2012 Mitsubishi Delica D5 Review
In the world of Minivans, the Mitsubishi Delica D5 has perpetually lived in the shadows of the dominant players such as the Toyota Noah, Toyota Voxy, Nissan Serena and Mazda Biante. This is surprising given the D5's versatility and strong credentials both off-road and on-road. Of course other factors such as affordability, safety and reliability come into play but even here, the D5 still beats its competitors
Detailed Review
The Mitsubishi Delica D5 is an 8-seater minivan that has been in production from 2007 to present. It’s built on the GS platform that is shared with the Mitsubishi Outlander, RVR and Eclipse Cross. It boasts of SUV grade capabilities and is touted as the world’s premier SUV minivan. It was initially available as a 4WD only until later in 2007 when 2WD options were added to the lineup.
The 2012 Mitsubishi Delica D5 comes with 2 engine options, these are the 2.0 Litre MIVEC SOHC petrol engine and the 2.4 Litre MIVEC DOHC petrol engine. These are linked to an INVECS-III CVT and available in both 2WD and 4WD. For a detailed analysis of these engines and the right one to buy, refer to the Mitsubishi Delica D5 Buyers Guide here
2012 Mitsubishi Delica D5 Grades
- Delica D5 M – This is the base grade that comes with either the 2.0L or the 2.4L engine, 2WD or 4WD, 16-Inch steel rims, key Start, DVD/Radio player and 8 seater.
- Delica D5 G Power Package – This grade comes with either the 2.0L or the 2.4L engine, 2WD or 4WD, 18-Inch alloy rims, key Start, DVD/Radio player, 7/8 seater and 6-speed sports-shift
- Delica D5 G CHAMONIX Power Package – This grade comes with either the 2.0L or the 2.4L engine, 2WD or 4WD, 18-Inch alloy rims, key Start, DVD/Radio player, 7/8 seater, 6-speed sports-shift and Chamonix graphics.
- Delica D5 ROADEST G Power Package – This grade comes with either the 2.0L or the 2.4L engine, 2WD or 4WD, 17-Inch alloy rims, smart Start, DVD/Radio player, 7/8 seater and 6-speed sports-shift
- Delica D5 G Premium – This is a luxury grade that comes with only the 2.4L engine, 4WD, 18-Inch alloy rims, smart start, DVD/Radio player, 7/8 seater, 6-speed sports-shift and luxury seats.
- Delica D5 ROADEST G Premium – This is a luxury grade that comes with only the 2.4L engine, 4WD, 18-Inch alloy rims, smart start, DVD/Radio player, 7/8 seater, 6-speed sports-shift, luxury seats, and sunroofs.
Interior
Legroom & Space
The Mitsubishi Delica D5 is a comfortable and spacious van that can seat 8 passengers in a three row configuration. At the first row, there’s enough legroom for both the driver and passenger with elevated seats that provide for an excellent view of the road. At the second and third rows, the legroom is similarly good with seats that can be adjusted to fit a desired position. The dual electric doors that can be controlled by the driver make it easy for passengers to embark and disembark.
Cabin Storage
There are several storage compartments all over the cabin that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. At the first row there are 4 cup-holders, door panel storage , a storage shelf below the dashboard, a glovebox and the center-box. For the second row, there’s storage on the front seat jacket pockets and door pockets. For the third row, there’s storage on the seat jacket pockets and side pockets.
2012 Mitsubishi Delica D5 Boot Space
The D5 is a versatile car that can be configured to suit different needs such as carrying people, cargo or both. In the 7/8 seater configuration when all the three rows are in use, the boot space is small and can only carry small luggage. In the 5 seater configuration with the third row seats folded, the boot space is quite big and can carry sizable cargo. In the 2 seater configuration when both the second and third row seats are folded, its transformed into a formidable cargo van.
Other Extras: Paddle shifts, three part Sunroof, AC Power socket, Electric Tailgate
Safety Features: Dual stage SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, Knee Airbags, ABS, Active Stability Control
Exterior
Historically, the Delica D5 has straddled the line between SUV and minivan with great success. It combines all the desirable features of both worlds into an exciting package that is unmatched by any of its competitors. The union between SUV and minivan is best displayed by the exterior that is tall, long and boxy in an appealing way. The 18-Inch alloy wheels give it a respectable look that best accentuates its SUV traits.
2012 Mitsubishi Delica D5 Fuel Consumption
2012 Mitsubishi Delica D5 2.0L petrol fuel consumption: 15.0 km/L
2012 Mitsubishi Delica D5 2.4L petrol fuel consumption: 11.2 km/L
2012 Mitsubishi Delica D5 Acceleration
2012 Mitsubishi Delica D5 2.0L petrol accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 13.0 sec.
2012 Mitsubishi Delica D5 2.4L petrol accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 10.5 sec.
2012 Mitsubishi Delica D5 Fuel Tank Capacity: 66 Litres
2012 Mitsubishi Delica D5 Ground Clearance
The 2012 Mitsubishi Delica D5 has a ground clearance of 8.2 Inches(210mm) which is ideal for driving in Kenya and is way above the minimum recommended clearance of 6.5 Inches for Kenyan roads.
2012 Mitsubishi Delica D5 Stability and Handling
The driving characteristics of the D5 closely mirror those of the Outlander with variations to steering and turning angles. The D5 feels stable on the road and inspires confidence even at higher speeds. Compared to the Noah and Voxy, it feels much more solid to drive with a well engineered suspension that provides for a comfortable ride.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil
Mitsubishi Delica Maintenance Costs: Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Service parts are affordable and widely available in Kenya. Body parts are expensive for now and not as easily available. In Nairobi, most spare shops in Industrial Area and Kirinyaga Road stock the service parts. You can get listings for these shops in this link
2012 Mitsubishi Delica D5 Reliability
If you’re considering to buy the Delica D5, then we have done a detailed Buyer’s guide that includes reliability. We highly recommend that you get a copy. Click here to purchase the Mitsubishi Delica D5 Buyer’s Guide.
Resale Value: Average
Mitsubishi Delica D5 Competitors: Toyota Noah, Toyota Voxy, Nissan Serena, Honda StepWagon and Mazda Biante.
Cost of Ownership
See Latest Mitsubishi Delica D5 Prices here
What we like about the 2012 Mitsubishi Delica D5
- Great family car
- Off-road capability
- Good ground clearance
Conclusion
The Mitsubishi Delica D5 is one of the few cars in the market whose true credentials are understated. When stacked up against its competitors, it offers so many compelling features such as the 8-Seater capacity, good ground clearance and off-road capability that makes it a clear winner in its category.
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