Mitsubishi Delica

Mitsubishi Delica: Background Continued

1979-1986

1979 saw the arrival of the first passenger cars, known initially as the Delica Star Estate, and then the Delica Space Gear in 1994. Use as a pickup truck design was stopped in 1994.

The second-generation Delica received some big design changes, with its width increased to a new maximum of 1,690mm. It was during this generation that the first 4WD models became available, in 1982 to be precise. This production run, despite its relatively short timeframe, also brought out many new engine options for the Delica, from 1.4L to 2.5L. It still retained its fairly boxy looks, however, though it nonetheless was popular for its time.

1986-1994

It was during the third generation that the more recognizable modern designs started to emerge in the Delica range. Edges were being softened and curves favoured over boxy corners. Buyers in Australia may recognize this generation’s model as the Starestate. The third generation was also interesting in that while production halted in Japan in 1994 with Mitsubishi, other brands kept using the build for their own versions for much longer into the future. Korea’s Hyundai continued until 2003, and the third generation is still produced in Taiwan.

Attraction as a JDM Import

What kinds of people have come to love the Mitsubishi Delica over the years? Below we explore several important reasons that make Delica — or should make — top of the list for many looking for a 4WD van or people carrier import from Japan.

Old but Comfortable

Many a JDM enthusiast has long since discovered that Japanese import cars are superlative because they offer many of the mod cons that didn’t arrive as standard features in many European or American cars until later. Delica models feature great additions like heated seats, electric mirrors, a huge sunroof if you want, and much more. You may think at first that it looks like a household appliance on wheels, but this van was built for comfort.

It’s 4WD

The 4WD models were rarely if ever exported from Japan, which means many buyers were missing out on a transmission and traction system that were actually shared with two other very popular SUV models, the Pajero and Pajero Junior. The 4WD system makes the vans incredibly capable; far more than you’d imagine from your first glance.

Outdoor Applications

Let’s say you are a couple looking to take budget holidays and not wanting to fork out for the expense of hotels or even guest houses. Well, the Mitsubishi Delica, originally built to seat around 8 people, can house the two of you very comfortably indeed. You can easily build out your campervan around the simple and accessible Delica architecture.

Easy Maintenance

Spare parts for the Mitsubishi Delica are still readily available, and the construction of the vehicle is also relatively straightforward, with no overly complex systems to worry about. This makes maintenance and/or repairs a simple matter, and you will unlikely ever have to worry about any kind of expensive repair bill shocks with the Delica.