Next-generation Mitsubishi Delica firms for Australia

There is growing evidence the next-generation Mitsubishi Delica could eventually be offered in local dealerships.

CarExpert has unearthed Australian trademark filings for the Delica name, submitted by Mitsubishi in September 2026 – adding to comments made by the brand three years ago about the people mover being considered for this market.

As we reported at the time, Mitsubishi Motors Australia said it was assessing the current-generation Delica for local release – with at least two vehicles understood to have been brought here for evaluation by the company.

However, the Japanese automaker has since said any decision would apply to the next-generation Delica, which is believed to now be around the corner.

“Mitsubishi Motors Australia has acquired a current-generation Delica to assess dealer, customer and media reaction to the concept, to gain a deep understanding of its potential in the Australian market in future,” a spokesperson for Mitsubishi Australia told CarExpert in 2023.

“We will continue to evaluate ahead of the next-generation’s introduction.”

Those comments came following the unveiling of an off-road plug-in hybrid people mover, known as the D:X Concept, which is believed to be a preview of the forthcoming Delica.

“The Concept embodies Mitsubishi’s adventurous spirit with a modern design, strong and safe underpinnings, PHEV drivetrain and Super All-Wheel Control,” the company said at the reveal.

While automakers are known to register model names to protect the trademark – regardless of whether they will be sold in every market – the Mitsubishi Delica has been in production since the late 1960s, and has never been trademarked in Australia in that time.

Despite being a relatively common sight on Australian roads – thanks to private imports – the Delica nameplate has never been an official part of the Japanese brand’s official local lineup.

Regardless, Aussies will be familiar with the model, with commercial versions sold by Mitsubishi as the Express van for several decades, while people mover variants were marketed here under the Starwagon name.

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