Jalopnik: space wagon

Homy Wagon V6 Super Long!

Mike Bumbeck — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 14:00:00 EDT

Turn no further than the Nissan Homy Super Long when it comes time to carry ten people at length. The Homy is not to be confused with the much less luxurious Datsun Homer, or Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear Super Exceed. Beta translation tells us that the commodity example exhibition day on this Homy seems to have already happened well south of town. [Homy via Utilitas.jp]

The Disembodied Head of Mickey Mouse Says: C-H-A-R-I-O-T!

Murilee Martin — Thu, 24 May 2007 13:00:30 EDT

We aren't sure what to make of this ad. Since Disney will, er, make very uncomfortable anyone who uses its trademarked symbols without permission, we must assume there was some Disney/Mitsubishi licensing deal involved here. We must also assume that the menacing, unmoving face of Mickey Mouse leering into the rearview as you traverse the highways of Japan will somehow motivate you to buy a Mitsubishi Chariot, aka Space Wagon. Or maybe Mickey represents the relentless collection agency that will come after you if you miss a payment on one. – Murilee Martin

Related:
Space Wagon Swallows DAF and FAF [internal]

SUPER CUSTOM! Toyota Hi-Ace on eBay

Mike Bumbeck — Thu, 10 May 2007 13:30:00 EDT

Falling directly in the center of the odd intersection between nineties Japanese Space Wagons and seventies American Custom Vans is this Toyota Hi-Ace Super Custom. Packing a total of four captain's chairs and at least five Plymouth Caravelles worth of burgundy velour - this Hi-Ace is loaded, Johnny. Cool and hot box with ice maker and digital dash control give this space wagon supreme potential. – Mike Bumbeck

Toyota Hi-Ace 4WD Super Custom Limited on eBay [eBay.com]

Related:
Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear SUPER EXCEED! [Internal]

Now, More Than Ever: Mitsubishi Delica Exceed on eBay

Mike Bumbeck — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:45:00 EDT

Our somewhat disturbing obsession with boxy and oddly designed Space Wagons continues. Out of all of them, the Exceed remains supreme. This Exceed features more than a few FUSO style mirrors, a whole heap of nerf bars, seating for eight including swiveling captains chairs, a 2.5L turbodiesel, and what appears to be a dash-mounted horizon gauge. This no doubt perfect for tricky maneuvers at higher speeds. Dirt and snow defeating 4X4 underpinnings clinches it. If there was money in the bank we might just be tempted to make the trip to the Great White North to get this one. No matter what happens though, we won't be washing Johnny LaRue's car. No way, eh! – Mike Bumbeck

1991 Mitsubishi Delica Exceed 4X4 [eBay]

Related:
Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear SUPER EXCEED! [Internal]

Chicago Auto Show: RONDO SX SUPER SLAKEY CONCEPT SPACE WAGON!

Mike Bumbeck — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 16:48:58 EST

It's time once again to work up that RONDO thirst. The rollout of the RONDO SX Concept at the big Chicago show makes it official. Driving an econobox need not be drab. The RONDO SX takes styling cues from itself and existing SX cousins, but means them up a bit to bring forth an aggressive and sporty look. A cold air intake and cat back exhaust take the otherwise stock engine to 192 hp. A three-inch suspension drop onto some 18-inch rims shod with sticky Michelins keeps RONDO closer to the road. The RONDO SX is also stuffed full of modern luxury sport materials and finishes, including but not limited to Alcantara. Kia hopes that the RONDO SX will put forth the message that driving around everyday need not be boring, and that RONDO can bring excitement to the world of space wagons. Always use RONDO to gather blinking Mooninites from underpasses for resale on eBay. Full press release after the jump. – Mike Bumbeck

Kia Unveils Rondo SX Concept at Chicago Auto Show

Concept Displays Aggressive, Sporty Side of the All-New Kia Model

CHICAGO, February 8, 2007 - Kia Motors America (KMA) debuted its all-new crossover vehicle, the 2007 Kia Rondo, at the Los Angeles Auto Show just last November and has wasted no time enhancing its "Exciting and Enabling" brand direction with the Chicago International Auto Show introduction of the Rondo SX Concept. Already a capable vehicle - Rondo is based on the current-generation Kia Optima platform - the SX concept elevates the crossover to new heights by showing that practicality doesn't mean excitement is sacrificed.

