Mitsubishi Minica 8 generation 10.1998 - 10.2000

Minica has a long history that begins with the Mitsubishi 360, a two-door sedan released back in 1962. Subsequently, a hatchback-type body became the standard, and in 1990, the Mitsubishi Minica Toppo station wagon was developed on the basis of the Mini, later converted into a separate Toppo model. The eighth generation of the Mitsubishi Minica, which became the last, was released in 1998. It meets the new standards of a light car since its release. To match it, the body size had to be slightly increased. Minica was delivered in 3- and 5-door passenger variants (which were classified as a “sedan”) and as a commercial van. All modifications are equipped with a 3-cylinder “aspirated” power of 50 hp.
 Compared to the 7th generation, the new Minica has become more “straightforward” in appearance and similar to its sister Toppo BJ microveins, which appeared in the same 1998, although it is lower in height. Simplicity is noticeable in the exterior design, and the front panel, uncomplicated in style, has appeared in the cabin, replacing the original and not without grace “torpedo” of its predecessor. It is safe to say that practicality and lower production costs were put at the forefront. At the same time, the equipment of the passenger versions was not bad: an air conditioner with a filter, a central lock and power windows that work for some time after the ignition is turned off; headlights will also automatically go out if you forget to turn them off. To the passenger versions of the three-door Pf, Pg, Pj, inexpensive commercial van (Van) class Ce and Cf vans were added. They could only rely on standard air conditioning and a radio, and mirrors and power windows were manually controlled, and a “bench” with a rigid and almost vertical back was installed behind. In January 1999, the retro-styled Town Bee series was released.

 This model uses only the 3-cylinder 12-valve SOHC Lean Burn engine. The motor has a capacity of 50 "horses", a timing belt drive. Transmission - 3- or 4-speed “automatic” or 5-speed manual. Front-wheel drive or full drive. The relatively lightweight body (Minika weighs only 680-790 kg) makes the car quite frisky, allowing you to maintain speed on the highway and even accelerate somewhere, if we are talking about a relatively flat terrain. The proprietary MVV system, which ensures the burning of lean mixtures, makes the car more economical: the fuel consumption declared by the manufacturer is about 4.4 liters of gasoline per 100 km in 10/15 mode, and when driving at a speed of 60 km / h - 2.9 l / 100 km The owners also call very attractive consumption figures for the city - about 6.5 l / 100 km.

 Like all keycars, the Mitsubishi Minica has a simple chassis design. Front independent suspension. Dependent on the rear trailing arms. The rack and pinion steering is equipped with power steering, disc brakes in front and drum brakes at the rear. The standard tire size for Minica in its early years was 135 / 80R13. Body dimensions - length 3395 mm, width 1475 mm, height 1475-1510 mm. Wheelbase 2340 mm. Interior dimensions: 1655 x 1220 x 1220 mm. If you fold the back row (the “three-door” backrest reclines only whole), it turns out a very roomy trunk - with a full load of more than 800 liters, but its standard volume is small - only 157 liters.

 A driver's airbag was standard on the passenger Mitsubishi Minica 1998-2000, but was offered as an option for vans. For an additional fee, a passenger airbag and anti-lock braking system with brake assist function were installed. As a result of the new development of the Mitsubishi concern, the concept of a “safe body” was used, which is used in this model, which significantly increased the reliability of the car in collisions.

 After the release of this generation, demand for this model fell, the number of Minica trim levels also decreased compared to the previous generation. The only thing that can be noted is the modification of Town Bee, which has a unique, luxurious design of the front of the body. If you are used to high station wagons, then, of course, the Minica will seem to you an extremely narrow “passenger car”. However, in fact, this car retained the necessary amenities and interior comfort, in addition, the Minica is not without such qualities as excellent stability on the road and the smoothness of movement characteristic of sedans. The prices for used Minica are very low. Of course, one should take into account the small resource of the engine, the difficulty with finding spare parts, the small (and rare) size of the native wheels. Three-door body also has its pros and cons.