Based on the SSW concept car first exhibited at the 23rd Tokyo Motor Show in 1979,[2] the MPV derives its nameplate from chariots used by the ancient Greek and Roman empires.

The first generation Chariot (D0#W-series) was produced from February 1983 until May 1991 with a choice of SOHC straight-four powerplants ranging from the 1.6-liter 4G32 to the 2.0-liter 4G63 petrol engines, or the 1.8 liter 4D65T turbo-diesel (from October 1984), mated to a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission.

A single 1.8-litre GLX version, with manual or automatic transmission, was assembled from CKD kits in New Zealand by importer Todd Motors (later Mitsubishi NZ Ltd).

The second-generation Chariot grew in wheelbase, length, width and height while remaining within the bounds of the Japanese "compact car" classification pertaining to vehicle exterior dimensions and engine displacement.

A limited-production 4WD and turbocharged version was offered only in Japan, called the "Resort Runner GT", which borrowed the powertrain from the Lancer Evolution and the Galant VR-4.

A five-passenger two-row version called the Chariot Resort Runner GT-V replaced the third-row bench seat with a cargo tray to create a flat loading surface.

Most other Chariot variants, including the American-market Mitsubishi Expo, featured fully reclining first-, second- and third-row seats that created a larger makeshift bed.

Whilst the vehicle was sold in many countries under a variety of names, not all markets received the full range of models.

They also had revised front ends with new headlights and grille, as well as a new wheel design, third brake light and two-tone color combinations.

According to the corresponding article on Korean Wikipedia, the Hyundai Santamo name was an acronym, meaning "SAfety aNd TAlented MOtor".

It was now known in its home market as the Chariot Grandis, after the French grandiose, to emphasise the increase in the car's size and quality as it moved from a ladder frame to monocoque construction,[10] using the company's RISE safety body.

[3] Mitsubishi discontinued all other straight-4 engines in favour of a single gasoline direct injection version of the 4G64, while introducing a new 2972 cc DOHC 6G72 V6 powerplant, also GDI-equipped.

The 3.0 litre engine also obligated Japanese buyers to pay more annual road tax which was also a consideration affecting purchases.