Mitsubishi Delica Mini Gets Playful Dakar-Inspired Makeover

Kei cars don’t have personalities? Well, Damd’s latest Mitsubishi Delica Mini builds will surely prove you wrong. The tuner has whipped up a new take on the pint-sized SUV, this time giving it a retro-inspired livery that’s more in tribute to the Delica’s original Pajero silhouette from the 1980s. Dubbed the “Dali” (short for Dakar Rally), the build is a nostalgic yet playful take on off-road styling.

The Delica Mini itself hit the streets in 2023 and got a facelift in 2025, but Damd’s kit takes it a step further. The front end is the star of the show: round headlights with separate indicators, a boxy grille, and a matte black housing. It’s an instant throwback to the first-generation Pajero, without feeling like a costume.

Instead of peeling off the bumper, Damd applied trim pieces finished in glossy black and an aluminum-look texture. The appearance is altered without playing with the original factory vents or lettering, keeping the cooling vents functional while adding a vintage look. The proportions of the Delica Mini, which is just over 3.3 meters long and 1.47 meters wide, remain, but the new decals in matte black and faux wood finish complete the look of the little safari truck.

The Dali demo is fitted with 15-inch Damd Cantabile wheels shod with 165/56R15 tires, which makes it sit just a bit more planted, and a roof basket to round out the off-road vibe. Inside, Damd has more work to do, but seat covers are on the list.

Mechanically, the little SUV is untouched. The 660cc turbo three-cylinder engine still makes 63 horsepower, and it's still mated to a CVT and optional 4WD. It won’t be climbing any mountains anytime soon, but the 4WD fits the Pajero-inspired aesthetic perfectly.

Damd says the kit is “almost ready to go on sale” in Japan, and prices should remain reasonable due to the simple bolt-on nature of the modifications.

The Dali will make its public debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, alongside a Lancia-inspired Suzuki Jimny and a couple of retro-style Honda minivans. For a car its size, it’s got huge personality – proving even a kei car can look like it’s ready for adventure.