Kei cars are as likable and cute as a fun-size Snickers bar or Li’l Sebastian, the miniature horse from “Parks and Recreation.” So when we heard Mitsubishi was adding a kei van to the Delica line — the 2023 Delica Mini — it immediately landed on our list of favorite forbidden fruit. This all-new model went on sale in Japan last month, but because of import laws, we won’t get the Delica Mini in the United States until 2048. And even then, they would have to be imported one by one. Blame the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988. Vehicles that don’t meet U.S. safety and emissions standards can’t be imported here. But a car that’s 25 years old is a collectible; at that age, it is no longer subject to the law.
The Delica, Then and Now
The regular-size Delica is a van that has been around since 1968. To give you an idea of its size, 1980s versions were based on a version of the Pajero (Montero) platform. This van was sold in the U.S. from 1987 to 1990 as the Wagon (passenger) and Van (cargo) — not called Delica here. However, the ones that have grabbed the attention of van enthusiasts and Japanese domestic market (JDM) fans alike are the Delica vans imported into Canada, especially the boxy 1980s models with 4-wheel drive (4WD). These vans are right-hand drive (RHD) and often diesel-powered. You’d see them a lot in the areas around Vancouver, Canada. That’s the major Canadian West Coast port, and Canada’s rules only require that an imported vehicle is 15 years old, instead of 25 in the U.S. We were on the outside looking in for 10 years.
But back to today. The Delica D:5 has returned to its boxy roots after several years of looking like an egg-shaped minivan. The styling of the smaller Delica Mini fits right in, with square, upright walls, a D:5-inspired nose, and a flat tailgate to finish the look. It even has sliding side doors.
The Practical Side of Kei Cars
While kei vehicles are cute, they are also amazingly functional. These cars, trucks, and vans are limited in overall size, and the engine displacement can be no larger than 0.66 liters (660 cc). The trucks are workhorses that can easily maneuver through the congested city traffic of Japanese cities while being able to carry about 770 pounds of payload. That makes them ideal for farms, ranches, and even building sites.
Vans can carry four passengers, and the interior design is so efficient that there’s plenty of headroom and legroom for everyone. They cost less to buy, are simpler designs, so they are easier to maintain, and get excellent fuel economy. If you aren’t interested in getting somewhere fast, a kei van can be a practical choice. However, they are not legal for freeway use in America.
Small but Robust
Mitsubishi designed the Delica Mini for families and people seeking outdoor adventure. It’s 133.7 inches long and rides on a 98.2-inch wheelbase. That’s 3.5 feet shorter than a Kia Rio. When Mitsubishi says mini, they mean mini. It’s powered by a turbocharged 0.659-liter engine that produces 64 horsepower and about 74 lb-ft of torque. But a small engine in a small vehicle that weighs only 2,100 pounds makes those numbers look better. That and the terrific fuel economy. The front-wheel-drive Delica Mini lists 4WD as an option, but from what we can tell, it’s an all-wheel-drive system. The AWD models get 15-inch wheels and tires, as well as different shocks. It also has a skosh more ground clearance — 6.3 inches versus 6.1.
Inside, the seats use stain-resistant, water-repellant fabric. The rear seats slide fore and aft, recline, and can fold to make space for cargo. The Delica Mini’s upright design allows for a lot of room for stuff. The cargo floor and rear seatbacks are designed to be easy to clean so you can put muddy gear back there after a day in the countryside. The rear air circulator also serves as a purifier and deodorizer while removing static electricity.
The Delica Mini has plenty of tech you won’t see on kei cars you can import now (1998 models). It comes standard with hill-descent control and traction control. Options include adaptive LED headlights and the MI-PILOT suite of active safety and driver-assistance tech. There are also a lot of dealer styling add-ons that a customer can get to customize the Delica Mini.
Friendly looks. Functional interior. Park-anywhere style. A starting price of only $12,500. It makes me wish we didn’t have to wait 25 years to import one to America.
