Rugged 2023 Mitsubishi Delica Mini Kei ‘Crossover’ Previewed in Japan

Japan’s strict automobile restrictions and vehicle taxation and insurance schemes have spawned the rise of its unique ‘Kei’ class cars over the past few decades. Nowadays, Kei cars have seemingly gone beyond its initial original ‘sensible’ formula, bringing forth the rise of compact and adventure-ready Kei ‘crossovers’ of late.

The latest of which comes from automaker Mitsubishi who recently teased their rugged new 2023 Mitsubishi Delica Mini. In conjunction with Delica’s 55th anniversary next year, Mitsubishi decided to spice up its current Delica line-up that consists of the D:5 and D:2 minivans, now with the addition of the rugged Delica Mini pictured.

The Delica Mini not only looks fun and adventurous, it also packs the technical features to back up what its rugged looks claim. Boasting a hybrid powertrain, the new model comes with a four-wheel drive (4WD) system, thus making this Kei car somewhat off-road ready.

Specific outputs and details of said hybrid powertrain weren’t released yet, but the teaser photos released indicates that the Delica Mini is closely related to the eK Space model that’s powered by 660cc a hybrid power plant paired with a CVT gearbox. Measuring 3,395 MM long, this Kei car also comes with a high-spec AWD-equipped option alongside a basic-spec the two-wheel drive (2WD) configuration.

In terms of looks, the Delica Mini sports plenty of crossover SUV-like design cues and features. Its aggressive front facade comes with a chrome-finish corrugated lips as well gloss black grill, flanked by a pair of LED headlights. The front bumper boasts a dual-tone finishing, with the bottom half finished in gloss black and the top half matches the whole-body colour.

From the side, the Delica Mini’s boxy silhouette gets a crossover makeover thanks to the addition of roof rails. The corrugated side skirts follow the same rugged design language as its front facade, as well as the dual-tone finish that features a blacked-out roof.

This rugged design language continues in the rear end, which boasts a corrugated rear ‘diffuser’ finished in chrome. The rear spoiler and dual-tone bumper add further towards the Delica Mini’s rather sporty stance.

The vertically-mounted taillights however, might not do much favour in widening this rather tall, narrow car. Fret not, as the Delica word embossment running lengthwise provides a slight illusion of wide-ness that the Mini craves, albeit not by much.

The 2023 Mitsubishi Delica Mini is poised for production beginning mid-2023. Exclusively available in Japan, this Kei ‘crossover’ is set to rival the DNGA-based Daihatsu Tanto Fun Cross we’ve featured previously which also boasts a rugged, adventurous stance.

With the recent surge of reconditioned Kei cars donning our local used car dealers, would you be keen to have a taste of this JDM mini SUV here in Malaysia?