Most people know the Suzuki Wagon R as a high, compact 5-seater car mainly bought by older people. In the late 90’s and early 2000’s Mitsubishi was also selling a car in the same segment as the Wagon R, named the Mitsubishi Toppo BJ referring to the tall roof. Big on the inside while small on the outside, applicable to many Kei-cars. As well as to the Toppo BJ, which could be registered as a Kei-car.
Launched in October 1998, the Toppo BJ was the successor of the Minica Toppo. The styling of the new Toppo BJ was made a little bit sporty with prominent fenders but for its space and practicality the shape was still very boxy. The high roof allowed for very tall cargo to be transported and the side opening tailgate ensured good entry to the luggage compartment.
Two engines were available, a three cylinder 657 cc with 50 horsepower and a turbocharged version of the same engine with 64 horsepower. A transmission choice between a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic. And while the Toppo BJ came as front wheel drive as standard, four wheel drive was also an option. These variations resulted in a lot of different grades, called S, M, X and R by Mitsubishi.
Shortly after the launch of the Toppo BJ, Mitsubishi also launched a different version called the Toppo BJ Wide. The styling was more adventurous than the regular Toppo BJ with new headlights, new front and rear bumper and as the name suggests, more wide due to new fenders. It was not considered as a Kei-car anymore as the engine was now a 1.1 liter unit which was normally aspirated and produced 78 horsepower. It was always connected to a 4-speed automatic transmission. There was an option for front wheel drive or four wheel drive. It was not a big success and was only sold for 2 years after which production stopped.
The regular Toppo BJ continued sales until May 2004 with a large facelift in February 2001. At that time the front and rear of the vehicle got modernised lights and bumpers while in the interior the shifter changed to a column type which allowed a bench seat in the front. Throughout the lifespan of the Toppo BJ several special grades have been available, of which the Guppy might have been the most interesting. Instead of square headlights it received some round headlights and a unique grille.
Click on the picture below to see the Mitsubishi Toppo BJ details and specifications per year such as weight, new price and equipment for each version in the Goo-net.com catalog.
on the picture below to see the Mitsubishi Toppo BJ Wide details and specifications per year such as weight, new price and equipment for each version in the Goo-net.com catalog.
