Automotive Archives - HyperLocal PH https://hyperlocal.ph/category/news/automotive/ Local Information About the Philippines Tue, 11 Jun 2024 16:19:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://hyperlocal.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cropped-philippines-1-32x32.png Automotive Archives - HyperLocal PH https://hyperlocal.ph/category/news/automotive/ 32 32 233722014 Mitsubishi Xforce: The Stylish and Robust Compact SUV for an Exciting Life https://hyperlocal.ph/mitsubishi-xforce-the-stylish-and-robust-compact-suv-for-an-exciting-life/ https://hyperlocal.ph/mitsubishi-xforce-the-stylish-and-robust-compact-suv-for-an-exciting-life/#respond Tue, 11 Jun 2024 16:02:06 +0000 https://hyperlocal.ph/?p=5999 Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a global automobile company known for its competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, has recently unveiled its latest creation – the all-new Mitsubishi Xforce. This compact SUV, designed specifically for the ASEAN market, combines style, comfort, practicality, and impressive road handling capabilities in a maneuverable and compact body […]

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Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a global automobile company known for its competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, has recently unveiled its latest creation – the all-new Mitsubishi Xforce. This compact SUV, designed specifically for the ASEAN market, combines style, comfort, practicality, and impressive road handling capabilities in a maneuverable and compact body size.

Design and Exterior

Mitsubishi Xforce Design & Exterior
Mitsubishi Xforce | Photo credit to mitsubishi-motors.com

The Xforce’s design is based on the concept of “Silky & Solid,” which seamlessly blends elegance and robustness. The upper part of the body expresses an airy silkiness, while the lower part adopts solid and powerful proportions, creating a stylish yet authentic SUV styling.Key exterior features include:

  • A class-leading ground clearance of 222 mm (with 18-inch tires)
  • 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/50R18 tires for enhanced handling
  • T-shaped LED headlights and taillights, similar to the Mitsubishi Xpander
  • A high approach angle of 21 degrees and departure angle of 30.5 degrees for confidence on rough roads

The Xforce’s compact dimensions of 4,390 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,660 mm in height, along with a tight turning radius of 5.2 meters, make it highly maneuverable in the tight urban roads of ASEAN cities.

Interior and Comfort

Mitsubishi Xforce Comfort & Interior
Mitsubishi Xforce | Photo credit to mitsubishi-motors.com

Despite its compact size, the Mitsubishi Xforce boasts a generously spacious interior that allows all passengers to unwind during the journey. The sophisticated interior features a cutting-edge feel, created by integrating a 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio and a digital driver display into a large monolithic display panel.

Other interior highlights include:

  • Mélange fabric padding on the instrument panel for a modern and sophisticated look, with stain-resistant properties
  • Spacious front seats with ample shoulder room and supportive yet comfortable design
  • Best-in-class rear seating space with eight levels of reclining adjustment
  • Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio system with eight strategically placed speakers for an immersive sound experience
  • Versatile storage spaces, including accommodations for up to 21 600mL bottles and dedicated smartphone storage in each seat

The rear seats offer a 40:20:40 split, optimizing loading space for longer items while comfortably seating four passengers. The cargo area boasts a floor space that ranks top in its class, with an adjustable cargo floor height for added practicality.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the Xforce is powered by a proven 1.5L DOHC 16-valve MIVEC engine, paired with a high-efficiency CVT. This combination delivers powerful and sharp acceleration when needed, while ensuring smooth shifting, low fuel consumption, and a quiet ride during light acceleration.

The Xforce’s suspension has been meticulously tuned for ride comfort on ASEAN roads, with extensive testing conducted in Japan and thorough fine-tuning on actual ASEAN roads. Enhancements in steering feel, straight-line stability, and rear suspension ensure optimal comfort even on rough and undulating surfaces.

As a 2WD model, the Xforce utilizes Mitsubishi Motors’ four-wheel control technology to achieve impressive SUV-like road handling. It offers four drive modes – Normal, Wet, Gravel, and Mud – which integrate Active Yaw Control (AYC), traction control, engine control, and power steering control to adapt to various road conditions.

The innovative Wet mode, a first for Mitsubishi models, enhances cornering and stability on wet roads during rain, reducing the likelihood of losing control of the steering wheel in sudden showers for worry-free driving.

