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.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (GN0W) - 2025 facelift

Launched at the end of 2021, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (GN0W) was a game-changer that promises to turn Mitsubishi's fortunes around with its PHEV drivetrain. Sadly, only a few are taking notice of it. Now is the ideal time to reintroduce the Outlander PHEV to the world in a revamped approach.

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Now starting at 5,263,500 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, a huge price hike compared to the previous model, the updated Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GN0W promises to be an even more game-changer than before with its recalibrated PHEV drivetrain along with some retouches in store for this minor change.

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV interior

The 2025 model features some slight retouches, such as the front grille to accommodate its front shutters, revamped wheel designs, the new 12.3-inch touchscreen sat-nav system with smartphone connectivity, and the available Yamaha 12-speaker sound system, which replaces the Bose unit from the pre-facelifted model. It's still offered with the choice of a five-seater or a seven-seater and can carry up to 1404 liters of boot space with the passenger seats folded down. Ideal for various walks of life from business to leisure.

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Now's the ideal time to talk about its recalibrated PHEV powertrain. While the 4B12 2.4L petrol engine remains unchanged, the electrical bit is now powered by the 22.7 kWh lithium battery with a new liquid cooling system and a heat pump system, making greater efficiency to its twin motors that supplement its Super All-Wheel Control system. Overall, it now produces over 300PS of power, and mated with a single-gear automatic, it sprints from 0-100kph in less than eight seconds and flat-out in 170kph.

Its fuel efficiency is now 17.6 km/L, and its EV driving range is now 106km based on WLTC Mode standards.

Mitsubishi also recalibrated the Outlander PHEV's dynamics using lightweight and high-rigidity aluminum on its suspension setup to make it slightly more enjoyable to drive everywhere as well as its revamped steering layout and larger ventilated disc brakes.

The new Outlander PHEV prioritizes safety with its MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance technology. This system combines Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist to help keep the vehicle centered while navigating Tokyo's highways. Additionally, it features the capability to read speed limit signs, which may surprise other drivers on the road.

Now that we’ve had a chance to get acquainted with the new features of the refreshed Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, let's discuss whether or not this refresh has successfully made it the ideal time to take notice of this improved model.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

My FH5 Log: Mr. Mitsu

The Mitsubishi FTO has made its comeback in Forza Horizon 5 as a prize car in the Back to the 90s Storm Season Playlist. This news is sure to thrill a certain slasher from Hakone.

Having obtained the FTO, let's have a word with the only front-wheel-drive sports coupe Mitsubishi made.

The Mitsubishi FTO was launched in October 1994 as an entry-level front-wheel-drive sports coupe. It was intended to compete with the Toyota Celica and the Honda Integra. The FTO comes with a choice of engines, including a 2.0L 6A12 MIVEC V6 engine that produces 200 PS of power and 20.4 kgf-m of torque. It is mated with either a 5-speed manual or INVECS-II Sports Mode automatic transmission (in four or five-speed configurations) that allows the driver to manually shift gears with ease. At launch, it won the Japan Car of the Year. Production ended in 2000.

I'm going to take the FTO for a quick drive around a certain EventLab creation that feels like Fuji to me. I'm not sure if it's an exact replica, but it's close enough. Anyway, let's roll the tape and see how it handles.

The good old days are still here, at least for fans of the Mitsubishi FTO. This classic Japanese sports coupe has been revisited in Forza Horizon 5.

Enjoy your new ride!

My FH5 Log: Legends of the Hidden Junk Cars

Three undesirable old cars have plagued Forza Horizon 5's Hidden Horizons update like disease-carrying rodents.

Let's face it, there's no stopping a game like Forza Horizon 5 from featuring undesirable old cars no one asked for and the Hidden Horizons update is no exception. Time to meet this update's worst offenders.

First, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III from the Hidden Horizons Summer Season Playlist. Launched in 1995, the Lancer Evolution III is the third and the last verse based on the fourth-generation Lancer. It features a revised body style compared to the Evo II while the turbocharged 2.0L 4G63 engine was bumped to 266HP of power output.

Next, the fourth-generation Toyota Chaser, in turbocharged 2.5GT twin-turbo guise, from the Hidden Horizons Winter Season Playlist. Powered by a 2.5L 1JZ-GTE engine, it produces 210PS of power, making it the most powerful of the X80-series Chasers.

Lastly, the facelifted Volvo C30, in T5 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition guise, from the Hidden Horizons Spring Season Playlist. A byproduct of the SCC Concept, the C30 is the last 3-door Volvo ever made.

Let's give the latest batch of junk cars a quick race to prove their worth. Roll the tapes.

These junk cars still know how to funk themselves.

The plague of junk cars in Forza Horizon 5 is far from over because the next update, the Back To The 90s update, sees another plague of junk cars from the 1990s. Brace yourselves, more junk cars are coming.

Speaking of which...

Do you remember the King?

My FM Log: Forever Knighthood

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III is the peak of the first saga of the Lancer Evolution. It arrived in Forza Motorsport, and there's so much to talk about this JDM gem in so little time.

Here's the TMI on the LanEvo III.

Launched in 1995, the Lancer Evolution III is the third and the last verse based on the fourth-generation Lancer. It features a revised body style compared to the Evo II while the turbocharged 2.0L 4G63 engine was bumped to 266HP of power output.

Inside the world of Initial D, the Evo III was driven by the Emperor boss, Kyoichi Sudo. Takumi Fujiwara dueled against Sudo in an unofficial match in Akagi and lost because of the AE86's blown engine, but Sudo let him slide for now. Following the AE86's blown engine, Sudo battled Ryosuke Takahashi of Redsuns and lost. Later on, on his home turf Irohazaka, the rematch between Takumi and Sudo ended in a dead heat.

I respected this Evo ever since it popped up in Initial D. From its rally knowhow, the clever 4WD system, and legendary performance, it's no wonder it became one of the most formidable rally weapons in the 90s and now, to prove its worth, let's take the Evo III a hot lap around Suzuka Circuit, just to experience what's like to be inside the car driven by the Emperor boss. "It's a seminar" like what Sudo said. Roll the tape.

Mr. Emperor can do better than mine but hey, it's the experience that counts, right?

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III is the peak of the first saga of the Lancer Evolution. It's no wonder it became one of the most formidable rally weapons in the 90s. In the world of Initial D, you have to be brave and bold enough to take him down.

It's an honor to drive this iconic Mitsubishi rally car in the game.

Mitsubishi Triton (LC2T)

The Mitsubishi Triton returns home in its third-generation model, and it's shaped up to become the best Triton ever made.

2024 Mitsubishi Triton

Starting at 4,980,800 Yen plus additional costs, which makes it nearly a million more expensive than its main rival, the Toyota Hilux, the all-new, third-generation Mitsubishi Triton, fully imported from Thailand, is the comeback Mitsubishi Motors desperately wanted since the discontinuation of its coolest vehicles ever made, the Pajero and the Lancer Evolution.

2024 Mitsubishi Triton

Beginning with the styling, the all-new Triton draws inspiration from the XRT Concept, incorporating its Beast Mode design tough enough to tackle Hokkaido's worst if you're into that. From the rough roads of Hokkaido to the bustling streets of downtown Tokyo, rest assured that this muscular styling is as salty as the salty spitoon, not a super weenie.

2024 Mitsubishi Triton interior

Inside, the all-new Triton is one of the most spacious in its class because it is one of the largest in its class. 

Most importantly, most of the interior's contact points are heavily emphasized on grip comfort and sturdiness, making it more dramatic to flicker about. The dashboard is packed with a fully automatic air conditioner with left and right independent temperature control and an available touch screen sat-nav lifted from the Outlander PHEV, more comfortable front seats, and other improvements to make the new Triton's interior more utilitarian and luxurious than the first one.

Asked about the seat material, the entry-level GLS uses fabric while the range-topper GSR uses leather with orange stitching.

The cargo bed is now wider and longer compared to the old model, and it has a 2×4 lumbar attachment, 4-piece cargo bed hooks, a wide rear bumper cover, and a bed liner for the GSR model, making it suitable for business and leisure at a steady rate.

2024 Mitsubishi Triton

Built on a newly developed ladder frame with significantly increased rigidity compared to the conventional model, as well as front double wishbones, improved rear leaf springs, extensive use of high-tensile steel, and Super Select 4WD-II and Easy Select 4WD systems, the all-new Triton is fully prepared to tackle through the world's most punishing roads, all in the name of playing dirty with its improved off-road capabilities.

Powering the all-new Triton is a brand new 4N16 2.4L clean diesel engine that produces 204PS of power and 470Nm of torque, making it more powerful than the Toyota Hilux. Mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the fuel economy is 11.3kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards, slightly less economical than the Hilux, just so you know.

The third-generation Triton features numerous safety features, including Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Stability Control, traction control, Hill Descent Control, and Hill Start Assist.

After 12 years of being gone, the Triton is finally back home with a vengeance, and this comeback is what Mitsubishi Motors truly needed. With its bravado looks, gripping interior, new diesel engine, improved off-road capabilities, and a host of safety features, there's no doubt that this will be the best Triton ever made by a long shot.

If you want a Japanese pickup truck, it's either the Toyota Hilux or the Mitsubishi Triton. That's it.

PRICE LIST:

GLS - 4,980,800 Yen

GSR - 5,401,000 Yen

AVAILABLE COLORS:

White Diamond, Graphite Grey Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Blade Silver Metallic (GLS only), Red Solid (GLS only), and Yamabuki Orange Metallic (GSR only).

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

My GT7 Log: Emperors

The Evo III and the Evo IV are the infamous 4WD sports saloons that made an appearance in the Initial D series because these cars were driven by Kyoichi Sudo and Seiji Iwaki, the formidable duo from the team Emperor. Here in Gran Turismo 7, I got the chance to drive the fearsome twosome.

Whenever these two Evos popped up on the mountain roads, street racers are going to think twice before facing them head-on because, as witnessed in the series, the loser gets their team stickers sliced in half. So, what made these Evos feared on the mountain roads?

Let's begin with the Lancer Evolution III, the one Kyoichi Sudo drove in Initial D. The Evo III is the third and the last verse of the one based on the fourth-generation Lancer, commonly nicknamed by Noypis as the "Lancer Hotdog" because of the hotdog-shaped rear-lamps. Launched in 1995, the Evo III features a revised body style compared to the Evo II while the turbocharged 2.0L 4G63 engine was bumped to 266HP of power output.

As the Evo driven by the Emperor boss in Initial D, Takumi dueled against Sudo in an unofficial match and lost because of the AE86's blown engine but Sudo let it slide for now. Following the AE86's blown engine, Sudo battled Ryosuke Takahashi of Redsuns and lost. Later on, on his home turf Irohazaka, the rematch between Takumi and Sudo ended in a dead heat.

Now, let's take a look at the Evo driven by the Emperor's head honcho Seiji Iwaki, the Lancer Evolution IV. Being the first Evo that was based on the fifth-generation Lancer, known by the commercials as the "Good Run Lancer", the Evo IV is an entirely new model built from the ground up. The same engine that powers the Evo has been flipped around 180 degrees and saw a power increase to 276HP of power. The Evo IV marked the debut of the Active Yaw Control, which replaced the previous models' mechanical LSD. In the world of Initial D, Takumi battled Seiji and barely won.

Having gotten to know about the Evos driven by the Emperor duo, let's give this fearsome twosome a duel to determine which one is the best, and with that, I selected Autopolis for this matter.

So, which of these Emperor LanEvos is the most potent one? The leader or the head honcho? Let's roll the tape.

And now the results...

Evo III - 2m20.256s

Evo IV - 2m19.587s

It's a shockingly close result. The head honcho has beaten the leader by nearly a second. I guess this is how much of an improvement the Evo IV is compared to the Evo III. Still, they're pretty good for retro rally JDM saloons known and feared the world over.

As said before, both the Evo III and the Evo IV are fearsome twosome street racers who are going to think twice before facing them head-on as seen in Initial D. These machines showcased how much progress the Lancer Evolution has gone through since the beginning of the tale. They really are the best machines to come out from the 1990s, the golden era of JDM sports cars.

Remember the emperors...

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

My FH5 Log: Super Tito

The sixth-generation Mitsubishi Galant, in rally-bred VR-4 form, returns in Forza Horizon 5 via the Japanese Automotive Dry Season Playlist and now that I have it, it's time to get a hold of what's known to be my uncle's car from back in a day. Ah, memories...

The sixth-generation Galant was launched in Japan in October 1987 with variants such as the 2.0L-powered MX, VX, VZ, 1.8L-powered MS, VS, 1.8L-powered MF, GF, 1.6L-powered ME, GE, and G. Two months later, 4WD versions such as the 2.0 DOHC TURBO VR-4 and 2.0 DOHC VX-4 were launched and it has won the Japan Car of the Year in 1987.

This VR-4 version comes with the 4G63T DOHC 16v inline 4-cylinder engine that has a peak power of 177 kW (241 PS; 237 hp) at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 304 N·m (224 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm. It is mated with either a 4-speed AT or a 5-speed MT.

This was homologated for the Group A class, using the underpinnings from the Starion 4WD. From 1988 to 1992, it was campaigned by Ralliart Europe and it won three events courtesy of Mikael Ericsson (1989 1000 Lakes Rally), Pentti Airikkala (1989 Lombard RAC Rally), and Kenneth Eriksson (1991 Swedish Rally). Kenjiro Shinozuka pushed this Galant to victory at the Asia-Pacific Rally Championships in 1988 and from 1991 to 1992, Ross Dunkerton did the same thing. Tim O'Neil also pushed the Galant to victory at the 1992 American National GT Championship.

The LanEvo of the Showa era before the rise of the Lancer Evo, as they said. Anyway, let's give the Galant VR-4 a quick drive through the dirt, experiencing its rally-bred performance known the world over. Oh, and I'd better make my uncle proud while driving what used to be it. Get it? Anyway, let's roll the tape.

I did it for you, Uncle!

Enjoy your new ride!