Mitsubishi Delica - a minivan with decent performance

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Mitsubishi Delica is a nine-seater minivan produced by the Japanese automobile concern Mitsubishi Motors. The first car rolled off the assembly line in 1968, and since then five generations of this popular brand have been replaced. Initially, the car was assembled on the basis of a pickup truck and was intended for service and delivery of various goods. The name of the model comes from a combination of the words "delivery" - delivery and "car" - auto. Later, several modifications appeared: a cargo-passenger version, a cruiser for long-distance travel and a universal city minivan for business trips.

The car was sold in different countries under different names:

• in Europe and New Zealand - Mitsubishi Delica L300 and L400;
• in the USA - "Mitsubishi Van" and "Mitsubishi Wagon";
• in Australia - "Mitsubishi Express" and "Starwagon";
• on the European market, the purely passenger version - "Star Wagon" was sold under the name "Star Gear";
• in Japan itself -"Delica Cargo", "D:2" and "D:5".

Second Generation

While the first generation Mitsubishi Delica, a pickup truck with a payload capacity of 600 kilograms, traveled around delivering goods, the second generation Delica was being developed in Mitsubishi Motors design offices. The new passenger version received the name Star Wagon and a number of technological improvements. The salon was designed for nine comfortable seats, an air conditioning system, audio and video terminals. Mitsubishi Delica, the left hand drive for which was installed only by request, has become a universal and popular model.

The car was introduced to the general public in 1979 and immediately established itself as reliable, economical and inexpensive to maintain. The popularity of the model grew rapidly, and this served as an incentive for its further production. In 1982, the first 4WD van was launched.

Third generation

In 1986, the sale of the third generation Mitsubishi Delica was announced with a new body, an improved security system and an unprecedented number of all kinds of bells and whistles that make any trip a pleasure. The level of comfort in the cabin was extraordinary, the car was soft, the shock absorbers worked flawlessly. The speed characteristics also did not leave much to be desired due to the high aerodynamic properties of the car. The Japanese are well versed in the advantages and disadvantages of their cars, so the demand for Mitsubishi Delica,whose characteristics were impeccable, kept at a high level for a long time. But, since even a perfect model needs periodic updating, Delica has not escaped reconstruction.

Before the appearance of the fourth generation car in 1994 on the world market, the Mitsubishi Delica Wagon was restyled twice (in 1991-92). The changes concerned external paraphernalia, the car received new, more modern optics, an updated front bumper, ergonomic seats and airbags around the entire perimeter of the cabin. Since 1992, the car has been fitted with ABS as standard.

The power plant of the Star Wagon is four petrol engines and one diesel. Gasoline engines "Saturn" and "Sirius" of different sizes and power, carburetor, were installed on rear-wheel drive cars. The diesel engine of the brand "Cyclone" was equipped with all-wheel drive versions. The transmission was offered in two versions - a 4-speed manual and a 5-speed semi-automatic.

Fourth Generation

The fourth generation car - Space Gear - appeared in 1994. It was a 4WD minivan similar to the Padjero Sport in terms of chassis and powertrain. In addition to the passenger Delica Space Gear, there were no other models, the cargo version was completely absent. And the Space Gear model received good off-road capabilities, all-wheel drive with a differential lock, upshifts and downshifts. Overall dimensions of the machine: 4460 mm - length, 1695 mm - width, 2090 mm - height.

The clearance of the Delica Space Gear is 210 mm and can vary within 20 mm. Vehicle weight - 1730 kilograms.

Restyling

In 2004, Space Gear received a new optics: all the headlights of the car, including the rear lights, changed their location, shape and settings. Fog lights are standard. The seats have been reupholstered, leather has replaced velour, and the steering wheel has also been upholstered in genuine leather. The cabin has more precious wood trim, and the dashboard has acquired a noble matte finish.

Delica Space Gear load capacity - up to 800 kilograms, chassis design - used for machines of this class, all-metal frame-type body with a classic layout of the main units, spring front suspension and rear suspension with semi-elliptical springs. Stability on the course of the car is ensured by a fairly low center of gravity and the frame structure of the load-bearing body, since all units are arranged on the lower tier, and the engine is pushed deep into the body and is located between the front wheels. Thus, the balance of the entire structure is maintained with an even distribution of the load.

Concept car

In 2005, the D5 concept car was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show, which can compete with Delica Space Gear in all respects. The car is six-seater, quite comfortable, with a spacious interior and two sliding doors that provide access to the rearseats.