2nd Gen Mitsubishi eK Space (2024 facelift) and Delica Mini

The second-generation Mitsubishi eK Space has received a facelift to keep itself fresh and apart from that, its rugged sibling, the Delica Mini, joins the party, giving customers various ways and means to enjoy the traffic-friendly kei minivans Mitsubishi offered.

2024 Mitsubishi Delica Mini

2024 Mitsubishi eK Space

For the 2024 model year, the second-generation Mitsubishi eK Space is now updated with a heavily revised front view that is proven to be more stylish than its pre-facelifted model. The first-ever Delica Mini, meanwhile, is the rugged version of the eK Space that serves as the replacement for the now-axed eK X Space. With its rugged styling and the DELICA lettering etched on the front and back, the Delica Mini showcases its outdoorsy vibe fit for a quiet Sunday drive into the woods.

2024 Mitsubishi Delica Mini interior

2024 Mitsubishi eK Space interior

The interior looks pretty much the same as the pre-facelift model but it's got a new sat-nav offered as an available extra and that's pretty much about it. For more expensive models, you can expect some noticeable stuff you may find, well, noticeable, such as the back table at the back of the front seats, keyless entry, touch panel aircon, and others, not to mention the waterproof sheet fabric which is ideal when you accidentally spilled something. The Delica Mini inherits most of the interior features from the eK Space so you can expect the same stuff from it.

Either way, they are tall enough to let occupants stretch themselves on the inside and offer generous rear legroom and ample spacing fit for all kinds of stuff to do. Honest work.

2024 Mitsubishi Delica Mini

2024 Mitsubishi eK Space

Both the facelifted eK Space and the Delica Mini are equipped with the same BR06 three-cylinder DOHC 12V ECI engine bolted with a tiny electric motor and a CVT gearbox. Thanks to some slight improvements, the fuel economy is around 20.9kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards. The Delica Mini is offered exclusively with the turbocharged variant of the same engine producing 64PS of power output and 19.2kmpl of fuel economy.

In kei car tradition, both the eK Space and the Delica Mini are no sweat to drive thanks to their compact sizing, less complicated suspension setup, and available 4WD, not to mention a wide range of safety tech from e-Assist to MI-PILOT, making them true city class cars for everyday use.

The facelifted eK Space and the first-ever Delica Mini are now ready to take on the new normal for simple people looking to find new hobbies out of these kei minivans. Like it or not, these traffic-friendly kei minivans are ready to get the job done, no rush at all.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

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 Delica D:5 (2019 minor change)

The Mitsubishi Delica has been one of the most dependable people carriers for five decades and the legacy continues with the latest version of the Delica D:5, the minivan that carries the Delica tradition of being tough, dependable, and versatile for the Japanese family. So, what's it all about the latest minor change for Mitsubishi's decade-old Delica minivan?

2019 Mitsubishi Delica D:5

Mitsubishi labels the latest Delica D:5 an all-new car but in reality, this is basically a big minor change to the model that has been on the road since 2007, as old as Hyundai's Grand Starex when it gained a minor change a while back, but longevity aside, the new Delica D:5 promises new and exciting ways for the Japanese family to experience while taking road trips to numerous prefectures on the weekends or holidays.

2019 Mitsubishi Delica D:5

2019 Mitsubishi Delica D:5

There are two style variations the latest Delica D:5 such as the normal one which looks tough thanks to come SUV-like cladding while the new Urban Gear adds some minor aero stuff to make it more city focused but whichever Delica D:5 you're on, you are greeted by Mitsubishi's signature Dynamic Shield face that makes it more aggressive and sporty at every angle as well as its redesigned rear view for a more dramatic taste. Although odd-looking, the new shape really is the embodiment of Japanese minivans everywhere and it still works like every other minivan should.

2019 Mitsubishi Delica D:5 interior

2019 Mitsubishi Delica D:5 interior

On the inside, the redesigned interior of the Delica D:5 adds some freshness to one of Japan's most enduring minivans of this era and has plenty of room for family, friends, and relatives to make themselves while on the road. The eight-seater variants deliver the best out of its people carrier experience but those who want to get through the third-row seat easier in case all second-row seats are heavily occupied by child seats should be better off with the seven-seater variant. No matter the variant, the seats can be easily arranged for numerous purposes and provide a generous boot space for picnic stuff for the whole family to travel.

