Mitsubishi Fuso Rosa


The Mitsubishi Fuso Rosa is a Japanese minibus based on the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter manufactured by Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation. The Mitsubishi Fuso Rosa was launched in 1960 and is now in its fifth generation, known as the BE7. In Japan, Asia-Pacific, Mid-East, Africa, Jamaica and South America, its principal competitors are the Isuzu Journey, Nissan Civilian, Mazda Parkway and Toyota Coaster.

History

The Mitsubishi Rosa was launched in 1960 by the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and was called Mitsubishi Rosa. In 1964, three companies merged with the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to become a new Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and the Mitsubishi Rosa became a Mitsubishi Fuso product to replace the Fuso MB720 minibus in 1966.

First generation (1960–1973)

Mitsubishi officially launched the Rosa minibus in 1960. At that time, the factory was coded as B10 and developed from the chassis of the original Mitsubishi Jupiter T10 truck. Its body style is similar to the Mercedes-Benz O 319 minibus, with a length of approximately 5.4 meters.
In the following year, Mitsubishi evolved to B20 on the basis of B10, which is an extended version of B10, which ranges from 6.25 to 7 meters in length.

Second generation (1973–1986)

In 1973 Mitsubishi released the second generation, which is similar as the first generation, the main difference is the design of the front has been largely revised, and a large number of components can be shared with the Mitsubishi trucks. In the beginning, there was BC2, BE2 and BH2. In 1981, the BK2 series was introduced.

Third generation (1986–1997)

The third generation Rosa was introduced in as a full model change over the BE3 "Pretty Rosa". The BE4 adopted a more modern cab-forward profile with a panoramic windshield, a lower beltline, and factory-standard rectangular twin headlamps on upper trims; following a minor change in, the rectangular two-lamp arrangement was standardized across all models. Offered in short and long bodies, seating ranged from 26 to 29 depending on interior specification.

Year-to-year changes

1986: BE4 launch. Short/long bodies; FR layout; 5-speed manual standard.1987: Introduction of the Royal tourist trim, featuring reclining headrest seats, curtains, full-length overhead racks with integrated lighting/ducts, ducted roof A/C, ceiling fans, refrigerator, and an optional TV/video pod.1988: Front grille gains the corporate FUSO emblem.1990: Minor change with wider grille/headlamp spacing and interior updates; **automatic transmission** added; **4WD** introduced on long body; **independent front suspension** added on upper trims.1992: Rear air suspension added for select tourist grades.1997: BE4 production ended; replaced by BE6.

Design, trims and equipment

Rectangular headlamps, a one-piece windshield and a lower beltline improved forward visibility and modernized styling. Trims included:School/Kindergarten : Vinyl bench seats, heater only, folding passenger door, sliding windows, bright exterior colours.Standard Shuttle: Cloth/vinyl seats, heater, optional overhead racks, folding or sliding passenger door.Deluxe : Reclining seats, overhead racks, optional curtains, roof A/C.Royal : Tourist microcoach with reclining headrest seats, curtains, full-length overhead racks with lighting and ducts, ducted roof A/C, ceiling ventilator fans, refrigerator, and optional CRT TV/video pod; exterior brightwork and Royal badging were typical.

Engines and performance

All BE4 models used Mitsubishi's 4D3-series inline-four diesels with gear-driven timing. Rated outputs are shown in PS and SAE hp, with torque in lb·ft:
EngineDisplacementInductionCompressionPowerTorqueNotes
4D313,298 ccNaturally aspirated DI~18:1100 PS @ 3,200 rpm @ ~2,000 rpmBase/School
4D31T3,298 ccTurbocharged DI17.5:1118 PS @ 3,200 rpm @ 2,000 rpmStandard, Deluxe, Royal
4D323,567 ccNaturally aspirated~18:1110 PS @ 3,200 rpm @ ~2,000 rpmShuttle
4D334,214 ccNaturally aspirated DI~18:1120 PS @ 3,200 rpm @ ~2,000 rpmHeavy-duty
4D34T 3,907 ccTurbocharged~17.5:1155 PS @ 3,200 rpm @ ~2,000 rpmPost-MC Royal/Deluxe

Transmissions, gearing and speeds

A 5-speed manual was standard throughout the BE4 era; an automatic was added after the 1990 MC. Typical long-body axle ratios were around 4.875:1—a figure also shown in later Rosa specification tables—and 16-inch commercial tyres.
; 5-speed manual
GearRatio*Road speed @ 3,200 rpm
1st~5.00~
2nd~2.80~
3rd~1.60~
4th1.00~
5th~0.77~

  • Representative period values; exact ratios varied by GVW/market.
; 4-speed automatic
; Operating range, cruise and governor

Chassis, suspension and brakes

Pre-MC BE4 models used leaf springs front and rear. After the 1990 MC, upper trims adopted independent front suspension; 4WD appeared on long-body models; in 1992, some tourist models gained rear air suspension. Hydraulic service brakes with an exhaust brake were standard; front discs with rear drums were widely used in this era.

Dimensions and weights (long body, P-BE434F, c.1989)

  • Length: ; Width: ; Height:
  • Wheelbase:
  • Seating: 26–29
  • Curb weight: approx. –
  • GVWR: up to

Fuel economy

Operator reports vary with load and route. Period figures for long-body 4D31T buses in mixed shuttle duty typically fall around, with fully loaded tourist service and continuous A/C dropping closer to .

Known issues

Age-related items reported by fleets and operators include overheating damage from neglected cooling systems, oil leaks at rocker cover and crank seals, vacuum pump O-ring seepage, rear main seal contamination of the clutch, glow-system faults, wear in suspension and steering, corrosion at stepwells/lower panels/roof seams, and shrinking window rubbers allowing water ingress. Original R12 A/C systems typically require conversion to R134a with new hoses and seals.

Fourth generation (1997–present)

The fourth generation is an improved version of the third generation. The design of the body of the car was greatly modified, and the distance between the front axle and the door was considerably reduced. In addition, the taillights are round, different from the second and third generation. There are both Automatic and Manual models available. In 1998, a super long body was added to the line-up, bringing the maximum capacity of all the vehicle to 34 people. In 2002, natural gas engine were offered to the Mitsubishi Rosa. Transmac in Macau was supplied with a dual-door version.

Body types