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Why do you need an MPV?
That is the first question when considering one. Well if you have a growing family and the in-laws to think about, then that's a fairly good reason to get one.
What sort of MPV?
Let's face it - we all have the tendency to buy things on impulse, and you won't want to spend unnecessarily by buying the wrong car. So if your primary purpose is to ferry your growing family needs, then you should be considering a large MPV.
Now this is where the new Mitsubishi D:5 Delica enters perfectly.
That is the first question when considering one. Well if you have a growing family and the in-laws to think about, then that's a fairly good reason to get one.
What sort of MPV?
Let's face it - we all have the tendency to buy things on impulse, and you won't want to spend unnecessarily by buying the wrong car. So if your primary purpose is to ferry your growing family needs, then you should be considering a large MPV.
Now this is where the new Mitsubishi D:5 Delica enters perfectly.
The outside story
The D:5's much angular overall profile combined with sporty good looks sets it apart and grabs attention simply because it goes against the norm in design. It has a purposeful outlook that will just grow on you.
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The test car is the high-spec Roadest version, that comes with three sunroofs, a set of full body kit and 17-inch alloy rims wrapped with 215/55 R-17 Yokohama rubbers. However, the overly large tyre-well does make the rim and tyre combo look way undersized.
Everything else is pretty much angular - the headlamps, the tail lamps and even the generously-sized wing mirrors. Driving a large MPV does require some getting used to, but the D:5 comes with a kerb-side mirror, sensors and reverse camera.
Everything else is pretty much angular - the headlamps, the tail lamps and even the generously-sized wing mirrors. Driving a large MPV does require some getting used to, but the D:5 comes with a kerb-side mirror, sensors and reverse camera.
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Interior
Although some areas do come with cheap plastic bits, the aluminium fascia bits does spruce things up while the rest of the interior consists of solid plastic that gives the D:5 a somewhat premium edge.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel is nicely sized too and it's even integrated with the cruise-control and paddle shifters. Controls are properly laid out, ensuring every buttons are within the driver's reach.
To make up for the missing digital air-con controls, Mitsubishi cleverly put in knobs that aren't too fiddly when operated. There's also a Kenwood head unit that doubles up as a GPS system and reverse camera monitor. An extra TV screen also comes fitted at the rear.
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Space-wise, the D:5 excels with a spacious interior of 4,730mm at length and 1,825mm in height. Although designed to ferry seven comfortably, it can also fit in an eighth. Access to the third row is just a simple flick of the lever at the second row.
However, the downside to the maximised people-lugging capability is its compromised boot space. But when push comes to shove, boot space can be maximised in more ways than one - you can simply fold and secure the third row of seats, and get extra boot space. Or stow away the second row, fold and secure the third row to get a van-like floor space.
However, the downside to the maximised people-lugging capability is its compromised boot space. But when push comes to shove, boot space can be maximised in more ways than one - you can simply fold and secure the third row of seats, and get extra boot space. Or stow away the second row, fold and secure the third row to get a van-like floor space.
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There are also the electrically operated sliding doors and boot, which can be operated via the remote, or the buttons located beside the steering wheel console.
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How does it drive then?
It's tall and a commanding view of the road is guaranteed. With a 2.4-litre MIVEC engine pumping out 125bhp, the D:5 performs well enough to make every errand run, a pleasurable drive. It cruises the expressway and stop-go traffic in a pliant manner. The MIVEC power-plant is refined when kept below 3,000rpm, but near the 4,000rpm mark, a raucous note can be heard.
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The INVECS-III CVT automatic is very much the opposite. It's a seamless operator that is calibrated well and the split second to react when you floor the accelerator pedal is pretty much forgivable. A tiptronic mode is not present, but Mitsubishi has included a pedal-shifter.
By MPV standard, the D:5 is a decent handler with a good level of accuracy. Even when the laws of physics kick in, body-roll is kept at the minimum. Suspension is set slightly harder than usual, but does a good job of soaking up uneven road surfaces.
The comprehensive safety list in the D:5 includes driver and passenger airbags, driver's knee airbag, ABS with EBD and also stability control.
By MPV standard, the D:5 is a decent handler with a good level of accuracy. Even when the laws of physics kick in, body-roll is kept at the minimum. Suspension is set slightly harder than usual, but does a good job of soaking up uneven road surfaces.
The comprehensive safety list in the D:5 includes driver and passenger airbags, driver's knee airbag, ABS with EBD and also stability control.
Sum up
If you were to compare it with the current MPV crowd, the D:5 is an interesting prospect. Overlooking the radical outlook and shortfalls, its major selling point will be the spacious cabin size and its generous equipment level. Pegged at less than $109k for the Roadest version, the D:5 is a substantial proposition.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Engine: 2,359cc, 4-cylinders in-line
Power: 170bhp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 226Nm @ 4,100rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
0-100 km/h: 11.9 seconds
Length / Width / Height: 4,730 / 1,795 / 1,825 mm
Wheelbase: 2,850 mm
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