Safety Features

Mitsubishi prioritizes safety, and the 2024 Xforce is packed with advanced safety features for peace of mind. Some of these features include:

  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Blind-spot warning
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Hill-start assist
  • Stability control
  • Four airbags (standard)

Pricing and Availability

The Mitsubishi Xforce is set to launch in Indonesia first, followed by other ASEAN countries like Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as South Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

In Indonesia, the Xforce is offered in two variants – Exceed and Ultimate – with prices ranging from 379,900,000 to 412,900,000 rupiah (approximately PHP 1.4 million). The Philippines-spec model is expected to feature a similar variant lineup, with prices estimated between PHP 1,350,000 and PHP 1,550,000.

Here is a summary of the key specifications of the Mitsubishi Xforce:

SpecificationDetails
DimensionsLength: 4,390 mm
Width: 1,810 mm
Height: 1,660 mm
Wheelbase: 2,670 mm
Engine1.5L DOHC 16-valve MIVEC inline-4
TransmissionCVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Power Output103 PS at 6,000 rpm
Torque141 Nm at 4,000 rpm
DrivetrainFront-wheel drive (2WD)
SuspensionFront: MacPherson strut
Rear: Torsion beam
BrakesFront: Ventilated discs
Rear: Drum
Tires225/50R18
Seating Capacity5
Fuel Tank Capacity45 liters
Ground Clearance222 mm
Turning Radius5.2 m
Infotainment12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA)
Safety Features– Adaptive Cruise Control
– Lane Keeping Assist
– Blind Spot Warning
– Rear Cross Traffic Alert
– Hill Start Assist
– Stability Control
– 4 Airbags (standard)

The Mitsubishi Xforce is a stylish and well-equipped compact SUV designed for the ASEAN market. It offers a spacious interior, high ground clearance, advanced safety features, and a fuel-efficient 1.5L engine paired with a CVT for a smooth driving experience.

Conclusion

The all-new Mitsubishi Xforce is a stylish and robust compact SUV designed to uplift the owner’s everyday life with its perfect blend of comfort, practicality, and impressive road handling capabilities.

With its spacious interior, versatile storage solutions, advanced safety features, and efficient performance, the Xforce is set to become the “best-suited buddy for an exciting life” in the ASEAN market and beyond.

As Takao Kato, the President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, stated, “We hope the all-new Xforce will become a best-suited buddy for any adventure that drivers wish to embark on, giving them an extra force to go one step further and experience something new”

The Mitsubishi Xforce truly represents the future of automotive innovation, pushing boundaries and redefining what a compact SUV can offer.

FAQ

Q: When will the Mitsubishi Xforce be available in the Philippines?

A: The Mitsubishi Xforce is expected to launch in the Philippines by June 2024.

Q: What is the expected price range of the Mitsubishi Xforce in the Philippines?

A: The estimated price range for the Mitsubishi Xforce in the Philippines is between PHP 1,350,000 and PHP 1,550,000.

Q: What are the key safety features of the Mitsubishi Xforce?

A: The Xforce comes with advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, hill-start assist, stability control, and four airbags as standard.

Q: What is the engine and transmission of the Mitsubishi Xforce?

A: The Xforce is powered by a 1.5L DOHC 16-valve MIVEC engine, paired with a high-efficiency CVT transmission.

Q: What makes the Mitsubishi Xforce suitable for ASEAN roads?

A: The Xforce’s suspension has been meticulously tuned for ride comfort on ASEAN roads, with extensive testing conducted in Japan and thorough fine-tuning on actual ASEAN roads. It also features a class-leading ground clearance of 222 mm and an innovative Wet mode for enhanced stability on wet roads.

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The Rise of Electric Vehicles in the Philippines https://hyperlocal.ph/the-rise-of-electric-vehicles-in-the-philippines/ https://hyperlocal.ph/the-rise-of-electric-vehicles-in-the-philippines/#respond Fri, 07 Jun 2024 15:38:25 +0000 https://hyperlocal.ph/?p=5936 The electric vehicle (EV) market in the Philippines is experiencing significant growth and transformation. This article will explore the latest trends and developments in the EV sector, highlighting popular brands and units, government policies, infrastructure advancements, and consumer perceptions. Market Growth and Popularity The electric vehicle market in the Philippines is on an upward trajectory. […]

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The electric vehicle (EV) market in the Philippines is experiencing significant growth and transformation.

