Mighty Mouse: Mitsubishi turns Delica Mini into AXCR support vehicle

This Mitsubishi Delica Mini is the cutest support vehicle

If there’s one Mitsubishi vehicle we wish that’s available in the Philippines (aside from the Delica D:5), it’s most likely the Delica Mini. First launched around two years ago, it’s a kei car that combines MPV practicality and an SUV-inspired look that gives it the ability to cover uneven terrain despite its small size.

Combined with its relatively spacious cabin and generous luggage area, the tiny yet capable Delica Mini would make perfect sense in the Philippines. At this year’s Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR), Team Mitsubishi Ralliart decided to transform one into a support vehicle.

Yes, you read that sentence correctly just now. This dressed-up and modified Delica Mini is an official mobility support vehicle that will accompany both the Triton rally truck and the Delica D:5 support vehicle through each leg of the 2024 AXCR.

Right off the bat, the Delica Mini gets a plethora of exterior and chassis upgrades. For starters, it gets all-terrain tires for extra grip, an increased ride height to allow it to take on harsh terrain, and mudguards to keep debris off. In case you haven’t noticed them yet, the Delica Mini also comes with roof-mounted auxiliary lights, a roof rack to carry additional gear, a rear step ladder, and Work alloy wheels that appear to be the same design as the one fitted on the Triton AXCR vehicle.

Step inside and the interior remains factory stock although the presence of caked-up mud and dirt showed that Mitsubishi actually uses the vehicle at 2024 AXCR. It comes with niceties like power-sliding rear doors, touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, automatic climate control, push-button start, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, leather-fabric seats, and a multi-info display.

Under the hood, it has a 660cc three-cylinder turbo engine that pushes out 64 PS and is paired with a CVT complete with paddle shifters. This particular version gets 4WD as standard to help the Delica Mini go over terrain with ease.

While the modified Delica Mini shows Mitsubishi’s dedication to making even its kei cars capable of going off the beaten path, we were wondering why the automaker decided to make one into a support vehicle for this year’s AXCR.

Speaking with an executive who wished to remain anonymous, the purpose is two-fold. The first reason is the Delica Mini serves as an additional support vehicle to carry the team’s luggage. With the Delica D:5 support vehicles already carrying repair equipment and other racing gear, the Delica Mini is there to shuttle extra personnel along with their belongings.

Last but not least is to promote the Delica Mini’s ability to go off-road despite its small size. With the kei car already popular among Japanese buyers in its home market, Mitsubishi wanted to capitalize on the Delica Mini’s image by having it join the 2024 AXCR.

So far, the executive said there are currently no plans to offer the kei car to customers outside Japan. But should the automaker change its mind in the long run, would you one to get one? And if so would you take it off the beaten path? Let us know in the comments.