Louie Sison
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
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
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:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Length: 4,390 mm Width: 1,810 mm Height: 1,660 mm Wheelbase: 2,670 mm |
| Engine | 1.5L DOHC 16-valve MIVEC inline-4 |
| Transmission | CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) |
| Power Output | 103 PS at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 141 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive (2WD) |
| Suspension | Front: MacPherson strut Rear: Torsion beam |
| Brakes | Front: Ventilated discs Rear: Drum |
| Tires | 225/50R18 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 liters |
| Ground Clearance | 222 mm |
| Turning Radius | 5.2 m |
| Infotainment | 12.3-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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