The 'new' Mitsubishi Versa van is a diesel-powered passenger shuttle built on a 15-year-old Nissan van platform, joining forces with the ancient L300. The exterior is carried over from the Nissan Caravan, sold locally as the Urvan, that was originally introduced in 2011 and received facelifts in 2017 and 2021.
Mitsubishi sticks to bare-bones basics, unlike the Nissan, which comes in high-spec trims with optional packages and high-roof variants. The Versa Van has halogen headlights, unpainted plastic bumpers, and small steel wheels with hubcaps.
Inside, the 15 seats are arranged in five rows with dedicated A/C vents on the roof to keep all passengers cool. Safety equipment is basic, limited to front airbags for the driver and passenger.
The cab-over van rides on a ladder-frame chassis and runs on a Mitsubishi-sourced engine, producing 127 hp and 356 Nm of torque. It's built to cover long distances without too many stops.
The 2026 Mitsubishi Versa is now available to order in the Philippines, starting at ₱1,649,000 ($28,000), with a price tag twice that of the Mitsubishi L300 Cab & Chassis and ₱89,000 more than the mechanically identical Nissan Urvan Standard. Competition includes other 15-seaters like the Toyota HiAce Commuter, JAC Sunray, Foton Transvan, and Maxus V80.
This rebadged van is a prime example of how manufacturers can breathe new life into old platforms by leveraging existing technology and resources. However, it's worth noting that the lack of updates in terms of design and features may make it less appealing to some buyers.