2019 Mitsubishi Delica D:5

2019 Mitsubishi Delica D:5

Being the only Japanese minivan at this age to be powered by a diesel engine, the Delica D:5 is powered only by a 2.2L Common Rail DI-D Clean Diesel engine that generates 145PS of power and 380Nm of torque while mated with an 8-speed Sports Mode AT, the fuel economy is about 12.6km/L on the WLTP scale. Apart from the engine that makes the Delica D:5 unrivaled, the optional 4WD with All Wheel Control makes the Delica D:5 capable of getting through tarmac, gravel, and snow. Word of advice that when in 2WD mode, most of the power is transferred to the front rather than to the back for stability purposes but when set to 4WD Lock, the Delica D:5 can be turned into a modest offroad minivan that can get through muddy and snowy roads and while it sounds too rough for a people carrier, the reinforced body and suspension setup really works its magic and that's something you can't do in your normal minivan.

As a certified Safety Support Car, the Delica D:5 is offered with Mitsubishi Safety Technology as well as e-Assist, making it a much safer car to travel from the beginning to the end of the day. Basic safety includes RISE body, SRS Airbags, ISO FIX, Multi-Around Monitor, Emergency Stop Signal, and others.

The Delica D:5 starts at 3,842,640 Japanese Yen (around $39,000) for the standard model while the Urban Gear starts at 4,067,280 Japanese Yen (around $40,700). So there we are, for a minivan as old as the Hyundai Grand Starex, the recently facelifted Delica D:5 continues to cater to today's Japanese families with its all-wheel drive capability, safety features, and versatile interior that makes it unrivaled.

Photo: 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

Mitsubishi adds Clean Diesel for the Delica D:5

Mitsubishi Delica D:5

There are some rumors that a diesel version of Mitsubishi's Delica D:5 minivan may come in the future and as it turns out this vision became a reality because Mitsubishi Motors Corporation just announced that they will add a Clean Diesel version of the Mitsubishi Delica D:5, which will hit showrooms in January 11, 2013 across Japan.

4N14 Engine

What to expect is Mitsubishi's brand new 2.2L 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine (4N14) that produces 148PS of power and 360Nm of torque. Mitsubishi claims that this new 4N14 diesel engine is reliable at low revs and smooth acceleration until high revs. With reduced pressure and temperature in the cylinder, it achieves a low compression ratio of 14.9. Fuel economy? Let's have a look...the Mitsubishi Delica D:5 with Clean Diesel engine has a fuel consumption of 13.6km/L based on JC08 Mode standards.

Prices start at 3,419,000 Yen for the 2.2 D Power Package up to 3,934,000 Yen for the 2.2 D Premium.

Scoop: http://www.carview.co.jp/news/1/178464/

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:3 (BM20)

2012 Mitsubishi Delica D:3

The partnership between Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan goes even further with the introduction of the Mitsubishi Delica D:3, the NV200 Vanette-based addition of the Mitsubishi Delica lineup which consists of the original Mitsubishi Delica D:5 and the Suzuki Solio-based Mitsubishi Delica D:2.

2012 Mitsubishi Delica D:3

It has the same boxy design you've expect from the Nissan NV200 Vanette but on the front, the Mitsubishi Delica D:3 features a different front grille but it does look more similar to the outdated Oliver Boulay-designed pizza grille used in the past Mitsubishi models.

2012 Mitsubishi Delica D:3 interior

On the interior, there is nothing too special about the Mitsubishi Delica D:3. This low-cost Mitsubishi MPV can accommodate up to seven passengers and it offers wide array of seating arrangements that fits your lifestyle. The Delica D:3 features some jersey-style two-tone seats but unfortunately, this is the only interior color available.

The Mitsubishi Delica D:3 uses Nissan's HR16DE engine that delivers 80kW(109PS)/6,000rpm of power, 152Nm(15.5kg-m)/4,400rpm of torque, and 13.2 of fuel economy, thanks to its 4-speed AT mounted on the inside for easy driving.

Available in five exterior colors such as Cool Silver Metallic, Super Black, Bluish Green Metallic, Rose Red Pearl, and White Pearl.

My Comment:
The Mitsubishi Delica D:3 shows that the partnership between Mitsubishi and Nissan goes even further but as for my personal preferences, the Mitsubishi Delica D:3 is not as practical as the Mitsubishi L300 Versa Van. Not an ideal van for me to drive but what makes it up is for small business owners. You know what, it does made me confused.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

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