Breaking news! Mitsubishi Motors announced on November 12, 2025, that its all-new Delica Mini and eK Space have jointly earned the prestigious RJC Car of the Year Award for 2026. This is a huge win for the automaker, highlighting the success of these innovative kei-cars.
Key Takeaways
- Mitsubishi Delica Mini & eK Space jointly won the RJC Car of the Year Award for 2026.
- These kei-cars secured over 10,000 pre-orders by October 2025.
- They offer spacious interiors, excellent maneuverability, and great fuel efficiency.
- The award praises their unique design on a common platform.
These two vehicles, known as kei-cars in Japan, have already captivated consumers. They racked up over 10,000 pre-orders by October 2025, just after hitting the market. The Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC) certainly recognized their appeal!
Design & Interiors
Look, the Delica Mini stands out as a super height-wagon kei-car. It blends a truly spacious interior with robust driving capabilities, making it practical for many. And the eK Space? It brings excellent maneuverability for tight city driving, plus a really modern design and a roomy cabin.
You’ll love how both models enhance visibility and convenience. The RJC jury praised their unique interior and exterior designs. Think about your daily commute; these cars make navigating busy streets much easier.
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Engine Performance
The Delica Mini promises powerful driving performance, so you won’t feel underpowered. And the eK Space? It delivers excellent maneuverability, perfect for zipping through city traffic. Both models achieve refined driving performance, all built on a shared platform.
Mileage & Range
You want efficiency, right? The RJC jury specifically lauded these models for achieving excellent fuel efficiency. While exact figures weren’t detailed in the announcement, it’s clear they’re designed to be economical. This means fewer stops at the pump for you!
Expert Analysis
Here’s what stands out: Mitsubishi Motors has truly delivered two compelling kei-cars. Winning the RJC Car of the Year Award for 2026, especially sharing the honor with the Nissan Roox, confirms their strong market position in Japan’s competitive kei-car segment. This is Mitsubishi’s fifth RJC Car of the Year award, following the eK X EV’s win in 2023.
These vehicles are clearly targeted at urban dwellers and small families. Their combination of a spacious interior, modern design, and city-friendly maneuverability offers significant value. But honestly, without specific pricing or detailed engine specs for other markets, it’s hard to make a direct value-for-money comparison globally.
The strong pre-order numbers tell you everything you need to know about consumer confidence. They show a product that resonates with buyers. A kei-car like the Delica Mini, with its height-wagon design, provides impressive practicality in a compact footprint. That’s a huge pro for tight city parking.
Final Verdict
The Mitsubishi Delica Mini and eK Space are clear winners for a reason. They offer a winning combination of smart design, interior space, and agile performance perfect for city life. If you’re looking for a compact, efficient, and surprisingly roomy vehicle, these kei-cars deliver. They’re ideal for urban families needing a convenient, practical ride.
Conclusion
All information in this article about the Mitsubishi Delica Mini and eK Space is based on official announcements and early test reports. Specifications, pricing, and availability may change depending on market and final production models. For the latest details, booking information, and hands-on experience, visit your nearest authorized Mitsubishi dealership or the official brand website.