It was the ubiquitous family van, school bus, and light commercial vehicle of the 80s and 90s, all the way to the early 2000s. It was the high-roof, sliding door-equipped Mitsubishi L300 Versa Van. These days you’d see more of it on Facebook Marketplace than on the road.
Until today. That’s because Mitsubishi Motors Philippines has brought the Versa Van back. And no, it looks nothing like the Versa Van of old. In fact, it looks a lot like the Nissan Urvan.
That’s because Nissan and Mitsubishi have been indulging in a little platform sharing since the two brands got together (partially) in 2016. An example of this collaboration is the Mitsubishi Xpander rebadged as the Nissan Livina.
And now, Nissan is paying back the favor by lending its Nissan Urvan to be outfitted as a Mitsubishi Versa Van—a model name with a lot of history with Filipino Gen X’ers. The reintroduction of the Versa Van marks the return of an iconic nameplate that has long been associated with versatility, durability, and dependability.
The Versa Van traces its roots to the Mitsubishi Delica, a van platform engineered to transport both people and cargo with ease. First introduced to the Philippines in 1987 as the L300 cab chassis, the original Versa Van version quickly became a familiar sight on roads and trusted companion of Filipino families. Two decades later, the Versa Van returns, reengineered to meet today’s passenger transport needs while staying true to the values that made it iconic.
Designed primarily as a people-mover, the new Mitsubishi Versa Van is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that require reliable and efficient passenger transportation. These include tourist transport operators, school service providers and companies offering employee or guest shuttle services, among others. Its spacious interior, practical layout and proven diesel performance make it a smart solution for daily business operations.
Powering the Versa Van is a 2.5-liter diesel engine that delivers 129ps and 356 Nm of torque. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the new Versa Van is ideal for frequent stop-and-go driving and fully loaded passenger transport.
It features a 15-seater capacity (including the driver) in a 5-row seating configuration, allowing businesses to transport more passengers efficiently while maintaining comfort and accessibility.
The straightforward dashboard has a single-DIN head unit for the audio system and dual front airbags as a safety feature. The gearshift lever is dash-mounted, freeing up space for a middle front-row passenger.
Easier maintenance access is made possible through thoughtful placement of key maintenance components, helping reduce service time and downtime.
Apart from the owner/driver convenience, the van is also packed with passenger-friendly features. It provides excellent roominess and accessibility, with seats and steering wheel designed for easier adjustment, as well as foldable seats that enable easier passenger movement and entry/exit routes. Passenger comfort is also further enhanced by the dedicated air outlets mounted on the ceiling for each seat row, ensuring consistent airflow throughout the cabin.
The Versa Van also excels in luggage capacity, offering a generous space for cargo. Its large rear door opening allows easier loading and unloading of luggage which is important for tourism and shuttle operations.
The Mitsubishi Versa Van is available in GLX MT variant priced at ₱1,649,000. Colors available are Silver Metallic and White Solid.
With the return of the Mitsubishi Versa Van, MMPC reaffirms its commitment to empowering Filipino entrepreneurs and businesses with vehicles that are built to last and designed to perform. Backed by Mitsubishi Motors’ legacy of durability and reliability, the new Versa Van is ready to once again become a trusted partner on the road, supporting businesses toward growth and success.
