Essential Motoring 101

Car makers these days have gone back to the early days of design where boxy and angular lines were eminent on cars back then. Many of the latest concept vehicles showcased in the recent Geneva Motor Show have also been inspired by the shape of a box. It is not so much of the shape the car but its about the type of fuel that the engine of the car uses in view of the growing concerns of environmental degradation. But that is another story altogether.

 

Not just a simple looking MPV

I came across this boxy looking van in OneShift and found it to be very captivating to my heart. As I am a freak for cars with a box shape slapped onto its rear, the MPV is such a sight to behold. Inspired by sport, the MPV was launched in Japan in 2006 and in 2007, it was made available to the Singaporean public. No hope for getting the MPV here in Malaysia but we could always ask Naza World to help.

The Mitsubishi Delica D:5 is one helluva van to shout about. I’m not going to give you the details of all the hi-tech stuff of the MPV but after reading about it here and there, I would just want to share some beautiful pictures of it for your eyes, and mine too.

 

The butt shines well too

A little story on the Delica. When it was introduced by Mitsubishi in 1969, the 58HP (1088cc) van was destined to ferry workers, carry 600kg of any type of goods, and the vehicle could reach a maximum speed of 115kmh (70mph). The van that does everything was dubbed as the DELIvery CAr ! And that was how the name was coined.

 

You get lotsa boxes around

 

Paddle shifters on an MPV??

Speaking of sportiness of an MPV, besides the usual bodykit and the big rims with low-profile tires, the D:5 comes with paddle shifters on its steering wheel! This feature, I presume, is the first for a Japanese MPV! You also have 6 different speeds to play with on the INVECS-III CVT gearbox! It also features an electronically controlled 4WD system when you stumble upon some rough terrain. Powered by a 2.3L MIVEC engine with 125bhp to offer, the MPV seems to be a driving breeze and gives a tall view of the road all the time.

 

The infamous MIVEC with 125 horses to whip

 

Even the dashboard of the Delica is no-escape of the boxy theme that the exterior has. From the brochure, there seem to be lots of little spaces and pockets for convenient stowaways. The driver gets protection from knee injuries with a knee airbag, besides the dual front airbags. The MPV fits 7 occupants but was believed that an eight passenger can be fitted when the need arises.

 

I wonder what Ds means, anyone?

The side doors are electrically controlled, ditto the rear door. All these can be controlled form the remote control or on the dashboard, near the driver’s side (for the rear door). Buttons on the doors are there to open/close without the need to use a key to operate. Good to show off to your male friends, and also easy and convenient for the wife too.

 

Can you spot a Transformer within?

The headlamps on the Delica are of the Active Cornering Lights type. When driving on corners, the headlamps will turn to illuminate the dark areas for added safety. More safety features on this baby - side airbags for front and rear passengers, ABS with EBD and stability control.

 

This is not an ambulance

Everything else on the van is perfect except for the rear boot space – it has always been a drawback for people-carriers like this. But fret not as the third row seats can be folded up providing a cavernous space best for tall cargo loads.

 

The Delica to the rescue!

The Mitsubishi Delica D:5 was used as a support vehicle to the Dakar race.

 

 

 

There are 2 variants for the Delica - a Standard and a Roadest. The former is the tricked out version of the D:5 where all the bodykits and styling slapped on, like the one you see just above.

Source : OneShift / NihonCar / Carview