This article will explore the latest trends and developments in the EV sector, highlighting popular brands and units, government policies, infrastructure advancements, and consumer perceptions.

Market Growth and Popularity

The electric vehicle market in the Philippines is on an upward trajectory. According to the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), the number of electric vehicles is expected to increase to 6.6 million by 2030, with 3.6 million electric motorcycles and 300,000 private electric cars

This growth is driven by increasing environmental awareness, government incentives, and advancements in EV technology.

Popular Electric Vehicle Brands and Models

Several automakers are leading the charge in the Philippine EV market, offering a diverse range of electric and hybrid vehicles. Here are some of the most popular brands and models:

  • BYD: Known for models like the Atto 3 and Dolphin, BYD is expanding its presence with plans to open 22 dealerships nationwide by the end of 2024.
  • MG: MG showcased over 12 models at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2024, including the ZS EV, MG4 XPOWER, and Cyberster.
  • Kia: The Kia EV6, a flagship electric vehicle, is gaining popularity for its performance and design.
  • Hyundai: The Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 are notable models, with the Ioniq 5 being highlighted for its innovative features and performance.
  • Nissan: The Nissan Kicks e-POWER is a popular choice among Filipino consumers, known for its efficiency and affordability.

Affordable and Luxury Options

The Philippine EV market offers a range of options from affordable to luxury models.

The Wuling Macaron, priced at ₱663,000, is the cheapest electric car available, while the BMW i7, retailing at ₱10.39 million, represents the high-end segment.

Wuling Macaroon & BMW i7
Wuling Macaroon (left) & BMW i7 (right) | Photo credit to facebook.com/wuling.ph & bmwusa.com

Government Policies and Support

Incentives and Tariff Reductions

The Philippine government is actively supporting the EV market through various incentives and policies. Executive Order No. 12, signed in 2023, reduced import duties on electric vehicles and their components to zero until 2028

This policy aims to stimulate the EV market, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and promote a cleaner transportation alternative.

Infrastructure Development

One of the major challenges for EV adoption in the Philippines is the lack of charging infrastructure. To address this, the government and private sector are investing in building a robust charging network across the country.

The EV Charging Infrastructure Philippines 2024 event is a key platform for stakeholders to collaborate on developing efficient and smart EV charge points.

Public Transportation Initiatives

The Department of Transportation (DoT) is advocating for the modernization of public utility vehicles, including the introduction of e-jeepneys and e-buses. This initiative aims to provide sustainable and eco-friendly public transportation options.

Consumer Perception and Awareness

Positive Attitude Towards EVs

Filipinos are increasingly showing a positive attitude towards electric vehicles. A 2023 survey by Standard Insights revealed that 50.8% of respondents believe EVs are the future of the automotive industry

This growing confidence is driven by the environmental benefits, cost savings, and advancements in EV technology.

Barriers to Adoption

Despite the positive perception, there are still barriers to EV adoption in the Philippines. These include the high initial cost of EVs, limited charging infrastructure, and lack of consumer awareness.

Addressing these challenges through targeted initiatives and information dissemination is crucial for accelerating EV adoption.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, particularly in congested cities like Manila. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a cleaner alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Economic Opportunities

The growth of the EV market presents numerous economic opportunities for the Philippines. The country, being the second-largest nickel producer globally, has the potential to become a major player in EV battery production.

Additionally, the expansion of the EV market will create jobs in manufacturing, research and development, and infrastructure installation and maintenance.

Future Trends and Developments

Advancements in EV Technology

The EV industry is rapidly evolving, with several trends shaping its future. Improved battery technology, faster charging infrastructure, and increased driving ranges are enhancing consumer confidence in electric vehicles.

The development of autonomous driving technology and the integration of renewable energy sources in charging infrastructure are also expected to drive the growth of the EV market.

Upcoming Models and Innovations

Several new electric vehicle models are set to enter the Philippine market in the coming years. These include the Omoda E5, MG Cyberster, Nissan Ariya, and Geely Geometry C.

These models promise longer driving ranges, faster charging times, and more affordable prices, making them attractive options for Filipino consumers.

Conclusion

The electric vehicle market in the Philippines is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing environmental awareness, government support, and advancements in EV technology.

With a diverse range of options from affordable to luxury models, and ongoing investments in infrastructure, the future of electric vehicles in the Philippines looks promising.

As more Filipinos recognize the benefits of EVs, the country is moving towards a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future.

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