January 6, 1999, Tokyo. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces the launch of new MINICAB VAN and MINICAB TRUCK light-commercial vehicle series that have undergone a full redesign to reflect the recent changes in regulations governing the category in Japan. Developed to a central theme of, "Better vehicular basics and friendlier", the two new MINICAB series go on sale at Mitsubishi MINICAB dealerships throughout Japan on Wednesday 6 January.

Principle features distinguishing the new MINICAB VAN and MINICAB TRUCK series include:

I. Product features common to MINICAB VAN and TRUCK models

Safety performance

1. Packaging design
   The functional and powerful design employs a center-midship layout that enables semi-cab styling and an extended wheelbase to realize class-topping levels of safety performance, and occupant and payload space.

2. Conformity with new crash safety requirements
   Following the 1998 revision to the safety regulations governing the Japanese mini-car category, models in the new MINICAB series feature larger bodies, with length and width extended by 100 mm and 80 mm respectively. This, in turn, has enabled larger crushable zones, thereby realizing sub-compact category levels of omni-directional crash safety.

   Mitsubishi Motors' body construction, with crash energy-absorbing front and rear ends and a rigid passenger cell, meets the new Japanese Occupant Survival Space requirements in a 50 km/h frontal impact, and the Prevention of Fuel Spills requirements in a 50 km/h tail shunt. It also meets the JNCAP^*2 55km/h frontal impact requirements. Although exempted from the new side crash requirements because of the high seated position, the MINICAB body also provides ample protection from lateral impacts.

   The 50:50 front-rear weight distribution resulting from the center-midship layout, an 8-inch master cylinder vacuum booster, and the use of a diagonally-split hydraulic dual-circuit brake system combine to realize outstanding braking performance.

3. Safety equipment specification
   Available on all models in the new MINICAB series are SRS airbags for driver and front passenger, anti-lock braking, and rear seat belts that enable the secure location of a child safety seat.

Environmental performance

All models in the new MINICAB VAN and MINICAB TRUCK series are powered by Mitsubishi Motors' New Leanburn MVV eco-engine This innovative power plant realizes a major reduction in CO2 emissions, and also meets the Low Emission Levels designated by public authorities in the Kanto and Kansai regions.

The improved environmental performance of the new series starts in the production process, with the extensive use of recycled industrial materials in the bumpers, instrument panel, door trim and air cleaner case. In addition, toxic materials have been eliminated from the fuel tank, intake and exhaust valves and engine gaskets.

Occupant- and operator-friendly

1. Improved convenience and larger payload
   Placing the front wheels as far forward as possible, the semi-nose/short overhang design, together with the larger front doors, enables entry and egress in a more natural posture and provides more legroom.

   In the VAN series, the fold-down lower arm construction of the large sliding doors makes operation smoother as well as facilitating access to and from the rear seats.

   Payload space has been increased by locating the radiator at the front and optimizing the engine position. The low-floor design increases payload space and makes loading and unloading easier.

2. Comfortable ride
   Factors contributing to passenger car levels of ride comfort include: a 50:50 weight distribution that results from the center-midship layout; a sub-compact category wheelbase length of 2390mm (2200mm on TRUCK models) and front and rear tracks of 1290mm, promoting vehicular stability; high-rigidity body construction; MacPherson strut suspension at the front, and a 3-link with torque-arm arrangement using rigid and coil springs at the rear (TRUCK models use a 3-leaf rigid rear suspension).

3. Easy Select 4WD
   Four-wheel drive models use Mitsubishi Motors' Easy Select all-wheel drive system that enables the driver to change between 2WD and 4WD-High range modes at the touch of a lever at speeds up to 80 km/h, to meet different road surface conditions.

   5-speed manual transmission models are fitted with a Lo-Hi range transfer.

II. MINICAB VAN features

1. Packaging
   The packaging design provides an overall length of 3395 mm, (100 mm longer than predecessor), width of 1475 mm (80 mm wider) and height of 1890 mm (25mm lower) for the High Roof body type. The use of a semi-cab design to conform to the new Japanese Mini-car Crash Safety Standards has produced styling that is functional, powerful and that presents a reassuringly safe appearance. Other features contributing to the original and distinctive exterior appearance include the large air-dam type front bumper, halogen headlamps with non-patterned lenses (a first in the commercial mini-car category), and large combination rear lamp units.

2. Van body
   The van body has been widened 90 mm to 1370 mm, while retaining the same 1855 mm length (2-seat body type) and without detracting from occupant cabin space. In addition, the use of a fold-flat rear seat brings a further increase in payload performance. The 650 mm above-ground height of the flat cargo floor also contributes to convenience and utility.

3. Safety specification
   Safety equipment available on all MINICAB VAN models includes: SRS airbags for driver and front passenger; 4-sensor 3-channel anti-lock braking, and 3-point rear seat belts that enable the secure location of a child safety seat.

   All models are fitted with side-impact door beams and a high-mount rear stop light as standard.

4. Engine
   All MINICAB VAN models are powered by the new 3G83 MVV leanburn unit, a 3-cylinder 12-valve SOHC engine. Tuned for low-end and mid-range torque, this power unit delivers gutsy motive power while returning outstanding mileage.

5. Transmission
   Most new MINICAB VAN models come with either 3-speed (4-speed in the CL trim level) automatic or 5-speed manual transmissions.

6. Color
   Three body colors are offered: Rheims Blue, Symphonic Silver, Sofia White.

7. Trim levels
   MINICAB VAN is offered in three trim levels: the high-grade CL, with 4-speed automatic transmission and air conditioning; the standard CD with power-steering and AM radio; and the entry level CS, each available in 2- or 4-seater body types with clear or dark-tint windows. Most trim levels are offered in high- or standard roof versions.

III. MINICAB TRUCK features

1. Packaging
   The packaging design provides an overall length of 3395 mm, (100 mm longer than predecessor), width of 1475 mm (80 mm wider) and height of 1775 mm (40 mm lower). The use of a semi-cab design to conform to the new Japanese Mini-car Crash Safety Standards has produced styling that is functional and distinctive and that maximizes cargo bed space while providing a generously roomy interior. Other features contributing to the model's original and distinctive appearance include the large air-dam type front bumper, and halogen headlamps with non-patterned lenses (a first in the commercial mini-car category).

2. Cargo box
   The cargo box has been widened 80 mm to 1415 mm, while retaining the same 1940 mm length of its predecessor. The above-ground height of the cargo box floor is 15 mm lower at 630 mm, making for easier loading and unloading. Other elements adding to vehicle productivity include a 18W work light that is five times brighter than on the current model, rope hooks, and a step that facilitates access to and from the cargo box.

3. Safety specification
   The new MINICAB TRUCK series features a comprehensive safety specification, with detail measures realizing the latest levels of safety performance.

   Available on all models are SRS airbags for driver and front passenger and 4-sensor 3-channel anti-lock braking.

   Standard equipment includes a high-mount rear stop light, a category first, and a large rear window that provides excellent rearward visibility for improved safety, to as well as contributing to the open and airy feel of the cab.

4. Engine
   MINICAB TRUCK models are powered by the new 3G83 MVV leanburn unit, a 3-cylinder 12-valve SOHC engine. Tuned for low-end and mid-range torque, this power unit delivers gutsy motive power while returning outstanding mileage.

5. Transmission
   Most new MINICAB TRUCK models come with either 3-speed ( 4-speed in TL trim level) automatic or 5-speed manual transmissions.

6. Suspension
   The rear suspension uses leaf springs to provide outstanding handling stability and ride comfort whether carrying a full cargo or running empty.

7. Color
   Two body colors are offered: Rheims Blue and Calgary White

8. Trim levels
   MINICAB TRUCK is offered in a single drop-side body type, in four trim levels: the high-grade TL, with 4-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning and stylish side panels; the MIGHTY, with heavy-duty suspension, limited slip differential, cab protector and tailgate protector facilitating operation over poor road surfaces; the standard TD, with power-steering and AM radio; and the entry level TS.

IV. MINICAB special body types

1. Refrigerated vans
   To supply the growing demand for chilled and refrigerated vans, the MINICAB VAN series includes the HOREISHA chilled compartment model (one-touch operation single or double sliding doors) with a cargo box made of highly-durable fiber reinforced plastic that features outstanding corrosion resistance, together with hygienic, airtight and thermal insulation properties. The REITOSHA refrigerated model (one-touch operation single or double sliding doors) has an FRP insulated box that boasts excellent low-temperature performance, is very strong and also looks good. All models are fitted with sliding door(s) that open and close at the touch of a switch for improved operability. And now, for the first time in this class of vehicle, these models are available with a twin-compressor refrigeration system, as well as the standard single compressor system.

2. Dump trucks
   In keeping with the company's policy of meeting diverse customer needs, a full lineup of MINICAB dump trucks is offered. Included in the ONIGANE DUMP series are: the Stainless Drop-side PTO ONIGANE, and the Multi-purpose Drop-side PTO AKA-ONI and PTO AO-ONI, full-feature drop-side dump trucks with PTO-driven dump box, and a limited slip differential for improved performance over poor surfaces. In addition, the popular light-duty dump truck RAKUSHO DUMP model is now available with an automatic transmission, the first of its type.

3. Other body types
   A wide range of models with features and equipment that give the convenience of a larger size of vehicle are available. Included are: the PANEL VAN, ideal for the transport of interior goods, precision equipment and other fragile merchandise; the TAILGATE LIFTER, which makes light work of loading and unloading heavy cargo; and the STAINLESS REAR BODY, which takes dirty and corrosive materials in its stride.

New MINICAB VAN & TRUCK: Principal Specifications

Figures in parenthesis refer to automatic transmission models.
The models shown are representative. A wide range of trim levels is offered.