Mitsubishi Xforce SUV Launched At 2023 GAIKINDO

This Mitsubishi Xforce will be arriving in Malaysia very soon. It will be built at Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia (Bekasi, West Java) and then exported to the rest of the ASEAN nations in stages. Malaysia will definitely be getting this well executed SUV, however it will not be so soon as orders are rising in Indonesia and Thailand and with better market conditions their customers will be looked after first.

Meanwhile, the Xforce SUV will also be adapted for the left hand drive markets and be exported to Latin America, the Middle East and Africa where there is rising demand for compact SUV’s with reliable drivetrains and good dynamics.

Interestingly, this all-new Mitsubishi compact SUV is a five-passenger vehicle that was developed with a focus on the way compact SUVs are used in the ASEAN region.

So who are the rivals? Well, to start it will be the recently launched Hyundai Creta which is powered by a 1,497cc DOHC petrol powered engine mated to IVT Automatic gearbox and priced in Malaysia at RM149,888.

Then there is the fast selling HONDA WR-V which arrived in Malaysian showrooms in July this year in four variants and priced from a pocket easy RM89,900 to a customers favorite RS version priced at RM107,900.  All versions are powered by a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC petrol powered engine which pushes out a maximum power output of 121PS and 145Nm of torque that works with a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with G-design shift technology.

Then there is the Peugeot 2008 Puretech which arrived a year ago. Now this European rival is priced at RM125,753 (which means its almost RM24k lower than the Hyundai Creta and this is why sales are not the best for Hyundai’s compact SUV) and is powered by a petrol fed 1,199cc engine that works with a 6-speed auto gearbox.

Now, there will be many of you not agreeing that the Toyota Corolla Cross is a rival due to its larger size and bigger engine capacity. However, we are looking at the price point and the base spec 1.8G variant is priced at RM124,000 and delivers 139PS and 172Nm of torque from a mated to a 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT that drives solely the front wheels.

The Dual VVT-I petrol powered 1,798cc engine is a tried and tested powerplant and this is why the Cross remains a best seller since its arrival in March 2021.

The next question is the possible selling price of this all new Mitsubishi compact SUV. Well, it sits in a segment below the 10-year old ASX which is probably the first real compact SUV to arrive in Malaysia.

With the above mentioned rivals and their pricing, the sales success of this new Mitsubishi Xforce will depend on its selling price being between RM99,888 and RM108,888. Why? Well, the most obvious vehicle to be challenged is the HONDA WR-V as it shares many similarities and also brand value.

So, we will have to wait for the official launch and price announcement later this year.

PRESS RELEASE: Now, the Xforce comes equipped with Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium developed in collaboration with Yamaha Corporation. The system is comprised of eight speakers, with front tweeters on the A-pillars on both sides, woofers in the front doors, and coaxial two-way speakers in the rear doors.

In order to maximize speaker performance, measures have been taken to optimize sound quality in the car itself. With volume and sound quality adjusted according to vehicle speed, passengers can enjoy well-defined mids and highs and dynamic bass even on rough roads.

For a more enjoyable driving experience, the sound system also offers four sound types that can be selected according to musical taste and mood – Lively (factory setting), Signature, Powerful and Relaxing.

12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio and 8-inch digital driver display offering intuitive operation

The all-new Mitsubishi Xforce comes equipped with a 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio that exudes a cutting-edge feel while providing a comfortable driving environment. With multi-widget function, the screen is divided into three sections to display-various information on a single screen.

The multimeter display pays homage to the triple meter that was used in the legendary Pajero, and combines information including altitude, tilt angle, and direction to increase the joy of driving.

Other features include Mitsubishi Motors’ first driving score function developed with Hiroshi Masuoka, a former two-time Dakar Rally champion driver. Also offered for the first time in a Mitsubishi model, WebLink™ 5 allows users to connect their smartphone and project applications on the large display.

The digital driver display clearly shows a wide variety of content on a large screen. When the driver switches drive modes, a graphic indicating the selected mode is shown in the center of the display, making it easy to intuitively select the drive mode even while driving.

Depending on their preference, drivers can also select whether the screen displays information in an enhanced mode with a cutting-edge feel or in a classic mode that uses analog-like meters.

Versatile storage spaces and multi-arrange cargo space

In consideration of user-friendliness for passengers, the Xforce offers ample and convenient storage spaces in many locations around the vehicle. It has drink holders able to accommodate a total of 21 600mL plastic bottles in the door trims, floor console, and other places, and a console box with drink cooler that uses the cool air from the air conditioning to chill drinks has been also incorporated.

Various storage spaces are secured for smartphones, with a wireless charger in the center console, USB Type-A and Type-C ports on the front and rear rows, as well as spaces to place a smartphone in each seat.

Despite its compact body size and spacious cabin space, the Mitsubishi Xforce offers ample cargo area. By securing floor area that is among the best in its class and making the floor of the cargo space height-adjustable, the Xforce provides sufficient cargo room for large items such as suitcases.

The rear seats enable a 40:20:40 split to achieve a high loading capacity that allows the loading of lengthy items while also providing enough space for four passengers to sit comfortably.

A high-efficiency CVT for low fuel consumption and quietness

A high-efficiency CVT combined with a proven 1.5L DOHC 16-valve MIVEC engine achieves When the accelerator is deeply depressed, a powerful and sharp acceleration is delivered, with a gear shifting feel added to allow the driver to feel the acceleration.

When the accelerator is lightly depressed, smooth shifting unique to CVT maximizes engine performance while realizing low fuel consumption and quietness.

For uphills, driving force is improved to enable powerful climbing even when the accelerator is not pressed down hard, while for downhills, the engine brake is increased to reduce the need for frequent brake operation.

Well-tuned suspension for ride comfort on ASEAN roads

Having repeated testing in Japan on a course that mirrored the road conditions of the ASEAN region as well as undertaking thorough tuning on actual roads in the ASEAN region, the all-new Mitsubishi Xforce ensures a comfortable ride even on rough or undulating roads.

In the front, steering feel and straight-line stability are improved by optimizing the caster trail and quickening the steering gear ratio, while in the rear, steering stability is enhanced by optimizing the suspension bushings and the shock absorber cylinder size.

Class-leading ground clearance of 222 mm for confidence even on rough roads

With an 18-inch tire and wheel, the Xforce achieves a class-leading ground clearance of 222mm. The broad field of vision at the front of the vehicle offers excellent visibility and makes driving easy, allowing the driver to handle a rough or a flooded road with confidence.

With an approach angle and departure angle among the best in class at 21.0 degrees and 30.5 degrees, respectively, the Xforce gives drivers a sense of security even when going over a pavement edge. With a minimum turning radius of 5.2 m that is one of the smallest in its class, the Xforce offers excellent handling even in the U-turns that are common in ASEAN cities.