Mitsubishi introduces a fully redesigned
Delica D:5 with "safety and peace of mind" as main theme. This 5th generation fuses the minivan and SUV categories into one vehicle.
It is through an inevitable press release that the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announced the japanese launch of the new Delica D:5, "a minivan that delivers monobox roominess and utility together with high levels of performance and stability in on- and off-road driving".
The 2.4 liter AWD Delica D:5 goes on sale at affiliated dealerships in Japan carrying a tax inclusive price ranging from 2.614.500 to 3.412.500 yens.
The Design
The new Delica D:5 features a boxy body sitting on large wheels and tires, the front end uses a powerfully crafted vertical bar grill to join the headlamps together and therefore create a strong look. The rear shares the same treatment with the combination lamps and tailgate garnish running the full width of the tail in a single band.
The interior was designed to cocoon the occupants and instill a reassuring sense of being safely protected, the dashboard is functional in order to give the driver intuitive and optimal access to switches and controls.
The potential buyers will have 14 body colors to chose from including 7 two-tone color schemes headlights and 7 monotone colors depending on what expression you want to give your Delica D:5. Two interior color schemes are proposed: Dark Grey and Beige.
Before taking a closer look at the mechanical part it has to be said that the 2nd and 3rd row seats sit on longer slide rails, allowing the seating to be ideally tailored to different passenger and luggage loads and assuring generous knee room in all seats even when slid forward.
Under the bonnet
When it comes to the powertrain the new Mitsubishi Delica D:5 uses an improved version of the compact 2.4 liter 16 valves DOHC MIVEC engine and was developed to a high-power, low consumption, lightweight concept.
All models earn a 4-star rating for emissions that are 75% lower than Japan's 2005 Emission Regulation requirements and return mileage that is 10% better than the 2010 Fuel Economy Standards and thereby qualify for the Green Vehicle Tax exemption status.
The fuel economy is increased by the use of the INVECS-III CVT automatic gearbox (which automatically shifts to the optimal gear ratio and is available with 6-speed sport Mode and paddle shifters to give manual gear change possibility).
Every version uses Mitsubishi's electronically controlled 4WD system that optimally tailors front/rear wheel torque split to the driving conditions. Moreover a selector dial allows the driver to switch between 3 drive modes : 2WD, 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK.
With all those exciting equipments and many more, Mitsubishi plans on selling about 2.300 new Delica D:5 per month.
As a Nihoncar.com bonus, enjoy the pictures of the safety car vehicle made by Mistubishi on a Delica basis and used for the Dakar Rally.
Posted on 31/01/07 By F.B
