New Mitsubishi Delica previewed by plug-in hybrid D:X Concept

The Mitsubishi D:X Concept has been unveiled at the Tokyo motor show, providing an early glimpse at the new-generation Delica people-mover.

The plug-in hybrid D:X Concept is an early design study of what will reportedly eventually be the Delica – an off-road people-mover Mitsubishi says is under consideration for Australia when it's released in the coming years.

The current Delica – referred to as the D:5 – was launched back in 2007, but the model hasn't been sold locally since 1999, when it was in its fourth generation.

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The latest concept features a 'see-through hood', which is a large monitor mounted below the windscreen and ahead of the passenger, acting as either an infotainment hub, or – when off-roading – providing a full view of the terrain in front of the car and the placement of the wheels.

An artificial intelligence (AI) assistant integrated into the infotainment system provides the driver with information on the selected navigation route and weather conditions.

The sound system has been developed in collaboration with Yamaha, providing a "three-dimensional sound" thanks to a multitude of speakers throughout the cabin, as well as some placed in the headrests of the seats.

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As with previous generations of Delicas, the front seats can rotate to face backwards when the vehicle is parked – with a total of six captain's chairs fitted in three rows.

While Mitsubishi hasn't provided much detail on what's powering the D:X Concept, it says the people-mover uses a plug-in hybrid engine with S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) – combining torque distribution between front and rear axles, torque vectoring for each wheel, and four-wheel brake control.

All of which, Mitsubishi says, allows the D:X to drive like a passenger car – despite its high centre of gravity – as well as providing increased capability when driving off-road.

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The body of the D:X Concept echoes the current-generation Delica, with a practical box shape and a raked front windscreen, along with a moonroof, LED laser projector headlights, aggressive mud-terrain tyres, and rugged black plastic flares at each wheel.

There's no word yet on when the new Delica will arrive – presumably named the D:6, being the sixth generation of the model – however given the timing of the concept, it's possible the people-mover will be unveiled in 2004 ahead of a 2025 launch.