2017 Mitsubishi Delica D5 Review

Detailed Review

The Mitsubishi Delica D5 commenced its production in 2007 and it comes as either a seven or eight-seater. It is built on the GS platform that is used by the Xpander as well as the second and third generation of the Outlander. It was first availed as a 4WD before the 2WD was later added to the lineup.

The 2017 Mitsubishi Delica D5 comes with three engine options, a 2.2 L (Petrol), a 2.4 L (Petrol), and 2.3 L (Diesel) connected to either an automatic transmission or CVT. Click here to purchase the 2017 Mitsubishi Delica D5 Buyer’s Guide. 

2017 Mitsubishi Delica grades

1. Mitsubishi Delica Chamonix- This grade comes with a central infotainment system with a touch screen, multiple airbags, and a centralized door lock.
2. Mitsubishi Delica Active Gear- This grade features Bluetooth connectivity, electronic brake force distribution, dual electric doors, and power windows.
3. Mitsubishi Delica D Power- This grade has a power-assisted steering wheel, traction control, and an AM/FM Radio.
4. Mitsubishi Delica D Premium- This grade has a USB port,  dual electric doors, a navigation system, an anti-lock braking system, and a rearview camera.
5. Mitsubishi Delica G Power Package- This grade is equipped
6. Mitsubishi Delica G Premium- This grade boasts hill start assist, blind sport monitoring, cruise control, multiple airbags, and a 12-volt power output.
7. Mitsubishi Delica M- This grade comes with a lane departure warning, a collision mitigation system, power mirrors, and a power-assisted steering wheel.
8. Mitsubishi Delica Roadest D Power Package- This grade features smartphone integration, adaptive cruise control, AM/FM Radio, and brake assist.
9. Mitsubishi Delica Roadest G Power Package- This grade has steering-wheel-mounted controls,  dual electric doors, a voice recognition system, Apple Car Play, and Android Auto.
10. Mitsubishi Delica Roadest Road Touring MMCS- This grade is fitted with a navigation system, a smartphone integration, auxiliary inputs, a 12-volt power outlet, and a centralized door lock.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2017 Mitsubishi Delica has a boxy shape which in turn results in a spacious interior. Its cabin is utilitarian with plastic touches all over the dashboard and it is designed to be versatile hence allowing different seating configurations depending on whether it is a 7-seater or an 8-seater.

The first row offers plenty of legroom and headroom. Passengers seated in the second and third-row seats also have ample knee room and headroom and their seats can also be adjusted to match a preferred posture.

Cabin Storage

The 2017 Mitsubishi Delica boasts several storage compartments that improve the ride comfort of occupants. The first row has four cupholders, a glove box, and door panel storage. The second-row passengers have access to jacket pockets and door pockets. Occupants in the third-row seat have access to cupholders.

Boot Space

The 2017 Mitsubishi Delica is a versatile car that offers varying boot space depending on the seat configurations. When all the seats are in use the boot space can only accommodate small and medium-sized luggage. When the second and third-row seats are retracted, the load area widens and extra space is created to haul tons of freight.

Exterior

The 2017 Mitsubishi Delica has a distinctive boxy body design that sets it apart from the other vehicles in the minivan category. It gives a good blend of boldness, refinement, and a bit of sporty that matches the preferences of both Urban dwellers and people residing in rural areas. The front end has a nicely done chrome-accented grille adorned with the prominent “shield-like design” Mitsubishi emblem that is used to assert the minivan’s dominance. Its standout appearance will for sure coat attention wherever it goes. Its slanting bonnet gives the occupant a better and excellent view of the oncoming traffic. Its large headlights as well as fog lights contribute to the muscular look of the D5 in the front-end.

The side profile has a slightly longer wheelbase which in turn results in a spacious cabin. Electric doors aid occupants to either disembark or embark on this minivan without much effort. The wheel arches contribute to its ruggedness.

The rear end has modern tail lights that run from one end of the vehicle to the other. A feature that makes it very distinctive when compared to other minivans. Its tailgate is electronically operated and this comes in handy especially when your hands are full of cargo.

2017 Mitsubishi Delica Safety Features

The 2017 Mitsubishi Delica features multiple airbags, traction control, lane keep assist, traction control, cruise control, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, lane departure warning, hill start assist, and blind spot monitoring.

2017 Mitsubishi Delica Fuel Consumption

2017 Mitsubishi Delica 2.2 L petrol engine consumption- 11.0 km/l on average

2017 Mitsubishi Delica 2.4 L petrol engine consumption- 10.4 km/l on average

2017 Mitsubishi Delica 2.3 L diesel engine consumption- 11.4 km/l on average

2017 Mitsubishi Delica Acceleration

2017 Mitsubishi Delica 2.2 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.8 secs

2017 Mitsubishi Delica 2.4 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.2 secs

2017 Mitsubishi Delica 2.3 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.7 secs

The 2017 Mitsubishi Delica Fuel Tank Capacity: 66 liters

Ground Clearance: The 2017 Mitsubishi Delica has a ground clearance of 8.2 inches.

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.

Spare Parts and Availability

Mitsubishi Delica spares, especially body parts are not as easily available in Kenya and are sometimes expensive. Service parts are fairly affordable and easy to find within Nairobi and other major towns.

Stability And Handling

The 2017 Mitsubishi Delica has a stable and comfortable ride. It sits on a platform that gives a perfect blend of agility and comfort. Its steering wheel is power-assisted which makes it adapt very nicely to road bends. As much as it is equipped with more advanced safety features, it is advisable to reduce speed when approaching tight turns as it could experience some body roll owing to its high ground clearance and the space between the wheels and the arches that increase its center of gravity.

The suspension system plays a big role in giving the D5  a better handling and it also cushions occupants from experiencing jarring motions when traversing on uneven road surfaces. The Delica comes as either a 2WD or a 4WD. For off-road enthusiasts, the 4WD will make a perfect choice for their activities while people who reside in the metropolis can opt for the 2WD which will be more of a commuting car or even going for some shopping.

After market modifications like a bull bar can be fitted on the D5 to protect its body components especially when being driven on extreme off-road terrains. The cabin is well-insulated to protect occupants from unwanted noise either coming from the engine or picked up from rough road surfaces.

Electronic brake force distribution, hill start assist, and a collision mitigation system are just some of the technologies incorporated in the D5 to improve its stability.

Reliability

The 2017 Mitsubishi Delica is considered a reliable car. It boasts a good ground clearance that allows it to exploit extreme off-road terrains. Oil leaks and timing chain problems are the most commonly reported problems in the 2017 Mitsubishi Delica D5. Regular service and maintenance are required to avoid experiencing such troubles.

Click here to purchase the 2017 Mitsubishi Delica D5 Buyer’s Guide. 

Resale Value: Average

Mitsubishi Delica Competitors: Toyota Voxy, Nissan Serena, Mazda Biante, Toyota Noah, and Honda Stepwagon.

What we like about the 2017 Mitsubishi Delica

Off-road capability

Spacious cabin

Good ground clearance

What we don’t

Some variants are very expensive

Conclusion

The 2017 Mitsubishi Delica makes a perfect family car especially for people with large households for it has a spacious cabin, and it is highly versatile. It comes as either a 2WD or a 4WD. Off-road lovers will have a good performance vehicle in the 4WD configuration as it can traverse uneven surfaces whether on mud, sand or even gravel as urban dwellers will find the 2WD ideal for them for it will be largerly used as a daily driver. Its service and maintenance cost is quite reasonable but its purchase price could turn off people on an extremely tight budget.