Imagine having a vehicle that’s part family hauler, part off-road explorer, and part mobile basecamp. That’s exactly what the new Mitsubishi Delica promises to deliver to Australian families who refuse to choose between practicality and adventure.
What Makes the Delica Special
The Delica isn’t your typical people mover. While most MPVs are designed for smooth city streets and school runs, this Japanese marvel was built with dirt roads and weekend escapes in mind. Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott perfectly captured the appeal: “A four-wheel drive, off-road capable, luxurious passenger vehicle… man, what a product!”
What sets the Delica apart is its unique combination of features that other vehicles struggle to match. You get genuine 4WD capability with proper ground clearance, seating for up to eight people, and the reliability that Mitsubishi built its reputation on. It’s like having a Pajero’s capability wrapped in a Grandis’s practicality.
The Current Generation: What We’re Missing
Right now, the only way to get a Delica in Australia is through grey imports, and there’s quite a community of enthusiasts doing exactly that. These privately-imported Delicas have built something of a cult following in Australia over many years, with buyers who want some mild off-road ability but the space and functionality of a people-mover or even a campervan.
The current D:5 model that’s available in Japan comes with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, all-wheel drive, and a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s been around since 2007, which means it’s getting a bit long in the tooth by modern standards.
Next-Generation D:X Concept: The Game Changer
Here’s where things get exciting. The Mitsubishi D:X concept debuted at the 2023 Tokyo motor show with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a radical futuristic exterior design that was instantly recognisable to fans of the all-terrain wagon.
This isn’t just a facelift – it’s a complete reimagining of what an adventure MPV can be. The concept showcased electrification technology, which means better fuel economy and lower emissions, while maintaining the off-road DNA that makes Delicas special.
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Current D:5 Generation | Next-Gen D:X Concept |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2L Turbo Diesel | Plug-in Hybrid System |
| Drivetrain | 4WD with 6-speed Auto | Electric AWD |
| Seating | 7-8 Passengers | 6 Passengers (3 rows) |
| Design | Traditional Box Shape | Futuristic Crossover |
| Ground Clearance | High | Enhanced for Off-road |
| Estimated Price (AUD) | ~$55,000 | TBA |
The Australian Challenge: Emissions Standards
Stricter emissions standards could impact the development of the new Delica – something Westcott said has been brought into sharp focus with next year’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). This means Mitsubishi might need to adjust their powertrain strategy, which could affect when we actually see the vehicle in Australian showrooms.
The good news? The move toward electrification with the D:X concept suggests Mitsubishi is already preparing for these stricter standards. A plug-in hybrid system would help the Delica meet emissions requirements while maintaining its off-road capability.
What This Means for Australian Families
For families who love getting off the beaten track but need something more practical than a traditional 4WD, the Delica could be the perfect solution. Think about those weekend trips where you need to carry kids, camping gear, and maybe a few extra friends – all while having the confidence to tackle unsealed roads.
The flexibility is impressive too. Mitsubishi has said that if it were to bring the Delica to Australia, it would like to see a specification similar to what we have here: a diesel-powered van with a bit of off-road flare. However, with the new generation, we’re likely looking at hybrid power instead.
Timeline and Expectations
The Japanese carmaker won’t say exactly but it has confirmed an ‘MPV’ vehicle in both regular and hybrid form should be coming. However, said vehicle(s) were not contained within its timeline leading up to 2025, suggesting that 2026 is the earliest we could see it down under.
That gives Mitsubishi time to fine-tune the vehicle for Australian conditions and ensure it meets our safety and emissions standards. It also means current Delica enthusiasts will need to be patient a little longer.
The new Mitsubishi Delica represents something unique in the Australian market – a proper adventure vehicle that doesn’t compromise on family practicality. While we’ll have to wait until 2026 at the earliest, the combination of hybrid efficiency, off-road capability, and family-friendly design could make it worth the wait.
For now, Mitsubishi Australia continues to evaluate market interest and work with headquarters in Japan to make this vision a reality. The strong following of grey-import Delicas already in Australia certainly helps their case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When will the new Delica arrive in Australia?
A. The earliest timeline suggests 2026, though Mitsubishi hasn’t confirmed exact dates yet.
Q. Will it be diesel or hybrid?
A. The next-generation model will likely feature plug-in hybrid technology rather than traditional diesel power.
Q. How much will it cost?
A. Based on Japanese pricing, estimates suggest around $55,000-$60,000 for the top specification.
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