Kei cars are getting more and more adventurous lately and one of the coolest-looking new models is the Mitsubishi Delica Mini, which goes on sale in Japan next month.
Mitsubishi officially previewed the Delica Mini on November 2022 and premiered it at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon in January, next to an off-road prepped concept. Mitsubishi has now released the full specs of the new Delica Mini ahead of its imminent market launch.
Despite sharing the same name, the new model has nothing in common with the much larger Delica D:5. The Delica Mini is actually the successor to the outgoing Ek X Space, which explains the similarities in size and proportions.
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The exterior has common features with its predecessor – especially in the large greenhouse area and the sculpted profile. However, the Delica Mini features a unique face with the latest variation of the “Dynamic Shield”, a Jeep-style grille, and LED headlight graphics reminiscent of the Land Rover Defender. Those elements, in combination with the skid plates and the glossy black stickers on the wheel arches and side skirts, create an adventurous stance, supported by dark-silver 15-inch alloy wheels and roof rails. Mitsubishi’s new kei car is available in 12 color variations, including the signature Ash Green Metallic.
As with most Japanese models, the Mitsubishi Delica Mini has an array of available accessories for extra personalization. The Active Tone Style pack brings black and white accents/decals for an urban look. Then there is the more outdoorsy Wild Adventure Style pack with silver and black accents/decals, red mud flaps, a roof rack, etc.
Moving inside, it is clear that the Delica Mini is an updated version of the eK X Space due to the carry-over design. Still, there are some changes including the new trim, a slightly larger 9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment, and the different shape of the climate vents.
Mitsubishi focused its efforts on practicality, offering cup holders for all passengers, a rear bench that reclines and slides by up to 320 mm (12.6 inches), and automatic sliding doors with a wide opening of 650 mm (25.6 inches). Other camping-friendly features include a strain-resistant, breathable, and water-repellant fabric for the upholstery, pull-up sunshades, plus an air purification and deodorization system.
Bear in mind that this is a vehicle with a tiny footprint, as it measures 3,395 mm (133.7 inches) long, 1,475 mm (58.1 inches) wide, and 1,830 mm (72 inches) tall with a wheelbase of 2,495 mm (98.2 inches). For a good measure, the electric Fiat 500 is a full 237 mm (9.3 inches) longer.
Under the bonnet lies a tiny three-cylinder 658 cc powertrain that is equipped with a mild-hybrid system. The combustion engine produces 51 hp (38 kW / 52 PS) in naturally-aspirated form, or 63 hp (47 kW / 64 PS) in turbocharged form, with an additional 3 hp (2 kW / 3 PS) coming from the electric motor. Power is transmitted to either the front (FWD) or to all four wheels (full-time 4WD) exclusively through a CVT automatic, while a small lithium-ion battery provides energy for the e-motor.
The Mitsubishi Delica Mini is designed for families with young children that want to enjoy nature, so the adventurous credentials are not limited to the design. Engineers tuned the shock absorbers with stability, comfort, and grip in mind, and opted for larger tires measuring 165/60R15. The available 4WD system and the Grip Control / Hill Descent Control allow the Delica Mini to step outside the tarmac for some light off-roading, while safety is also enhanced with the well-rounded Mi-Pilot ADAS suite.
The Mitsubishi Delica Mini will go on sale in Japan on May 25, priced between ¥1,804,000 ($13,728) to ¥2,238,500 ($17,035) depending on the specification. The automaker announced they have already received around 9,000 orders for the kei car since last January, with 60% of the buyers opting for 4WD and 80% choosing the highest-spec trim. Rival models include the Daihatsu Tanto FunCross and the Suzuki Hustler.
