Nissan Roox (BB5/6) and Mitsubishi eK Space/Delica Mini (BA1~6)

The tall kei minivans from the NMKV joint venture, the Mitsubishi eK Space, the Mitsubishi Delica Mini, and the Nissan Roox, have gained their full model changes. Let's find out how much these kei minivans have changed.

2026 Mitsubishi eK Space

2026 Mitsubishi Delica Mini

2026 Nissan Roox

The all-new Mitsubishi eK Space starts at 1,749,000 Yen, while the Delica Mini starts at 1,964,000 Yen, and the all-new Nissan Roox starts at 1,672,000 Yen, excluding additional costs. These new-generation NMKV kei minivans have been redesigned with new and exciting ways to please their drivers while maintaining their boxy characteristics that made them special.

2026 Mitsubshi eK Wagon

2026 Nissan Roox

2026 Mitsubishi Delica Mini

For starters, the exterior design retains its boxy attributes from the previous models, but how their designs differentiate between them holds a different story. In the eK Space and the base Roox variant, it's like a mashup between the Serena's back and the front of a certain Chinese EV city car I can't mention due to search query reasons. The Roox Highway Star, meanwhile, is like a mini-me Elgrand. As for the Delica Mini, the derpiest of the three, the iconic Delica Mini design from its predecessor remains. Even with the all-new look, it's still the Delica Mini that every Japanese family loved.

2026 Nissan Roox interior

2026 Mitsubishi eK Space interior

2026 Mitsubishi Delica Mini interior

The interior of these new models is spacious, maintaining the roomy feel typical of kei minivans. The driver's view highlights a modern layout featuring a Google-powered panoramic widescreen, which has become a standard in today's vehicles. However, there are no physical buttons or knobs for adjusting the volume or changing the radio station, which may be disappointing for some. The air conditioning controls are touch panels, but the gear lever is still present. Notably, the Delica Mini includes a unique dial for selecting driving modes, allowing drivers to switch between tarmac, gravel, and snow settings.

2026 Nissan Roox

2026 Mitsubishi eK Space

2026 Mitsubishi Delica Mini

These kei minivans are powered by the same 660cc BR06 three-cylinder DOHC 12-valve engine mated to a CVT gearbox. Thanks to some slight improvements, the fuel economy is up to 21kmpl for 2WD variants and up to 18.8kmpl for 4WD variants based on WLTC Mode standards. Turbocharging is reserved for the Roox Highway Star and the Delica Mini. 

Most variants have Rack & Pinion Power Steering, front MacPherson struts, front ventilated disc brakes, and rear reading/trailing drum brakes. FF variants have rear torsion beam suspension, while 4WD variants have torque arm three-link suspension.

The eK Space, Delica Mini, and the Roox come with a wide variety of safety features from the 3D Multi-Around Monitor, e-Assist, and MI-PILOT, granting them a "Safety Support Car S Wide" credential.

With these new forms, the all-new Mitsubishi eK Space, Delica Mini, and the Nissan Roox are ready to tackle the new normal with their familiar shapes, new interiors, improved fuel efficiency, and tech. Kei car fanatics, rejoice.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Toyota Alphard and Vellfire (H40W) PHEV

The Toyota Alphard and Vellfire minivans in the H40W generation now offer a plug-in hybrid variant. This is the first time a Japanese minivan has been provided with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

2025 Toyota Alphard PHEV

2025 Toyota Vellfire PHEV

Based on the range-topping Executive Lounge variant, the first-ever Alphard and Vellfire PHEV variants still feature the same nooks and crannies as expected in most variants, but now in a six-seater setting. 

These minivans still come with a super-long overhead console, power side sunshade for rear seats, universal steps positioned at the sliding doors for easy access, a one-touch seesaw switch on the sliding doors, and the 5:5 split two-position space-up seats where the third-row seats can be flipped up for extra space. 

Apart from numerous luxury amenities, including a rear entertainment system for your binge-watching pleasure while stuck in Tokyo traffic, the PHEV variants come with an exclusive Ultrasuede roof headlining, offering a refined, smooth texture and excellent durability. Exclusive to the Alphard is the four-seater Spacious Lounge variant tailored for VIPs.

