The Mitsubishi Delica L400, specifically the 2.4-liter (135 horsepower) variant, represents a significant iteration of Mitsubishi’s long-running Delica line of vans and light commercial vehicles. Produced from 1993 to 1999, this generation – internally designated as the L400 – was primarily aimed at the Japanese domestic market (JDM) and export markets in Asia, Australia, and parts of Europe. While not officially sold in the United States during this period, the L400 gained a cult following among enthusiasts for its robust build quality, spacious interior, and available four-wheel drive configurations. The 2.4-liter engine paired with an automatic transmission occupied a middle ground in the L400 lineup, offering a balance between affordability, practicality, and ease of use.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Delica |
| Generation | Delica (L400) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 (135 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1993 |
| End of production | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 8 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14 l/100 km (16.8 US mpg, 20.2 UK mpg, 7.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.5 l/100 km (24.8 US mpg, 29.7 UK mpg, 10.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.3 kg/Hp, 81.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.5 kg/Nm, 118.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 135 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 57.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 196 Nm @ 2500 rpm (144.56 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 2350 cm3 (143.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Kerb Weight | 1660 kg (3659.67 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2400 kg (5291.09 lbs.) |
| Max load | 740 kg (1631.42 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 67 l (17.7 US gal | 14.74 UK gal) |
| Length | 4725 mm (186.02 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1960 mm (77.17 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm (110.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1445 mm (56.89 in.) |
| Rear track | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Torsion |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 195/80 R14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Delica L400 2.4 is the 4G64 engine, a 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system, providing a reasonable balance of power and fuel efficiency for its time. The 4G64 features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design with four valves per cylinder. The engine’s 135 horsepower output at 5500 rpm and 196 Nm (144.56 lb-ft) of torque at 2500 rpm were considered adequate for moving the relatively heavy minivan, especially when paired with the four-speed automatic transmission. This automatic transmission, while providing convenience, wasn’t known for its sporty responsiveness; gear changes were generally smooth but not particularly quick. The engine is longitudinally mounted, contributing to the Delica’s front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, although four-wheel drive versions were also available.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.4-liter automatic Delica L400 offered a comfortable, if not particularly exhilarating, driving experience. Acceleration was modest, and the automatic transmission prioritized fuel economy over performance. Compared to the available manual transmission or the more powerful 2.8-liter engine options, the 2.4 automatic felt noticeably slower, especially when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The four-speed automatic’s gear ratios were geared towards cruising, making it suitable for highway driving but less responsive in city traffic or when climbing hills. The suspension, tuned for comfort, absorbed bumps reasonably well, but the Delica’s high center of gravity resulted in noticeable body roll during cornering.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.4-liter automatic Delica L400 typically came equipped with a fairly basic level of standard features. This included power steering, air conditioning, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional but utilitarian design. Higher trim levels offered options such as power windows, power locks, upgraded audio systems, and alloy wheels. The Delica’s spacious interior was its primary selling point, offering seating for up to eight passengers and ample cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded or removed. The 2.4L automatic was often positioned as the entry-level or mid-range trim, appealing to families and those needing a practical and affordable people mover.
Chassis & Braking
The Delica L400 utilized a body-on-frame construction, contributing to its robust and durable nature. The front suspension employed a torsion bar setup, while the rear suspension utilized coil springs. This configuration provided a comfortable ride but wasn’t particularly sporty. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. While adequate for normal driving conditions, the braking system wasn’t particularly powerful, and stopping distances were longer than those of more modern vehicles. The 195/80 R14 tires provided reasonable grip, but were not designed for high-performance driving.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Delica L400 2.4 automatic received generally positive reviews for its practicality, spaciousness, and reliability. Critics noted its modest performance and somewhat dated interior, but praised its robust build quality and affordability. Compared to the higher-output 2.8-liter engine options, the 2.4 automatic offered lower running costs but sacrificed performance. The 2.4L automatic was often seen as a good choice for those prioritizing fuel economy and ease of use over outright speed. The four-wheel drive versions of the Delica L400 were particularly popular in regions with harsh winters or rough terrain.
Legacy
The Mitsubishi Delica L400 2.4 (135 Hp) has developed a strong following among enthusiasts, particularly those seeking a reliable and versatile van for camping, overlanding, or simply as a practical family vehicle. The 4G64 engine is known for its durability and relative simplicity, making it relatively easy to maintain. While finding parts can sometimes be a challenge outside of Japan and Australia, the Delica L400 remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly for those seeking a unique and capable vehicle. Its robust construction and available four-wheel drive system have ensured that many examples remain on the road today, a testament to its enduring quality.
