Suzuki Solio/Mitsubishi Delica D:2 (MA37S/27S)

The Suzuki Solio or Mitsubishi Delica D:2 in case you went to your nearest Mitsubishi dealer, has been regenerated to its newest generation and whether you like it or not, the new model promises to deliver the same convenience delivered from its predecessors. Small on size, big on space, fuel-efficient, it's the compact minivan that fits through Japan's driving conditions in the midst of the new normal.

Starting at 1,515,800 Japanese Yen (or 1,883,200 Yen if you're in a Mitsubishi dealer for a reason), the new model still offers a choice of two different styles such as the normal and the more stylish Bandit/Custom. Whichever style you go for, you are still welcomed by its modest space and fuel efficiency that is worth questioning.

Looking through the exterior design, the normal Solio/Delica D:2 looks more like a first-gen Spacia Custom when you squint your eyes hard while taking a closer look while the Solio Bandit/Delica D:2 Custom looks more like a Peugeot SUV with some Genesis-esque headlamps on it. Either way, they're still as boxy as their predecessors and they're similarly sized as well, although it's now 20mmm wider than the old one. Good.

Because the new models are now wider than the previous model, you can expect some more room on the interior for up to four people to get themselves accommodated. While the new dashboard is a bit above average for the owners, its added width makes it slightly roomier for either single-child families, joyriders, or even deliverymen using it to deliver the goods to customers. This small minivan works with all walks of life, well, almost.

The new Solio/Delica D:2 still runs on Suzuki's Mild Hybrid technology that works in tandem with SUZUKI GREEN TECHNOLOGY. It's the same K12C Dual Jet engine producing 91PS of power and 118Nm of torque, while coupled with an Integrated Starter Generator, Lithium-ion Battery, an updated idling stop system, and CVT like the previous model. Fuel economy? An honest 19.6kmpl based on WLTC mode standards. Don't worry, they're not exaggerating like last time because this was proven in the real world, I believe. Sadly, no full hybrid on the lineup but why bother?

Both the Solio and the Delica D:2 are offered with mild-hybrid tech but if you're itching for the one with the normal K12C engine without the mild hybrid bits, you'd be better of with the Solio. Either way, in terms of dynamics, thanks to whatever the heck they've done, the new models now weigh over a ton so you might expect that the handling's suffered from the added weight but it didn't bother anyway.

Of course, you can still expect front MacPherson struts and an old-fashioned rear torsion beam as usual so expect the handling to be pretty average for a compact minivan like this but because it now runs on Suzuki's HEARTECT platform, the new Solio/Delica D:2 feels more of an improvement compared to the previous model.

The new Solio/Delica D:2 features a new version of SUZUKI SAFETY SUPPORT, which is a suite of safety features such as Lane Departure Warning function, wandering alarm function, high beam assist, sign recognition function, advance car departure notice function, dual sensor brake support, false start suppression, brake support, backward error start suppression, and more. It's the safest Solio/Delica D:2 offered for those who are willing to get back from another tough day at the office.

And there you have it. The new Solio/Delica D:2 is starting to feel like it's been improved despite the lack of a proper hybrid variant. With the added width, honest fuel efficiency, the added safety, and improved dynamics thanks to its HEARTECT platform, this tiny minivan's evolved.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation/Mitsubishi Motors Corporation