It uses the same 2.5L A25A-FXS petrol-hybrid powerplant from its normal hybrid equivalents, but combined with a powerful electric motor generator, the new Li-ion battery mounted under the floor, and the enhanced heat pump HVAC system, it delivers 306PS of total power output. The CVT gearbox has 16.7km/L of combined fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards and 73km of EV driving range, enough to travel from your fancy Susana Heights mansion to Okada Manila to home again.

Like the normal ones, the PHEV variants are built on the TNGA platform and feature front MacPherson struts, rear double wishbones, and ventilated disc brakes. They offer a luxury car experience, providing a refined level of silence and comfort that will impress VIPs in the rear seats. Additionally, both models come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense and Toyota Teammate, enhancing safety during driving and making parking worry-free. It’s best to avoid asking your boss about these features.

The Alphard Executive Lounge PHEV starts at 10.65 million Japanese Yen, while the Vellfire Executive Lounge PHEV starts at 10.85 million Japanese Yen. Additional costs are included.

Attention, high-rollers in the Far East! The latest, most powerful versions of the Alphard and Vellfire have arrived, offering unmatched style and comfort. Guests at premier casino resorts like Okada, Newport World Resorts, Solaire, City of Dreams, and Hann will be excited about these luxurious PHEV 4WD minivans.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Subaru Chiffon Try

Remember the Daihatsu FunCross two years ago? Guess what, Subaru borrowed one for their own version of the said kei car. Called the Chiffon Try, it's for those who want a Daihatsu Tanto FunCross but their nearest dealership is Subaru's. Not bad.

2025 Subaru Chiffon Try

With prices starting at 1,831,500 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the Tanto FunCross is the rugged version of the current-generation Chiffon that features a rugged exterior with a tough front face and black claddings on the side and back. Although rugged, observers still consider it "cute", just like the rest of the Chiffon family.

On the interior, the Try's seats feature a camouflage design and some orange panelings that are in sync with its rugged design. Although they're somewhat show-off, their signature traits are still in this model; the signature pillarless door on the passenger side, space for four people, various seating arrangements, and various compartments to store your stuff, among many others. Word of advice, though, there are USB-C ports involved in this car so you better bring the right plug while on the go.

Like today's Chiffon range, the Chiffon Try runs on the DNGA architecture. Along with the rack-and-pinion steering, front MacPherson Strut suspension, ventilated disc front brakes, and leading trailing rear brakes, not to mention the torsion beams for FF models and 3-link rear suspension for 4WD models, the Try behaves pretty much like a Chiffon despite its rugged looks, as expected. Although made for the great outdoors, it's still a city car that fits well with the Tokyo traffic.

Under the hood, the Try runs on the KF 660cc 3-cylinder DOHC 12V EFI engine. Mated to a D-CVT, the fuel economy is up to 21.9km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Like most Chiffon models, the Try features Smart Assist, a suite of active safety features ranging from collision avoidance, detection, driving load reduction, and parking. It even comes with full LED headlamps, VSC, TRC, CTA, emergency stop signal, ABS, TAF body, SRS airbag, and ISOFIX.

So, if you want a Daihatsu Tanto FunCross but your nearest dealership is a Subaru dealership, the Chiffon Try is for you.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

Honda N-BOX Joy

The third-generation Honda N-BOX range welcomes its newest member; an outdoor-themed variant designed to take on the likes of the Mitsubishi Delica Mini, Daihatsu Tanto FunCross, and the Suzuki Spacia Gear.

2025 Honda N-BOX Joy

2025 Honda N-BOX Joy

This is the first-ever Honda N-BOX Joy, an outdoor-themed variant of the third-generation N-BOX priced at 1,844,700 Yen plus additional costs, which is cheaper than the recent Suzuki Spacia Gear but slightly more costly to own than the Mitsubishi Delica Mini. A fair trade in the market for outdoor-oriented kei minivans.

2025 Honda N-BOX Joy interior

2025 Honda N-BOX Joy interior

Although it's basically a third-generation N-BOX by the looks of it, the Joy features black cladding underneath, a front bumper with holes on the center-right followed by six holes above the front bumper, specially-made Full HED headlamps, taillights from the N-BOX Custom, black side mirrors, and to top it all off, the Joy badge. For an additional extra, customers can have a special package with front fog lamps and a front grille that spells Honda on it.

