A larger derivative, the Toppo BJ Wide was introduced in 1998. The model was replaced by the new Mitsubishi eK in 2001.
In January, 1989 the fifth generation Minica was officially introduced, although the engine, wheelbase, and suspension remained unchanged. In addition to the three door and five door models, however, a model with one door on the driver's (right) side, two doors on the passenger side, and a liftgate was introduced, as the "Mitsubishi Lettuce". An advanced new turbo engine with double overhead cams and five valves per cylinder, producing 64 horsepower (48 kW), was introduced for the "Dangan ZZ" sport model and was later made available in naturally aspirated form as well, while the older design engine also was increased in displacement to 657 cc in March, 1990 when the keicar regulations were again updated, and a three door MPV model with optional four wheel drive, the "Minica Toppo", was introduced.
In September, 1993, the sixth generation three and five door Minica and Minica Toppo were introduced, with longer wheelbase. The five valve per cylinder three cylinder engines were replaced with a pair of 659 cc four cylinder engines; one normally aspirated with single overhead cam and four valves per cylinder, and one turbocharged with double overhead cam and five valves per cylinder. A version of the Toppo with two doors on the passenger side, similar to the "Lettuce", was made available, along with a limited edition RV version. In January, 1997 versions of the Minica and Toppo with retro-styled front ends were introduced as the "Town Bee" model, and exported to Taiwan as the "Towny". |