Known for it’s blend of luxury and spaciousness with utility and off-road capabilities,Mitsubishi’s Delica has a huge following in Australia. It is one of a very select few that can carry 8 people off-road in comfort!
The Delica D:5 is the latest generation of Delica and reaches a new level of refinement and performance through the adoption of the latest technologies.
The Current Delica D:5 is built on an all new GS Platform that it shares with the Outlander, Lancer, Lancer Evolution X, and RSR (ASX in Australia). The major improvements over previous models have come in the development of the chassis which is now a Rib-bone frame Monocoque.The chassis is stronger, safer and lighter than the previous generations and the difference in weight is significant – the overall car now as much as 500kg lighter than the heaviest variant and 300kg lighter than most 4th Generation variants. Although made in a 2WD variant for the Japanese domestic market, only the 4WD version is imported to Australia by International Motor Group.
Delica D:5 4WD comes in two models:
- Delica D:5 4WD
- Delica D:5 Roadest 4WD
Each have the following variants:
- M
- G
- G-Power
- G-Navi
- G-Premium
The G-Navi and G-Premium come standard in Japan with a Japanese satellite navigation system, however all variants can be fitted with Australian Satellite navigation.
> G-Premium come standard with automatic power open/close RHS & LHS sliding doors and rear tail door
> G-Power and G-Navi come standard with automatic power open/close LHS sliding doors and can be optioned with the power RHS and rear tail door (was a $105,000 option)> M and G Grade are fitted with standard (non-power) doors only > All sliding doors and the rear tail door have soft closing mechanisms that ensure the proper closing of the door even if not latched closed by the operator of the door.
The seating configuration of the Delica D:5 is very versatile.
There is a large number of storage compartments.
The Delica Nameplate dates back to 1968 when Mitsubishi first produced the T100 Light commercial cab-over pickup. Only a year later the model line-up also gained a cargo van and passenger van. The passenger van called the Delica Coach could seat 9 people in three rows of seats.
The second generation Delica began in 1979. It was built on the Pajero platform and featured a 4WD drivetrain. The 2nd Generation Delica was sold in Australia as the Chrysler L300 Express & Mitsubishi L300 Express. A Starwagon featuring a high-roof in luxury ‘Deluxe’ trim was added to the line-up in 1982.
The third generation Delica was released in 1986. It too was sold in Australia as the Starwagon and in a commercial version called the Express. Testament to the success of this model it stayed in production for Export markets until 2007.
The Fourth Generation began production in 1994 and was based on the Pajero chassis and was the first luxury people mover to feature full off road capabilities. In Japan the 4WD luxury model was know as the Delica Spacegear. Mitsubishi Australia imported the passenger version as the Starwagon, and did not have the off-road capabilities of the Spacegear due to lower running height and a lack of a lockable differential and low- ratio gearing.As such the demand in Australia for the Spacegear model was very high and thousands of Delica Spacegears were supplied to Australia through the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme for used imported vehicles. The Spacegear quickly gained a strong reputation for versatility and luxury. With an amazing cabin space and comfort blended with the serious off-road capabilities the Delica Spacegear has earned an almost cult-like following.
Current Generation The D:5 Delica was released January 2007. It is built on an all new GS Platform that it shares with the Outlander, Lancer, Lancer Evolution X, and RSR (ASX in Australia). The major improvements over previous models have come in the development of the chassis which is now a Rib-bone frame Monocoque.
The chassis is stronger, safer and lighter than the previous generations that were bodies on a separate chassis. The difference in weight is significant – the overall car now as much as 500kg lighter than the heaviest variant and 300kg lighter than most 4th Generation variants. All that weight saving whilst retaining the spacious, versatile and luxurious cabin space.
One of the factors that aided the popularity of the 4th Generation model was the availability of a Diesel engine. The 4th Generation Delica was available with three engines over the course of its 10 year model life:
1. 4M40 turbo diesel – 92kW@4000rpm, 294Nm@2000rpm
2. 4M40 turbo diesel – 103kW@4000rpm, 314Nm@2000rpm
3. 6G72 V6 petrol – 136kW@5500rpm, 264Nm@4500rpm
The 5th Generation Delica D:5 only supports one engine choice: 4B12 Mivec 2.4L petrol – 125kW@6000rpm, 226Nm@4100rpm.
A diesel version of the 5th Gen has been rumoured but as yet not hit the market in Japan, but why has Mitsubishi dropped a diesel from the line-up? One reason is the pollution control measures in Japan, but moreover, Mitsubishi have been able to get not only comparable performance, but better performance with the new drive train. Even with less torque, the D:5 performs better than 4th Generation cars due to it’s lighter weight and wider range of ratios including very low ratios thanks to the Invecs III CVT gearbox. The D:5 is faster, more responsive and handles better than any previous generation Delica. On-road and off-road it handles all conditions with ease.
Delica comes in two variants that are eligible for import to Australia:
The Delica D:5 has an almost infinite number of combinations of variants, colours, options &individualisations. Making a D:5 your ‘own’ is not only easy, it’s fun! Off-road modifications and luxury accessories – whatever suits you lifestyle. We have put together a gallery of modifications, customisation and individualisation that you can view here.
Share your stories and pics! Why not post your D:5 individualisation in our gallery? Just send us a photo of your car and a quick blurb about your custom ride and we’ll add it to the Gallery.
Please email to info@d5delica.com.au
We’d love to hear from you!
Falling in love with the Delica D:5 is easy, and so is looking after it! General servicing and maintenance good practice should be applied to any car and the Delica is no exception.
For professional service of Delica go to our tried and trusted service department Road and Track.
> Regularly check your oil level. A low level of engine oil can lead to excessive wear and reduced performance. The oil level should always be between the min & max markers on the dip stick.
> Check engine oil condition. When checking engine oil level, wipe clean the dipstick with a white tissue or cloth. Dirty engine oil is a sign your vehicle is overdue for a service and may not be running perfectly. Refreshing engine oil at the prescribed service intervals helps to maintain your engine and helps to optimise fuel economy.
> Check your tire pressure. Low tire pressure will lead to your vehicle not handling as well and reduces the lifespan of a set of tyres. Your Delica is fitted with a tyre placard in the driver’s door jam that specifies the correct tyre inflation pressures. Be sure to measure tire pressure when the tyres are cold. You will also find keeping the tyres inflated correctly will result in a lighter & easier steering feel.
If you and your Delica D:5 are located in or close to Sydney we would recommend the specialists service centre of Road and Track to look after your pride and joy.
This page is for you Delica D:5 Owners!
Send us cool shots of your Delica to info@d5delica.com
and we’ll put them here.
1 Giffard Street
Silverwater
NSW 2128
tel: 02 8756 3222
fax: 02 9748 4745
INTERNATIONAL MOTOR GROUP
1 Giffard Street
Silverwater
NSW 2128
Tel: 02 8756 3222
Fax: 02 9748 4745
info@internationalmotorgroup.com.au