While the interior works just like the other N-BOX variants, the Joy features Brown-and-Black checkered seat fabric that is surprisingly stain-proof, making cleanup a breeze. Fold the rear seats down, and you will have a Furatto Terrace to relax. It even comes with a floor-under box to store your necessities. With a space of 148cm in length, 117cm in width, and 115cm in height, this outdoor-themed N-BOX means business and leisure at a snail's pace.

Like the rest of the lineup, the N-BOX Joy is powered by a 660cc i-VTEC engine that produces 58PS of power output and 65Nm of torque, and when mated with a CVT, fuel efficiency is around 21.3km/L based on WLTC Mode standards. That's more than the Delica Mini, as expected. Of course, you can exercise your options with the available turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive.

As for safety, the N-BOX Joy comes with Honda Sensing, VSA, emergency stop signal, hill start assist function, and a multi-view camera system, among many others.

The Honda N-BOX Joy is the first Honda N-BOX variant designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It's a kei minivan, which means it's small and light, but it has a lot of room inside. It also has a lot of features that make it perfect for camping and other outdoor activities. The market for outdoor-oriented kei minivans is growing thanks to the arrival of the first-ever Honda N-BOX Joy.

Available Colors: Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Slate Grey Pearl & Black, Fjord Mist Pearl & Black, Autumn Yellow Pearl & Black, Botanical Green Pearl & Black, and Desert Beige Pearl & Black.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Third Generation Honda Freed

The Honda Freed minivan has come out with its third generation, and this car is ready to take on the “new normal.” The Freed has a new design, interior, performance, efficiency, and technology. It also comes in a hybrid version for those who want to be more environmentally friendly.

2025 Honda Freed

The all-new third-generation Honda Freed is all about being a versatile family vehicle that fits all types of lifestyles. It’s subtly stylish and has a new design, technology, performance, and efficiency. The third generation of this Honda minivan comes in a hybrid version for those looking for a more eco-friendly option. Priced at 2.508 million Yen plus additional costs, the Honda Freed is a subtle yet sleek choice for your next family car.

The boxy design of the all-new Honda Freed is a significant departure from its predecessor, and it’s sure to turn heads. It's offered in two different styles: the subtle Air and the slightly rugged Crosstar variant, which features black cladding underneath.

2025 Honda Freed interior

Inside, the all-new Freed features an N-BOX-inspired dashboard layout, a new digital instrumental display, a two-spoke steering wheel, a rather unique compartment for your tissue box, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Honda CONNECT, among others. The Freed Air variant is offered in a choice of a six-seater or a seven-seater, but the Freed Crosstar, being the outdoor-oriented one, is offered only with five or six seats. It even has a modular cargo space, utility mounting points, a pegboard, and a lamp. An optional Slope for the Crosstar variant sure comes in handy for storing either a stroller or a wheelchair.

Regardless of the version you have, you can be confident that all seats can be folded down to meet your needs, whether for work or leisure. However, the presence of third-row seats does take up some boot space, which could be a drawback for cargo room, similar to the now-defunct Jade model from the past. If you're searching for the ideal configuration, be prepared for a challenging quest ahead. Good luck!

2025 Honda Freed

The all-new Freed is now offered with a 1.5-liter L15D petrol engine and a 1.5-liter e:HEV hybrid powertrain. Both of these powertrains are mated to a CVT.

The petrol variant is less powerful than the previous model, and it produces 118PS of power and 142Nm of torque. The fuel economy is around 16.5km/L based on WLTC mode standards. However, the e:HEV powertrain features a 106PS 1.5-liter petrol engine bolted to a 90kW electric motor and a 48-Ah lithium-ion battery. It's less powerful than the old Freed Hybrid, but the fuel economy is around 25km/L based on WLTC mode standards.

Although the performance is slightly short compared to its predecessor, the all-new Freed still feels so easy to drive, park, and live with, especially with the available 4WD system prepped for weather-related happenings. It also packs the latest Honda Sensing with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and more.

The all-new third-generation Honda Freed hybrid minivan is the perfect vehicle for parents, no matter what kind of family you have. It’s not great in the speed department, but it is very easy to park and drive. It comes with the latest Honda Sensing technology, so you can feel secure that the Freed has your back on the road. And of course, it has that typical Japanese reliability.

