Third generation← Previous revisionRevision as of 03:16, 18 October 2026 Line 226: Line 226: The third-generation Minica was introduced as the '''Minica F4''' (A103A) in October 1972 with a 359 cc [[Overhead camshaft engine|OHC]] engine in the same layout, but featuring a liftable clam-shell rear window as on the coupé. The Skipper continued in production, as of October 1973 with the new engine (becoming the Minica Skipper IV). The new four-stroke [[Mitsubishi Vulcan engine#2G21|Vulcan 2G21]] MCA engine (Mitsubishi Clean Air) was much cleaner than, but not as smooth running as its two-stroke predecessors. The six single-carb-engined versions provided {{convert|32|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} while the twin-carb version listed for the GS and GSL models offered {{convert|36|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The Van range continued to use the previous body. The third-generation Minica was introduced as the '''Minica F4''' (A103A) in October 1972 with a 359 cc [[Overhead camshaft engine|OHC]] engine in the same layout, but featuring a liftable clam-shell rear window as on the coupé. The Skipper continued in production, as of October 1973 with the new engine (becoming the Minica Skipper IV). The new four-stroke [[Mitsubishi Vulcan engine#2G21|Vulcan 2G21]] MCA engine (Mitsubishi Clean Air) was much cleaner than, but not as smooth running as its two-stroke predecessors. The six single-carb-engined versions provided {{convert|32|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} while the twin-carb version listed for the GS and GSL models offered {{convert|36|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The Van range continued to use the previous body. ⚫ [[File:Mitsubishi Minica F4 rear.jpg|thumb|left|1972–1973 Mitsubishi Minica F4 Custom]] In late 1973, facing shrinking Kei-car sales, Mitsubishi narrowed the Minica F4 range down to four equipment levels (Hi-Standard, Deluxe, GL and SL), with the cheaper versions featuring a new grille. The sporty versions were discontinued, as the twin-carb engine fell foul of new emissions regulations. The modified ''Vulcan S'' engine came equipped with a balance shaft (later baptised "Silent Shaft") and was cleaner yet, hence the "MCA-II" tag. Power, however, was down to 30 PS. Top speed was {{Convert|115|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}.{{Cite book | title = World Cars 1976 | publisher = L'Editrice dell'Automobile LEA/Herald Books | location = Pelham, NY | page = 357 | year = 1976 | isbn = 0-910714-08-8 }} In December 1974, the lineup was again revamped, with the GL and SL becoming the Super Deluxe and Custom.[[#360mem|''360cc: Nippon Kei Car Memorial'']], p. 90 Mitsubishi also lightly redesigned the Minica to accept the new, bigger license plates now required for Kei cars. In late 1973, facing shrinking Kei-car sales, Mitsubishi narrowed the Minica F4 range down to four equipment levels (Hi-Standard, Deluxe, GL and SL), with the cheaper versions featuring a new grille. The sporty versions were discontinued, as the twin-carb engine fell foul of new emissions regulations. The modified ''Vulcan S'' engine came equipped with a balance shaft (later baptised "Silent Shaft") and was cleaner yet, hence the "MCA-II" tag. Power, however, was down to 30 PS. Top speed was {{Convert|115|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}.{{Cite book | title = World Cars 1976 | publisher = L'Editrice dell'Automobile LEA/Herald Books | location = Pelham, NY | page = 357 | year = 1976 | isbn = 0-910714-08-8 }} In December 1974, the lineup was again revamped, with the GL and SL becoming the Super Deluxe and Custom.[[#360mem|''360cc: Nippon Kei Car Memorial'']], p. 90 Mitsubishi also lightly redesigned the Minica to accept the new, bigger license plates now required for Kei cars. On 12 April 1976 (March for the Minica 5 Van), corresponding to revised kei car regulations of January 1976 (length up to 3.2 m, width to 1.4 m and engine size to 550 cc) both the sedan and the van received a new long-stroke 471 cc engine, a small increase in length (entirely due to new, larger bumpers), and a new name, the '''Minica 5'''. The Minica 5 was the first kei passenger car to meet the new regulations.{{citation | ref = JAMA23 | title = 自動車ガイドブック | trans-title = Automobile Guide Book 1976/1977 | language = ja | volume = 23 | date = 1976-10-20 | publisher = [[Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association]] | location = Japan | page = 86 | id = 0053-760023-3400 }} Both models were also lightly facelifted, featuring new grilles, while equipment levels remained the same. While power output of the new [[Mitsubishi Vulcan engine#2G22|Vulcan 2G22]] did not change for the sedan (A104A), the van (A104V) received a lower powered {{convert|28|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} version thereof. The Minica 5 was a mere interim model, anticipating the more thoroughly revised Minica Ami 55 which was soon to arrive. On 12 April 1976 (March for the Minica 5 Van), corresponding to revised kei car regulations of January 1976 (length up to 3.2 m, width to 1.4 m and engine size to 550 cc) both the sedan and the van received a new long-stroke 471 cc engine, a small increase in length (entirely due to new, larger bumpers), and a new name, the '''Minica 5'''. The Minica 5 was the first kei passenger car to meet the new regulations.{{citation | ref = JAMA23 | title = 自動車ガイドブック | trans-title = Automobile Guide Book 1976/1977 | language = ja | volume = 23 | date = 1976-10-20 | publisher = [[Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association]] | location = Japan | page = 86 | id = 0053-760023-3400 }} Both models were also lightly facelifted, featuring new grilles, while equipment levels remained the same. While power output of the new [[Mitsubishi Vulcan engine#2G22|Vulcan 2G22]] did not change for the sedan (A104A), the van (A104V) received a lower powered {{convert|28|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} version thereof. The Minica 5 was a mere interim model, anticipating the more thoroughly revised Minica Ami 55 which was soon to arrive. ⚫ Mitsubishi Minica F4 rear.jpg|1972–1973 Mitsubishi Minica F4 Custom 1972 Mitsubishi Minica F4 GL rear.jpg|1972 Mitsubishi Minica F4 GL {{Clear}} {{Clear}}