The Mitsubishi Delica all-purpose off-road van is under consideration for Australia, and we spotted an example today owned by the local arm.
We saw one in Sydney but unfortunately we couldn’t get our phone camera out quick enough to take a photo. It was a black example of the current-generation, wearing South Australian number plates (Mitsubishi Australia is based in SA and most press vehicles wear an SA plate).
After digging around and speaking with a dealership (that asked not to be mentioned), we understand Mitsubishi is currently showing the vehicle to showrooms to see if they think there is customer appeal for it. It’s understood if there is enough appeal, Mitsubishi could officially send over a certain allocation for the Australian market.
It seems Mitsubishi Australia has considered the Delica before, with a report from Carsales dating back to 2019 confirming local evaluation. According to the report, the Delica is one of the most popular imported vehicles for Mitsubishi, at least at the time.
More recently, in April 2023, a report from WhichCar spoke about an official Delica stationed at Mitsubishi’s local headquarters in Adelaide, which was “brought over for market evaluation,” the report says. However, the example we spotted today – likely that very example mentioned by WhichCar – is a current D:5 whereas any official Aussie version would be based on the next-gen model.
In its current D:5 specification, the people-mover is powered by a 2.2-litre (2268cc) turbo-diesel four-cylinder that produces 107kW and 380Nm. This is paired to an eight-speed automatic. The 4N14 unit is different to the 4N15 2.4 powering the local Triton and Pajero Sport.
Speaking of which, the Delica does not share the same platform as the Triton/Pajero Sport, despite boasting good off-road capability. Instead, it’s based on the GS platform shared with the previous-gen Outlander and current Eclipse Cross, debuting back in 2006.
In terms of the external dimensions, the Delica D:5 is 25mm shorter than the Pajero Sport, 20mm narrower, but 40mm taller. The wheelbase is actually 50mm longer in the Delica, giving you some idea of its people-carrying capability.
The example we saw had two seats in the second row, but other seating configurations are offered in the markets where the Delica is available. With a straight-cut rear end, there isn’t much boot space leftover in the Delica when all three rows are up, compared with the Pajero Sport.
In terms of off-road capability, the Delica is offered with an All Wheel Control (AWC) four-wheel drive system, first designed for the late Lancer Evolution, with a 4WD lock function for serious conditions. Mitsubishi also offers a special Ralliart edition in some markets, featuring hardcore Yokohama off-road tyres and unique wheels, and JAOS suspension.
At this stage it’s unclear if there will be an Australia introduction, but since the next-gen Delica is not expected until around 2025, we might have to wait a bit to hear more.