Available Colors:

Freed Air: Fjord Mist Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Luna Silver Metallic, Sonic Grey Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Crystal Garnet Metallic, Seabed Blue Pearl, and Twilight Mist Black.

Freed Crosstar: Desert Beige Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Sonic Grey Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Crystal Garnet Metallic, Seabed Blue Pearl, and Twilight Mist Black.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Lexus LM500h (TAWH15W)

Lexus's first-ever minivan, the LM, has arrived, and those who believed that today's Toyota Alphard and Vellfire aren't luxurious enough for them should consider the fanciest equivalent if they have a massive price to pay.

2024 Lexus LM

The first-ever Lexus LM, priced at 20 million Yen plus additional costs, is no doubt the most expensive minivan in the world, thanks to its ultra-luxurious features that can upset today's BMW 7-Series. Although this is basically the highest-ranked version of the Toyota Alphard it was based on, the Lexus LM is fit enough for the 1% to relax while on the move.

2024 Lexus LM

Beginning with the exterior design, the LM features an Alphard-esque side view while donning an un-Lexus front face and a rear view that proudly spells LEXUS all over. This is the first time you'll see a Lexus logo on the front face that is not in the grille since the LFA supercar from a long time ago, and such appeal really means authority for the LM.

2024 Lexus LM interior

2024 Lexus LM interior

Despite its minivan looks, the Lexus LM is basically a four-seater fancy living digest because the driver's side and the passenger's side are separated by the 48-inch flat-screen monitor. Beginning with the driver's side, it's packed with the LFA-inspired instrumental panel that most Lexus models have as well as the HUD, a 14-inch touchscreen sat-nav, loads of USB-C ports, climate control, and so on.

On the passenger's side, this is where the out-on-a-limo experience kicks in because, with the special device, passengers can control the ottoman seats with the built-in massager, ambient lighting, the rear entertainment system, air conditioning, and others. Mind you, the rear monitor features a picture-to-picture experience so passengers can watch some movies while video conferencing with other businesspeople when they're out of the office, stuck in traffic, or whatever comes across them. Don't forget that there's a built-in refrigerator where they can store your refreshments as well.

2024 Lexus LM

Just like its lesser Toyota Alphard and Vellfire equivalents, the Lexus LM runs on the TNGA platform, front MacPherson struts, rear double wishbones, and ventilated disc brakes. The only powertrain is the same one used in the RX500 F SPORT Performance and the Toyota Crown Crossover. It combines the 2.4L T24A-FTS turbocharged engine with two electric motors and a nickel-metal battery, producing 371PS of system power output, and while mated to a 6-speed AT, it has 13.5km/l of combined fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards.

Because of the DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system, the LM feels different to drive compared to today's Toyota Alphard and Vellfire minivans with e-Four in it, and it feels rather silly to put it in Sport Mode because that will make it a "king in its throne". Toilet finish. Speaking of toilet finish, the Lexus LM features a signature Rear Comfort driving mode that prioritizes comfort for rear passengers while on the move. Although it isn't textbook Rolls-Royce comfort, it soothes the rear passengers like a mermaid's tale all the way home.

Speaking of a mermaid's tale, the Lexus LM features the third-generation Lexus Intelligent Safety System+ (LSS+3.0) with a Pre-Crash Safety system, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Change Assist, Road Sign Assist, Adaptive High-Beam System, driver monitor, Proactive Driving Assist, and others. It even comes with the Lexus Teammate Advance Drive and Advance Park as well.

The ultra-luxurious and ultra-expensive Lexus LM is the ultimate luxury minivan fit enough for the 1% to relax while on the move. Whether you're going to Okada, Newport World Resorts, Solaire, City of Dreams, Hann, or whatever casino-resorts these minivans serve, rest assured that the Lexus LM will blow away the lesser Toyota luxury minivans such as the Alphard, Vellfire, and the GranAce from arrival to departure. Consider yourselves VIPs.

Available Colors: Sonic Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, and Sonic Agate.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Honda N-BOX (Third Generation)

The first of Honda's N line of kei cars is now on its third generation as the all-new N-BOX promises to fit through the demands of the new normal with its new style, new interior, and new tech while retaining the classic N-BOX brand that made it the best-selling Honda in ages.

