Mitsubishi Motors Corporation fully redesigned its super height-wagon kei-cars (microcars) Delica Mini and eK Space. Let’s take a closer look at the substantial improvements made through redesigning these very popular models.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereinafter, “Mitsubishi Motors”) began selling the fully redesigned Delica Mini and eK Space super height-wagon kei-cars through dealerships across Japan at the end of October.
Launched in May 2023, the Delica Mini has enjoyed widespread popularity as an emblematic model for the Mitsubishi Motors brand, driving domestic sales with over 3,000 units per month. Winner of the Design Car of the Year at the 2023-2024 Japan Car of the Year awards, and recipient of the special award for commercial campaign that inspired consumers at Brand of the Year 2023 in Japan, the Delica Mini has won over many fans through TV commercials featuring its official mascot, Deli Maru.

The new Delica Mini has been fully redesigned based on the concept of an “evolved, active and reliable companion” that inspires a sense of adventure in drivers. At the same time, the eK Space has been reimagined as a “car that brings peace to everyday life,” offering safety, reassurance, and comfort for daily living. Both models have evolved in every aspect, from exterior and interior design to driving performance, safety features, ease of handling, and user-friendliness.

The all-new Delica Mini introduces the DELIMARU Package, which comes standard with an infotainment system with Google built-in – a first for a Mitsubishi vehicle in Japan – as well as a 3D Multi Around Monitor, a digital rearview mirror, front and rear drive recorders, and an ETC 2.0 system. Kosuke Fujii, Chief Product Specialist in the company's Product Strategy Division, said:

“The redesigned model retains all the popular features of the previous model, including tough and endearing styling, as well as a spacious interior space and powerful driving performance. At the same time, it is more advanced in terms of exterior and interior design, overall driving performance, and safety features. The interior, in particular, has undergone significant evolution. In terms of driving performance, it is the first kei-car to feature drive modes that allow you to select the optimum driving depending on road conditions, and it is equipped with infotainment system with Google built-in. The key point of this model change is that it has maintained the well-received aspects of the previous model while further improving them.”

The Delica Mini is a super height-wagon kei-car named after the Delica minivan, which combines a spacious interior space with powerful driving performance. The main feature of this model change is the styling that further enhances the outdoor image of the vehicle. At the front, the semicircular LED position lights have been enlarged to express even greater endearing character that is both dignified and approachable. Also, the Dynamic Shield, which expresses strength and a sense of security, has been retained. The upper grille features a new design with built-in radar and higher-performance sensors.

“Defining the direction for the design evolution from the current model was a challenge for us. We explored a range of design patterns and continued internal discussions until the last minute,” recalled Mr. Fujii. The body color lineup consists of 15 options, with six two-tone and nine monotone colors. This time, two new colors have been added: Sand Beige Pearl, which harmonizes with camping gear, and Denim Blue Pearl, which blends in with outdoor activities.

The second feature of the new model is its class-competitive cabin space and functional, high-quality interior. “The interior design emphasizes toughness as well as functionality and quality, evoking the feeling of being surrounded by useful tools that make driving enjoyable. Storage solutions have also been optimized for maximum convenience,” explained Mr. Fujii. Higher trim levels feature a beige base color that evokes the image of glamping cottage furniture, while standard grades use black as the base color. The difference in height caused by reclining the front seats or folding the rear seats forward has been reduced by roughly 30%, resulting in a flatter and more relaxing interior space. A 12.3-inch infotainment system with Google built-in and a 7-inch LCD meter are integrated into a monolith display that stretches from the center of the instrument panel to the driver’s seat. This layout enhances visibility and operability.

The third feature is safe, secure and comfortable driving performance in any weather. Engine component friction has been reduced, and the program for CVT speed changes has been improved, delivering an excellent combination of engine power and environmental performance. Further, drive modes with specially tuned engine responses and controls such as Active Stability Control (ASC), which are adopted for models such as the Outlander PHEV, have been incorporated into the model, making it the first kei-car to have such drive modes. Drivers can select and set five drive modes based on road conditions, such as snowy or muddy roads.

“Safe and secure driving performance is ensured for a range of activities, even during active outdoor adventures. For all our models, we place the highest priority on comfortable driving performance, as it is essential to expressing the Mitsubishi Motors’ brand,” said Mr. Fujii. Moreover, the infotainment system with Google built-in enables users to play audio with Google Assistant, get the latest map info and real-time traffic updates on Google Maps, and install other apps on Google Play.
“The Delica Mini is a kei-car primarily intended for daily driving, but its true appeal lies in its added versatility. For example, it is easy to handle in a variety of situations, such as camping. This flexibility is one of the reasons it has earned widespread popularity among families and women across generations,” explained Mr. Fujii.

This redesigned model offers excellent maneuverability for city driving, paired with a modern, friendly design that appeals to all generations. Its spacious interior contributes to comfortable driving. In pursuit of a modern, high-quality exterior design, the body color lineup consists of eight monotone options, including the newly introduced Denim Blue Pearl. The interior features an instrument panel with a 7-inch color LCD meter, creating both a sense of advanced technology and an air of refinement. The soft, gray-themed design creates an atmosphere that is appealing to people of all genders and ages. Using the drive mode selector, drivers can choose from three drive modes (Power, Eco and Normal) according to their driving style. Further, convenient functions are provided, including multiple storage spaces that have been added for improved usability, such as a tray below the instrument panel with USB ports, an instrument panel tray in front of the passenger seat, and a container box in front of the driver’s seat.

Moreover, along with the Delica Mini, the eK Space is the only kei-car to offer the combination of unlock-on-approach and walk-away-lock functions. Even when holding luggage or small children, getting into and out of the vehicle is still a snap when using the scheduled automatic door lock function for the passenger power sliding door.

Mr. Fujii spoke about the thoughts behind the model changes to the Delica Mini and the eK Space.
“We redesigned these models to better meet customer needs. To this end, we have equipped the cars with a range of features that make daily life more convenient and expand the scope of activities, aiming to help customers spend more quality time with family and friends and enjoy driving even more. We hope these cars will become trusted companions on every journey.”

TV commercial for the all-new Delica Mini (Japanese only) https://youtu.be/sBw6DwIR66w?si=8KdlsRZI5MYXPXw1

Special website for the all-new Delica Mini (Japanese only) https://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/lineup/delica_mini/special/

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