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.

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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 Pajero Sport will feature an upgraded 2.4-litre engine with power outputs boosted to 150kW/470Nm. (Image: Thanos Pappas)

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.”

the current Delica D:5 is on an ageing platform, having been on the market since 2007.

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 Xforce could be the next-generation ASX replacement.

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.