Mitsubishi Toppo BJ 0.7 i 12V 4WD (50 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 2.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mitsubishi Toppo:

The Mitsubishi Toppo is a light recreational vehicle produced by Mitsubishi Motors from 1990 until 2004 and then from 2008 until 2013. The original version was derived from their Minica kei car and the first two generations were called the Minica Toppo. The name is a portmanteau of the English "top" and the Japanese "noppo".
Originally named the Mitsubishi Minica Toppo, a retro-styled variant was introduced in 1996 called the Mitsubishi Minica Toppo Town Bee. In 1998 a new generation was launched; now referred to as the Mitsubishi Toppo BJ. A larger derivative, the Mitsubishi Toppo BJ Wide was introduced in 1999. The model was replaced by the new eK in 2001, although it was sold alongside the eK until being discontinued in 2004. The Toppo was reintroduced in 2008; now referred to simply as the Mitsubishi Toppo. In Japan, it was sold at a specific retail chain called Galant Shop....(Read more on Wikipedia)

BJ Overview:

Mitsubishi Toppo (BJ). With 62 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 830 kg, it’s quite light. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
As a Japanese domestic market Kei car from the early 2000s, the Mitsubishi Toppo BJ was not subjected to Euro NCAP crash testing. Its safety features are typical for its class and era, focusing on basic occupant protection.

0.7 i 12V 4WD (50 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers modest performance suitable for city driving, with the 4WD system providing enhanced traction in adverse conditions, though at a slight weight penalty.

Fuel Economy

Expected to be reasonably fuel-efficient, typical for a naturally aspirated 0.7L Kei engine, but 4WD might slightly impact consumption compared to 2WD.

Best Use Case: City / Light Rural (with occasional challenging terrain)

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional maneuverability and compact size for urban environments.
  • • Generous interior headroom and practical cargo space for its class.
  • • Excellent fuel economy, especially the 2WD naturally aspirated variants.
  • • Low running costs and high reliability typical of Japanese Kei cars.

Cons:

  • • Limited power for highway driving, especially the 50 Hp variants.
  • • Basic safety features compared to larger, modern vehicles.
  • • Minimal sound insulation, leading to road and engine noise at speed.
  • • Limited availability outside of the Japanese domestic market.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Toppo: 1990 - 1999).

General:
Brand:Mitsubishi
Model:Toppo
Generation:BJ
Modification (Engine):0.7 i 12V 4WD (50 Hp)
Start of production:2000
End of production:2004
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Minivan
Seats:4
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:50 Hp @ 6500 rpm.
Power per litre:76.1 Hp/l
Torque:62 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine displacement:657
Number of cylinders:3
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:65 mm mm
Piston Stroke:66 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.2:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Weight-to-power ratio:16.6 kg/Hp, 60.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:13.4 kg/Nm, 74.7 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:830
Max. weight:1050
Max load:220
Fuel tank capacity:30 l
Size:
Length:3395 mm mm [140mm more]
Width:1475 mm mm [80mm more]
Height:1740 mm mm [55mm less]
Wheelbase:2340 mm mm [75mm more]
Front track:1300 mm
Rear (Back) track:1295 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size145/80 R13
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Is it love at first sight with the Mitsubishi Toppo? Tell us your story!