Mitsubishi Delica - a nine-seat minivan - is produced by the Japanese automobile concern Mitsubishi Motors. The first car left the assembly line in 1968, and since then five generations of this popular brand have been replaced. Initially, the car was assembled on the basis of a pickup truck and was intended for after-sales service and for the delivery of various goods. The name of the model comes from a combination of the words "delivery" - delivery and "car" - car. Later, several modifications appeared: a cargo-passenger version, a cruise for long trips and a universal city minivan for business trips.
The car was sold in different countries under different names:
- in Europe and New Zealand - Mitsubishi Delica L300 and L400;
- in the USA - "Mitsubishi Van" and "Mitsubishi Wagon";
- in Australia, Mitsubishi Express and Starwagon;
- in the European market, the version is purely passenger - Star Wagon was sold under the name Star Gear;
- in Japan itself - "Delica Cargo", "D: 2" and "D: 5".
Second generation
While the first-generation Mitsubishi Delica - a pickup truck with a carrying capacity of 600 kilograms - wheeled while delivering goods, the second-generation Delica was developed at the Mitsubishi Motors design bureau. The new passenger version received the name Star Wagon and a number of technological improvements. The salon was designed for nine comfortable seats, air conditioning, audio and video terminals. Mitsubishi Delica, the left wheel for which was installed only by order, has become a universal and popular model.
The car was introduced to the general public in 1979 and immediately established itself as a reliable, economical and inexpensive to maintain. The popularity of the model grew rapidly, and this served as an incentive for its further production. In 1982, the first 4WD wagon was launched.
Third generation
In 1986, the sale of the third-generation Mitsubishi Delica was announced with a new body, an improved security system and an unprecedented amount of all kinds of bells and whistles that make any trip a pleasure. The level of comfort in the cabin was extraordinary, the car went smoothly, the shock absorbers worked flawlessly. Speed characteristics also did not leave much to be desired thanks to the high aerodynamic properties of the car. The Japanese are well versed in the advantages and disadvantages of their cars, so the demand for Mitsubishi Delica, whose characteristics were impeccable, has been at a high level for a long time. But, since even a perfect model needs to be updated periodically, Delica did not escape reconstruction.
Before the appearance of fourth-generation cars in the world market in 1994, the Mitsubishi Delica Wagon was restyled twice (in 1991-92). The changes concerned external attributes, the car received a new, more modern optics, an updated front bumper, ergonomic seats and airbags around the entire perimeter of the cabin. Since 1992, the car is equipped with an ABS system on a regular basis.
The power plant Star Wagon is four gasoline engines and one diesel. Gasoline engines "Saturn" and "Sirius" of various sizes and power, carburetor, were installed on rear-wheel drive cars. The diesel engine of the Cyclone brand was equipped with all-wheel drive versions. The transmission was offered in two versions - a 4-speed manual gearbox and a 5-speed semi-automatic.
Fourth generation
The fourth-generation car - Space Gear - appeared in 1994. It was a 4WD all-wheel drive minivan, similar to the Padjero Sport model, when viewed from the point of view of the parameters of the chassis and power plant. In addition to the passenger Delica Space Gear, there were no other models, the cargo version was completely absent. And the Space Gear got good off-road capabilities, all-wheel drive with differential lock, up and down gears. Overall dimensions of the machine: 4460 mm - length, 1695 mm - width, 2090 mm - height.
The clearance of Delica Space Gear is 210 mm and can vary within 20 mm. The mass of the car is 1730 kilograms.
Restyling
In 2004, Space Gear received new optics: all the headlights of the car, including the taillights, changed their location, shape and settings. Fog lights are standard. The seats have changed the upholstery, the leather has replaced the velor, the steering wheel is also covered with genuine leather. The interior has more finishes from precious wood, and the dashboard has acquired a noble matte shade.
The carrying capacity of Delica Space Gear is up to 800 kilograms, the chassis design is used for cars of this class, the all-metal frame-type body with the classic layout of the main units, the spring front suspension and the rear with semi-elliptic springs. Stability on the course of the car provides a fairly low center of gravity and the frame structure of the supporting body, since all units are arranged on the lower tier, and the engine is pushed deep into the body and is located between the front wheels. Thus, the balance of the entire structure is maintained with a uniform distribution of the load.
Concept car
In 2005, the D5 concept car was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show, which can compete with the Delica Space Gear in all respects. The car is six-seater, quite comfortable, with a spacious interior and two sliding doors that open access to the rear seats.