2005 Mitsubishi D:5 Concept

Go anywhere. Do anything. Do it whenever it pleases you. Just dont forget to bring along the kids. And the luggage. And the cooler. And the fishing tackle too. And... the list goes on. In North America, the operative vehicle of choice to suit this lifestyle is a sport utility vehicle. Elsewhere around the world, adventurers solve the problem with a vehicle of a different form - the all terrain van.

For decades, areas of eastern influence, such as Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and Australia relied on such vehicles to move people and stuff across some of the most inhospitable conditions. Mitsubishi is visiting the oft-neglected segment that caters to such off-beat adventurers at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, with the wild-looking D:5 Concept.

With the very brief exception of the original Toyota minivan (that weird-looking cab-forward van from the mid 80s internally code-named YR), monobox compact vans have remained relatively unpopular within North America, yet their sales thrive elsewhere in the world. Mitsubishi is an active participant in this segment with the Delcia minivan, having been used for all sorts of purposes from all-terrain ambulances, tour guide vehicles, safari vehicles and recreational vehicles. While the words Mitsubishi and minivan dont exactly gel in most Canadians minds, owners of such vehicles in other markets have kept coming back for their durability, ruggedness and ultimate practicality. The D:5 Concept takes the ideals of this segment, adds a futuristic twist, and dubs it "Super Mobility".

I dont know if I can put it any other way, but the D:5 Concept looks like a brick - a brick with a slightly tapered front end. Normally, these are critical words, but I feel theyre a compliment for this machine, as its inherent lack of curves and corners was intentional. Mitsubishi wanted the D:5 to be as slab-sided and simple as possible, minimizing front and rear fascia detail. Its distinct lack of any grille, other than the supplementary intake below the bumper, and absence of trim on the side or at the back, brings attention to its masculine lines and taut, purposeful skin. Overhangs at front and rear are small, to maximize interior volume and improve all-terrain capabilities. Blackout headlights and tail lights, plus Lego-brick side view mirrors further its buff appearance.

Another reason for keeping the exteriors shape and detail so simple is to bring out the "Rib Bone Frame" exterior structure. Similar to the way smarts vehicles feature the visible Tridion safety frame, Mitsubishi is putting the D:5s structure front and centre. Three gigantic glass roof panels provide the biggest clue; spaced between them are thick metal beams visible from the interior and exterior. The skylights also help to create a spacious feeling inside, while allowing passengers to watch the world around streak by. Panoramic side windows feature spars and pillars which run up and down, furthering the extra-safe appearance. With 20-inch three-spoke wheels on custom-made tires, the D:5 looks unstoppable, and should definitely appeal to the lifted and widened all-terrain van crowd.

While its blocky and intimidating appearance might suggest a brute of a powerplant, it is brains over brawn for this van. Under its hood is the latest incarnation of Mitsubishis new 16-valve, DOHC 2.4-litre MIVEC engine, the same entry-level engine that will be featured in a host of new Mitsubishi products including the next generation Outlander (as well as many Chrysler Group products and even some Hyundai/Kia economy cars). One hundred and seventy horses might not seem like much, but itll be top-level performance for this segment, oft powered by sputtering naturally aspirated diesel engines. To make the most of whats present, the engine is mated to Mitsus latest INVECS III CVT gearbox. It also features a sports mode which allows drivers to select from six fixed ratios for quicker, more direct acceleration.

The engine isnt the only thing that the D:5 shares with the Outlander - its general structure and underpinnings are common too. Front MacPherson struts and rear multi-links now feature off-road capable springs and dampers with extra travel to cope with rough and unpaved roads - a combination that allows the D:5 to provide good road holding and a comfortable ride on city streets without punishing occupants when the going gets rough. Like the Outlander, the D:5s four-wheel drive is provided through an electronically controlled transfer case with three operating modes: 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock.

On the outside, the D:5 might take on the appearance of a Tonka Truck, but inside its van dimensions are filled with modern, trendy lounge appointments. Worn-look brown leather is used on the seats and dash pads, while polished aluminum is extensively featured on the console and accents. The detailing is spectacular from the pedals to the vents and etched door latches. A minimalist approach to the instruments and controls, centering around an iDrive-like knob on the centre console and a series of trigger-buttons on the steering wheel ensure that the vehicle itself is free from clutter; even if your belongings arent. On the side of practicality, all seats fold flat away - including the driver and passengers to create a completely flat floor.

The D:5s presentation will also show three new technologies, a few of which are firsts for Mitsubishi. First up, ten millimeter wave sensors placed on the bumpers provide assistance during parking. They also warn on closely-approaching objects, and provide an extra set of eyes for low objects when reversing. The other two systems are for use at higher speeds; Lane Trace Assist uses a camera to monitor divided and fixed lines, and uses the cars electronic power steering system to keep it on course if it detects any deviation from path, while Adaptive Cruise Control uses the peripheral monitoring system in conjunction with the engine, brakes and CVT to keep a safe distance from vehicles in front when activated.

With its remaining days numbered, a replacement to the Delcia is needed - the D:5 Concept suits this job perfectly. Not only does it have the right mechanical components to make it appealing, but it has style (bricks are stylish in England at least) and therefore desirability - something that, aside from practicality has yet to be seen in a monobox van. If the D:5 gets put into production in this form, or something remotely close to it, itll have the competition playing serious catch up in a market that almost never puts focus on vans. And for that, Mitsubishi deserves to succeed, even if the oddly shaped model never makes it to North America.