2024 Honda N-BOX

The best-selling Honda in Japan, the N-BOX, has reached its third generation and this all-new model marks the new start for the first of Honda's N line of kei cars in this Reiwa era we lived in. Catering to the demands of this era of the new normal, the N-BOX of the Reiwa era puts its emphasis on usability, comfort, and efficiency, in somewhat ascending order just like most kei cars should. Yours for 1,648,900 Japanese Yen plus additional costs.

Like its predecessors, the third-generation N-BOX is offered in two different styles; the normal one and the Custom one. While the normal one looks pretty much the same as the previous model, the Custom one looks like a mini-me StepWGN Spada of today. Either way, the new styling is one of the main feats of the all-new N-BOX.

2024 Honda N-BOX interior

2024 Honda N-BOX interior

Apart from the new exterior design, the interior is all-new for this model, as demonstrated by the new dashboard layout packed with a seven-inch TFT unit as the dial display and a nine-inch touchscreen mounted in the middle. As for comfort, it still snugs just like the previous model and can still carry most of today's grocery list as usual.

For those who have a cart or a wheelchair, a Slope variant was offered which comes with a rear super flex slope, electric winch, back door lamp, and a wheelchair fixing belt, among many others. Quite handy, I dare say.

2024 Honda N-BOX

The third-generation N-BOX is powered by a 660cc i-VTEC engine that produces 58PS of power output and 65Nm of torque, and when mated with a CVT, fuel efficiency is around 21.6km/L based on WLTC Mode standards. Of course, you can exercise your options with the available turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive just in case.

With usability one of the main feats of the new model, Honda wasted no time recalibrating its dynamics to give a 4.5m turning radius, making it easy to get in and out of the parking spot. As for safety, the third-generation N-BOX comes with Honda Sensing, VSA, emergency stop signal, hill start assist function, and a multi-view camera system, among many others.

The best-selling Honda vehicle in Japan has leveled up as the all-new N-BOX caters to the demands of the era of the new normal with its usability, comfort, and efficiency. Welcome aboard.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Kia Ray EV

Originally available only for rental or car-sharing purposes until 2019, the Kia Ray EV returns, and this time, it's available to the general public starting at 27,750,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, making this the cheapest Korean electric car you can buy and own today.

2024 Kia Ray EV

2024 Kia Ray EV interior

No strings attached, of course. The Kia Ray EV made its comeback after a four-year absence and unlike the previous one, it's yours to drive and keep if you have the budget to fully own it.

The reborn Kia Ray EV looks just like the recently facelifted Kia Ray, meaning you can still expect the squarish front face with EV9-inspired headlamps, grille-less design, revised rear lamps, and the slightly revised interior with a 10.25-inch color LCD cluster and console-type gear lever as expected but because this is the electric version, you can expect a number of features to differentiate it such as the charging port, exclusive Smoke Blue exterior color, unique 14-inch alloy wheels, and the i-PEDAL mode that can be engaged via paddle shifters.

Micro-business entrepreneurs can have either the two-seater or the single-seater van variants where the rear seats have been deleted for the sake of extra cargo space needed to deliver some balikbayan boxes if you're into that.

2024 Kia Ray EV

The Kia Ray EV's electric powertrain is powered by a 35.2kWh battery pack, making it capable of producing 64.3kW of power output and 147Nm of torque. As for driving range, it's good for 205km in one full charge. As for safety, the Ray EV comes with numerous features such as Rear Collision Prevention Assistance, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Prevention Assist, among many others.

Made for the new normal, the Kia Ray EV is a budget-friendly electric vehicle you can really own and drive with confidence.

Photo: Kia

Toyota Alphard and Vellfire (H40W)

For over two decades, the Toyota Alphard served as the flagship of Toyota's minivan lineup and it has been a favorite for VIPs of the East. In its all-new form, the Alphard and its sporty equivalent, the Vellfire, are ready to tackle the new normal while doing what these minivans do best; the premium combination of style, luxury, practicality, and comfort fit for royalties.