"We have positioned the all-new 2007 Rondo as a vehicle of function and versatility," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. "The Rondo SX Concept is proof that smart, spacious vehicles don't need to be boring, and that consumers can still be passionate about a daily driver."

The Rondo SX Concept is finished in a sophisticated four-stage metallic gray exterior color and reinforces its sporty theme with cues from current Kia SX-trimmed vehicles like the Rio and Spectra models, which include more aggressive front and rear fascias, sportier grille inserts and other exciting exterior details. Key front-end changes include a larger lower air intake, an integrated SX-styled front fascia, new brake cooling ducts as well as a restyled metal-mesh-insert front grille to match. Headlight inner rings also are darkened in color to complete the aggressive look.

Likewise, the rear fascia receives sportier treatment with a new metal-mesh vent insert, diffuser and dual exhaust outlets. Roof rails, which are standard on most Rondo models, have been removed for an aerodynamically cleaner look and the door handles and body-side moldings finished in a contrasting technical silver color to present a smooth and contemporary overall finish. The Rondo SX Concept is fitted with an optional accessory body kit currently available on LX and EX trim lines. However, on the SX concept model, the initially argent-colored lower rear spoiler, fender flares and rear/side fascia extensions of the body kit have been finished in a slightly contrasting metallic gray color. The vehicle sits on aggressive five-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 235/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport performance tires to complete its bold exterior stance.

On the inside, the Rondo SX Concept is enhanced with modern luxury sport materials and finishes. From the driver's seat an SX-familiar black leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrasting red stitching can be easily identified. The seats are trimmed in gray leather with custom contrasting red leather trim surrounding dark gray Alcantara inserts. Dark gray Alcantara and red leather accents also can be found on the front and rear door trim. Replacing the stock black parts are SX-styled brushed stainless steel sport pedals, as well as platinum-look accents for the center stack, shifter surround and door switch trims.

The Rondo SX Concept's 2.7-liter DOHC V6 has been enhanced with a cold-air intake and a cat-back exhaust system that yields an additional 10 horsepower to boost the engine's output to 192 horsepower. The SX Concept's ride height has been lowered approximately three inches to improve cornering and augment the sporty aesthetic. The vehicle also is equipped with cross-drilled and slotted front and rear brake rotors for enhanced braking performance.

Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear SUPER EXCEED!

Mike Bumbeck — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 11:28:09 EST

No, really. We don't make this stuff up. The third generation of the mighty Delica boasted a turbodiesel powerplant and 4WD. This capability along with plenty of mirrors, lights, nerf bars, ladders, and roof racks transcended the Delica beyond mere space wagon and into super classification. The Super Exceed was also offered as the Royal Exceed, and the Delica was even rebadged as a Mazda Bongo. The Delica is now in its fifth generation, and being sold under the not nearly as exciting Delica D:5 moniker. As Hello Kitty shows us in the video, the Delica remains both cavernous and versatile.

Mitsubishi Delica D:5 Presented by Hello Kitty [Mitsubishi Motors Japan]

Space Wagon Swallows DAF and FAF

Mike Bumbeck — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 12:39:21 EST

Flimsy corrugated French tin and Dutch belt drive what-nots are simply no match for the Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear. Superior Mitsubishi FUSO technology was summoned and used to assimilate the puny and less luxurious vehicles into the cavernous yet practical interior of the Space Gear. More than eleven 2CV's were melted down to make the suspension alone. – Mike Bumbeck

Related:
DAF vs. FAF; FUSO [Internal]