Is The New Delica Mini The Cutest Mitsubishi You've Ever Seen?

Pugnacious, Rugged New Styling
Following the skyscraper theory, the Delica Mini makes the most of its tiny, kei-van footprint by building up, and Mitsubishi's "super-tall mini wagon" looks all the more appealing for it. The van, which has two conventional front doors and two sliding rear doors, has a flat beltline – unlike its predecessor – but the bodyside surfacing kicks up in the middle for a slightly butch, rugged vibe. Mitsubishi says the split A-pillar is further forward and thinner than before, improving visibility and reducing claustrophobia, plus it makes the darn thing just so charmingly boxy.

The grille's quartet of flared nostrils flank a Mitsubishi badge up front, while the company's signature "Dynamic Shield" styling elements have been mercifully toned down – no more phony brush guards rendered in chrome. Square fog lamps and semi-circular headlights recall the face of the Land Rover Defender, although the Delica Mini isn't nearly as capable off-road. We can't tell if the car's contrasting wheel arches and rocker panels are painted or plastic-clad, and the "skid plates" front and rear look better at deflecting parking berms than rocks and tank traps. But at an estimated starting price of 1.95 million Japanese yen ($13,277 at current exchange rates), the Delica Mini is perfect.

A Cute Interior With A Cute Mascot
The Delica Mini has also been extensively revised inside, where there's a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen on the top two trims, sharing the "monolith" with a standard 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster. Mitsubishi says the cabin upholstery is highly stretchable, allowing the seats to conform to their occupants' distinct bodies, and the front and rear seats can fold flat to allow different kinds of anatomy to become acquainted. The Delica Mini will also be the first Mitsubishi to receive a three-dimensional surround-view camera, as well as a transparent hood feature that helps drivers see what's going on under their cars – helpful for light off-roading.

Speaking of, anyone who pre-orders a Delica Mini before its unfortunately undisclosed on-sale date will receive a cute little plush toy named Delimaru. The foot-tall stuffed bulldog shares its face with the kei van and is available in four colors, and to be honest, Delimaru might close the deal for us if we lived in Japan. Above its 1.95-million-yen starting price, a flagship Delica Mini with optional all-wheel drive is expected to cost 2.95 million yen ($20,086). Mitsubishi hasn't announced powertrain details, but we expect it to maintain the 658-cubic-centimeter (0.7-liter) inline-four of the old Delica Mini, which made a naturally aspirated 51 horsepower or a turbocharged 63 hp.

 Going on sale this fall, the Delica Mini and eK Space boast slightly revised looks and a tech-centric interior, plus one little surprise that'll make kids, dog lovers, and toy collectors very happy.