2024 Toyota Alphard

2024 Toyota Vellfire

The Toyota Alphard and Vellfire minivans are now on their H40W spec and because they're all-new from scratch, they are no longer the luxury minivans the Easterlies are familiar with. These minivans have turned pure alpha and they're ready to strut the road in style and comfort, no doubt.

2024 Toyota Alphard

2024 Toyota Vellfire

Beginning with the styling, the all-new Alphard's front view features a mammoth T-shaped grille that can embarrass today's BMW designs and for the first time, the Alphard badging has been replaced by the Toyota logo on it, a move similar to today's Harrier and Noah. Do not worry, the Alphard emblem is now located on the side view packed with sharp-looking windows. As for the rearview, it can be somewhat reminiscent of last decade's Crown.

The Vellfire, meanwhile, features the same shape as the Alphard but with a front view that says "Honey, I grew the Roomy" and a rearview reminiscent of the Hyundai Grandeur TG, adding some dramatic flair to it, if you catch my drift.

2024 Toyota Alphard interior

2024 Toyota Vellfire interior

Both the Alphard and the Vellfire are packed with an all-new interior which is slightly longer than the previous models while maintaining the same width and wheelbase as their predecessors. They're all offered as seven-seaters with ultra-luxurious second-row seats, a prized hallmark for these minivans.

On the driver's side, it features a 12.3-inch TFT color meter with a multi-information display, color HUD, a 14-inch sat-nav, a new digital rear-view mirror, and others. The passenger side, meanwhile, features a host of luxury amenities including Toyota firsts such as the super-long overhead console, power side sunshade for rear seats, universal steps positioned at the sliding doors for easy access, one-touch seesaw switch on the sliding doors, and the world's first 5:5 split two-position space-up seats where the third-row seats can be flipped up for extra space.

2024 Toyota Alphard

2024 Toyota Vellfire

As expected, all variants have four-cylinder engines and no V6 in them. That's it and that's all. Speaking of which, in order to differentiate the Alphard and the Vellfire, the petrol variants have been specified for each minivan. 

The Alphard Z variant is powered by a 2.5L 2AR-FE engine that produces 182PS of power, and 235Nm of torque. Mated with the Super CVT-i, it has a fuel economy of up to 10.6km/l for FF variants.

The Vellfire Z Premier, meanwhile, is powered by the turbocharged 2.4L T24A-FTS engine that produces 279PS of power and 430Nm of torque. Mated to a Direct Shift-8AT, it has 10.3km/L of fuel economy for FF variants.

Both the hybrid variants of the Alphard and the Vellfire are powered by a 2.5L A25A-FXS petrol-hybrid powerplant bolted to an electric motor (two electric motors if you're on the e-Four variant), a nickel battery, and CVT. With this powertrain, fuel economy is up to 17.7km/L for FF variants while e-Four variants get up to 16.7km/L.

Running on the TNGA platform, front MacPherson struts, rear double wishbones, and ventilated disc brakes, both the all-new Alphard and the all-new Vellfire behave like luxury cars with their refined silence and comfort that can please VIPs from the hot seat. In addition, both are packed with Toyota Safety Sense and Toyota Teammate for safer driving and worry-free parking worth noticing. Don't ask your boss about these gizmos.

The Alphard starts at 5.4 million Japanese Yen while the Vellfire starts at 6.55 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs.

With the all-new Toyota Alphard and the all-new Toyota Vellfire making the rounds, high rollers of the Far East are ready to double down on these new versions because of the style, luxury, practicality, and comfort worth their trip, not to mention the tech involved. Because both minivans are powered by four-cylinder engines only with the Vellfire at the top of the pack with its turbocharged 4-pot, there's no idea how to explain these minivans to the boys and girls at Okada, Newport World Resorts, Solaire, City of Dreams, Hann, or whatever casino-resorts these minivans served.

Available colors (Alphard): Platinum White Pearl Mica, Black, and Precious Leo Blonde.

Available colors (Vellfire): Platinum White Pearl Mica, and Black.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

2nd Gen Mitsubishi eK Space (2024 facelift) and Delica Mini

The second-generation Mitsubishi eK Space has received a facelift to keep itself fresh and apart from that, its rugged sibling, the Delica Mini, joins the party, giving customers various ways and means to enjoy the traffic-friendly kei minivans Mitsubishi offered.

