Now into its sixth generation, the D:5 retains the boxy silhouette of its predecessor, but adopts Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield styling language with front a facia design derived mostly from the Xpander, and to a degree, the recently revealed facelifted Triton.

A rival for the like of the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire, Nissan Elgrand and Honda Odyssey in the lucrative luxury Japanese minivan segment, the D:5 continues to ride on a version of Mitsubishi’s GS platform also used by the ASX, Triton, Pajero Sport and Xpander, and provides seating for seven with a choice of two trim levels; standard and more the upmarket six-seat Urban Gear.

Inside, the interior has been reworked with a portrait-style touchscreen infotainment system taking centre stage, while the gear lever is again located on the hangdown section along with new ventilation switches, a wood grain finish for the dash, captain-style chairs, new steering wheel and an instrument cluster taken from the Pajero Sport.

Unchanged is the D:5’s engine though, which still displaces 2.2-litres and produces 130kW/380Nm. Effectively the same oil-burner offered in the European spec Outlander and ASX, known as the RVR in Japan, the mill is now mated to the same eight-speed automatic as that of the Pajero Sport, and rates as the only drivetrain option available with Mitsubishi having phased out the normally aspirated 2.4-litre petrol and CVT combo.

While drive is send to the front wheels as before, the D:5 comes with the option of four-wheel drive, which now incorporates a locking differential and three modes; 2WD, 4WD and Lock, a first for a minivan.

Heading for markets across Asia over the coming months, the Delica D:5 is highly unlikely to become available in South Africa anytime soon.