Mitsubishi D:X concept hints at the future of the Delica

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has previewed what the future, next-generation Delica could look like at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show (JMS). This comes in the form of a new concept vehicle dubbed the Mitsubishi D:X which looks as extreme as its name sounds.

The Mitsubishi D:X concept

Essentially, the concept combines the interior space of an MPV with the brawn of an off-road capable SUV. This is apparent on its exterior where it gets short overhangs, a roughly tube-like silhouette, as well as a generous ground clearance height.

Appearance-wise, the concept vehicle gets the latest version of the brand’s Dynamic Shield design language. Up front of the D:X is a flat front fascia equipped with T-shaped corner headlamps, and a beefy lower bumper. It is also equipped with a skid plate for added protection. 

The concept looks like it can go anywhere

Further honing in on the off-road-ready look are hefty and angular overfenders. The knobby tires and tough-looking wheels on the concept barely fill the wheel wells so this points towards a suspension system ready to take on ruts and rocks. 

Access to its interior also seems easy thanks to wide-opening sliding doors. Up top, the Japanese carmaker also fitted it with a roof box demonstrating that its roof can bear some amount of weight. 

The rear of the Mitsubishi concept mirrors the front end thanks to its T-shaped LED taillights and chunky rear bumper. 

A peek inside the D:X

As mentioned above, the D:X gets an expansive interior filled with space for up to six occupants. All seats are captain seats, cementing Mitsubishi’s intention of presenting it as a people mover. Moreover, it’s a particularly well-appointed people mover thanks to tan-genuine leather seats, a Yamaha sound system, and a voice-activated infotainment system powered by artificial intelligence. 

Another key feature of the D:X has to do with the cockpit. Specifically, it uses a large screen that takes up the entire lower portion of the front cabin. This screen can display what’s in front of the vehicle, creating a “see-through hood” providing the driver maximum visibility and eliminating many potential blind spots. On top of that, the screen can also show information relevant to off-roading like highlighting obstacles, navigation, and front-wheel angle, among others. 

D:X from the rear

According to the Japanese car brand, the D:X uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain though no specs were provided for this just yet. Power is sent to all four wheels via an electronic four-wheel-drive system which is managed by the brand’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC). The latter is an integrated vehicle dynamics system that actively controls the vehicle’s brakes and torque distribution for better traction on all surfaces. 

Of note, it was the president of Mitsubishi Motors himself, Takao Kato, who confirmed that the D:X hints at the future of the Delica. However, no exact launch dates for the next-gen model were mentioned. 

The D:X's cockpit. Note the information shown on the lower screen

So for now, the fifth-generation Delica will remain as a right-hand-drive-only model for markets. But remember that the Delica name does invoke a great deal of nostalgia here in the Philippines where the third and fourth-gen Delica “Space Gear” 4x4 versions were once popular as a grey market import back in the 1990s. That said, it is hoped that we’ll get to see the next-gen Delica locally in a more official capacity. 

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