2024 Mitsubishi Delica Mini

2024 Mitsubishi eK Space

For the 2024 model year, the second-generation Mitsubishi eK Space is now updated with a heavily revised front view that is proven to be more stylish than its pre-facelifted model. The first-ever Delica Mini, meanwhile, is the rugged version of the eK Space that serves as the replacement for the now-axed eK X Space. With its rugged styling and the DELICA lettering etched on the front and back, the Delica Mini showcases its outdoorsy vibe fit for a quiet Sunday drive into the woods.

2024 Mitsubishi Delica Mini interior

2024 Mitsubishi eK Space interior

The interior looks pretty much the same as the pre-facelift model but it's got a new sat-nav offered as an available extra and that's pretty much about it. For more expensive models, you can expect some noticeable stuff you may find, well, noticeable, such as the back table at the back of the front seats, keyless entry, touch panel aircon, and others, not to mention the waterproof sheet fabric which is ideal when you accidentally spilled something. The Delica Mini inherits most of the interior features from the eK Space so you can expect the same stuff from it.

Either way, they are tall enough to let occupants stretch themselves on the inside and offer generous rear legroom and ample spacing fit for all kinds of stuff to do. Honest work.

2024 Mitsubishi Delica Mini

2024 Mitsubishi eK Space

Both the facelifted eK Space and the Delica Mini are equipped with the same BR06 three-cylinder DOHC 12V ECI engine bolted with a tiny electric motor and a CVT gearbox. Thanks to some slight improvements, the fuel economy is around 20.9kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards. The Delica Mini is offered exclusively with the turbocharged variant of the same engine producing 64PS of power output and 19.2kmpl of fuel economy.

In kei car tradition, both the eK Space and the Delica Mini are no sweat to drive thanks to their compact sizing, less complicated suspension setup, and available 4WD, not to mention a wide range of safety tech from e-Assist to MI-PILOT, making them true city class cars for everyday use.

The facelifted eK Space and the first-ever Delica Mini are now ready to take on the new normal for simple people looking to find new hobbies out of these kei minivans. Like it or not, these traffic-friendly kei minivans are ready to get the job done, no rush at all.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Mercedes-Benz T-Class

The first-ever Mercedes-Benz T-Class has arrived as the German equivalent of the third-generation Renault Kangoo, which is odd because the Citan is meant to be the said equivalent. Why start another? Let's investigate.

2023 Mercedes-Benz T-Class

2023 Mercedes-Benz T-Class interior

Priced at 31,095 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever T-Class, like the Citan, is the German equivalent of the third-generation Renault Kangoo, and similarities aside, there are a few differences that separate the T-Class to the Citan because while the Citan is built for business purposes in mind, the T-Class is built for family use. Either way, you might want to color their rear badges to the colors of the German flag just as Kangoo owners did by painting the rear badge with the French flag motif.

Beginning with the design, the T-Class eschews the black cladding from the Citan in favor of a premium look. Still, despite the Mercedes front, it's basically a third-generation Renault Kangoo underneath, meaning it shares similar dimensions as the French minivan it was based on. Mind you, you can even have the T-Class equipped with double rear doors and when you have them, feel free to paint the rear badges to the colors of the German flag just like...well...you get the point.

As for the interior, it's just like the Citan but, again, with a more premium feel because of the choice of trim and upholstery with the most expensive versions come with matte silver trim elements, chrome trim strips on the tailgate, and many others. If you can recall, the latest Citan is bigger and roomier than its predecessor. In the first-ever T-Class, it's the same story but with more feel to it.

Like the Citan and the Kangoo, the T-Class is powered by a choice of petrol and diesel engines with the most powerful bearing the 1.3L petrol engine with 131PS of power, 240Nm of torque, and while mated to a 7G-DCT, 0-100kph takes about 11.6 seconds and flat out in 184kph. Kiss your Toyota Sienta goodbye with this one.

In terms of safety, the T-Class features a wide array of ADAS ranging from Hill Start Assist, Crosswind Assist, Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Speed Limit Assist, and so on.

With the first-ever T-Class, the Citan's taken a premium approach but either way, they work just like its Renault Kangoo equivalent as expected.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz