Is this a shadowy first look at the next-gen Mitsubishi Delica people mover or 2024 Pajero Sport? Brand says adventurous electrified lifestyle vehicle will break cover in October

Mitsubishi has shown a shadowy teaser of what it says will be an example of a “unique, fulfilling mobility lifestyle that excites drivers' spirit of adventure.”

The accompanying image is of what appears to be a blocky people-mover shaped shadow, with six individuals walking along a beach.

It could be a concept for one of only two vehicles the brand is set to reveal, a new-generation Pajero Sport, or the next-generation Delica off-road people mover - both intriguing options for the Australian market.

While Mitsubishi has recently revealed its next-generation Triton ute in detail, it has yet to show the Pajero Sport ladder-frame SUV which will share its underpinnings and hardware. This means a new larger and stronger ladder frame, upgraded 2.4-litre engine with power outputs boosted to 150kW/470Nm, and enhanced performance when it comes to off-road ability and towing, thanks to a significant testing regime completed here in Australia.

The Pajero Sport will obviously be a key part of Mitsubishi’s future local line-up but a more intriguing option is the next-generation Delica, which Australia has been touted as the secret ingredient for.

The Delica is unique in that it is a rare off-road-capable people mover, packing a rugged 2.2-litre diesel engine, enhanced ground clearance, and all-wheel-drive system with a low-range function.

The current version has been on the market in Japan for some time, and has undergone testing in Australia with a view to a local launch.

However, the current Delica D:5 is on an ageing platform, having been on the market since 2007, and would be unlikely to receive a maximum five-star ANCAP rating. Like the ASX small SUV, it is due for replacement imminently. Representatives from the brand said a next-generation version might only be viable if it were to be picked up in more markets than just Japan, with Australia likely being a key ingredient to justify enough volume.

Speaking to Australian media in Thailand at the launch of the new Triton, Mitsubishi Motors’ global CEO Takao Kato explained: “Before, we introduced the Delica to Australian dealers, four, five years ago. But recently, many are saying ‘I want Delica!’ so people’s preferences have changed - I think there’s a chance for that in Australia.”

Given the eMobility theme of the concept, the show concept could also be the first look at an electrified Delica.

Mitsubishi has vowed its line-up in Australia won’t be reduced to just three models - Triton, Pajero Sport, and Outlander, as the popular ASX and its larger platform-mate, the Eclipse Cross reach the end of their life-cycles.

Instead the brand is testing the waters with not only the Delica, but also the eK X electric city car, as it looks to bolster its range with more varied options while it settles on a next-generation ASX replacement - which could either be a platform-share vehicle from Renault or Nissan, or an upgraded version of the Asian-market Xforce small SUV.

The brand is also set to roll-out a new plugless hybrid system, initially overseas in the Xpander MPV for south-east Asian markets, but possibly expanding to the Triton and others in the immediate future.

Mitsubishi's Australian division said to expect more teasers in the lead-up to the Tokyo show where this vehicle or concept will break cover.