraded to lower friction.

Prices for the 2013 Palette range starts at 1,207,500 Yen up to 1,499,400 Yen while the 2013 Solio costs about 1,382,850 up to 1,683,150 Yen.

Scoop: http://www.carview.co.jp/news/0/161671/

Suzuki adds IDLING STOP on the Solio. Releases special edition "BLACK & WHITE"

2012 Suzuki Solio BLACK & WHITE

Most people love the all new Suzuki Solio probably because of the commercial starring famous J-POP male group, KAT-TUN. We couldn't confess it but because of such popularity, the new Suzuki Solio won the 2011 Good Design Award. To commemorate its popularity, Suzuki launched the much awaited idling stop variant for the Solio.

The idling stop system equipped on the Solio's K12B engine will provide a maximum fuel economy of 21.2km/L JC08 and 24.5km/L 10-15. So far then, the Solio's ecology is shaping up well.

Also, Suzuki released a special edition Solio "BLACK & WHITE", which is available in two titular colors; Pearl White and Bluish Black Pearl. Special amenities include a smoke-colored grille, black interior, checkered seats, special 15" rims, BLACK & WHITE emblem, and loads of extras. This variant is all about unpredictability.

Scoop: http://carview.co.jp/news/0/157178/

URL: http://www.suzuki.co.jp/car/solio_bw/index.html

Mitsubishi Delica D:2

2012 Mitsubishi Delica D:2

When the new Suzuki Solio launched since December 24, 2010 (and already on sale since January 7, 2011), Mitsubishi Motors collaborated with Suzuki for selling their own version of the new Solio. As a result, in February 24, 2011, the Mitsubishi version of the second-generation Solio turned out to be "another Delica", coming to dealerships this March 10.

Calling this "another Delica" that slots next to the Delica D:5, my understanding about the new Delica D:2 is pretty much the same as the new Suzuki Solio. In case that Mitsubishi fans want to know more about the 2012 Mitsubishi Delica D:2, here are five things you should know about this "another Delica" that has the same features found on the new Suzuki Solio;

1) Big Space - The Mitsubishi Delica D:2 is very spacious indeed. Spacious enough to fit up to five people and its legroom is not so shabby either.

2) Sliding Doors - The Mitsubishi Delica D:2 has two sliding doors, making it a fun-to-access experience for this compact minivan made exclusively for Japanese Mitsubishi fans who think that the Delica D:5 is too expensive for them. They can be open either physically or from a touch of a button.

3) Seating arrangements - The Mitsubishi Delica D:2 has a wide array of seating arrangements that fits your every scenarios.

4) Fuel Economy - The Mitsubishi Delica D:2's K12B (1.2-litre 4-cylinder DOHC VVT engine) has a fuel economy of 22.5km/L (10-15 Mode, 20.0km/L in JC08 Mode). It comes with a CVT for optimized fuel efficiency.

5. Eco-car privileges; Most variants of the Mitsubishi Delica D:2 receive a 75% tax break as part of Japan's "Eco-car Genzei" system.

My thoughts about the Delica D:2:

Well, pretty much the same as the new Solio. Which means, there's nothing so special about the Mitsubishi version of the new Suzuki Solio, the Delica D:2. Just leave it to the Japanese Mitsubishi fans...

Just imagine that this is a new Suzuki Solio photoshopped with something Mitsubishi, well, this is no photoshopped Solio, this is the real deal!

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation