If you ever needed proof that the 15 year old laws for imported vehicles can
provide a lot of vehicle for your dollar, this is it! It’s practical, seats 7 in
comfort, has plenty of gadgetry and hi/lo range part-time 4WD.
What is ‘it’? A 1989 Japanese market Mitsubishi Delica Starwagon Exceed
4WD!
If you live in Australia,
chances are you’ve seen a few of these machines kicking around. What makes them
so attractive now is that, as of August 2004, they’re eligible for importation
under the 15 year old scheme. And that means one thing – you can get ‘em cheaper
than ever before. This particular example is being offered for just AUD$5000
(plus ADR-ing) through Yahoo Motorsport!
The ’89 Delica Starwagon Exceed 4WD is an intriguing vehicle that falls into
the “only in
Japan”
category.
In top-line Exceed spec (as tested), the big Mitsi offers luxurious velour
seating for seven people – two in the front, two in the second row and three in
the back. Note that lower spec (non-Exceed) versions come with a less luxurious
8 seater arrangement.
The Exceed’s five rear passengers are treated to individual ventilation
outlets (mounted in the roof), while the person in the right-side second row
seat has access to separate heating and cooling controls. Nice stuff. A trick
looking central interior light, fold-down armrests, side window curtains (!) and
a massive electric glass sunroof improve the ambience to ‘ahhhhhh’ levels.
If you had to pick a seating position for an interstate jaunt, it would have
to be in the back...
Interestingly, the Exceed’s separate second row seats can be swivelled a full
360 degrees. Note, however, we’re told that this swivel function must be
disabled to meet ADR requirements.
Unfortunately, it appears that the rear seats cannot be folded flush to
create a double bed – the third row backrest can be tipped forward and the
second row seat backrests recline, but that’s it.
Access to the rear seating is only via the left-side sliding door. The
passenger side second row seat can also be slid forward on a floor rail to
improve access to the third row seat.
Step up into the front seats and you’ll find them comfortable although flat
and lacking lateral support (probably to suit 4WD-ing applications).
Grab-handles are mounted everywhere. Instrumentation is pretty run-of-the-mill,
with the exception of a centrally-mounted altimeter and clinometer. There are
also controls for the rear ventilation fan and a locking switch for the
tailgate. Curiously, power windows and cruise control were not fitted to our
test Exceed.
Note that the absolute top-the-line Super Exceed offers woodgrain trim and a
few other extra niceties. A ‘crystal lite” roof is also available.
The Delica 4WD’s driving experience is, well, different!
The driver sits v-e-r-y high and the forward-control layout gives an absolute
bird’s eye view of the road. The near-horizontally mounted steering wheel also
makes for a ‘bus-like’ driving position.
Once on-the-go, we got the feeling that this is not a vehicle to be pushed fast through
bitumen corners. The chance of tipping it onto its side feels very real! But, of
course, that’s not what this vehicle is all about – it has a terrific approach
and departure angles and has real off-roading potential.
The ’89 Delica was offered with a 2.4 litre petrol engine or a 2.5 litre
turbo diesel (as tested). The turbo diesel engine (coded 4D56) is flexible with
196Nm at 2000 rpm but its peak power output is breathtakingly low for a 1700-odd
kilogram vehicle – just 63kW! Don’t expect to hook up a heavy load or to make
any passing manoeuvres on the open road... On the upside, a 75 litre tank gives a
good touring range.
A 4-speed automatic transmission was fitted to our test vehicle. The
turbo-diesel/auto combo gives its best urban performance when overdrive is
locked out.
In normal driving, the Delica gets its torque to the rear wheels. When going
gets tough, 4WD can be manually engaged with a dedicated 4WD selector – the auto
locking front hubs eliminate the need to get out of the cabin. The Delica’s
low-range 4WD highlights its genuine off-road potential – sure, a Toyota
LandCruiser would show it the way home but it would be more than a match for
some of today’s soft-roaders.
The Delica Starwagon is essentially a decked out version of the Mitsubishi
Express delivery van. As such, the suspension is on the basic side... Double
wishbone torsion bar springs are used at the front and a semi-elliptic
leaf-sprung live-axle can be found under the rear.
Braking is by ventilated front discs and large rear drums. ABS appears to be
an option.
Built on a P35-code monocoque chassis, the Delica’s body panels are the same
as found on locally delivered Mitsubishi vans. The body rides high on its
elevated suspension and big BF Goodrich All Terrain tyres came fitted to our
test vehicle. The quoted maximum ground clearance is 210mm.
Exceed versions boast two-tone paint, smoked windows, truck-style front
mirrors and a rear-mounted reversing mirror. There were plenty of optional
accessories available when new - side-steps, a bulbar/fog lights combo and roof
rack came fitted on our test vehicle. (We’re still trying to work out how somebody could possibly reach the roof rack!)
Released in 1989, the Mitsubishi Delica Starwagon Exceed 4WD is fantastic
value. Sure, the interior is a bit plasticy and the build quality is not up with
a Toyota - but for AUD$5000 (plus
ADR-ing) you can’t complain! Note that this model continued for a couple of
years before it received a facelift and, in 1994, it was replaced by the all-new
‘Space Gear’ series.
For us, the 1989 Delica Exceed 4WD really hits home the value of 15+ year old
Japanese imports. No, it’s not everyone’s idea of ‘cool’ but you can’t ignore
the sheer amount of vehicle you get for the money.
If you have an urge to venture off-road to access those top-notch surf spots there’s no better bang-for-buck way to do it!
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