This all-new Mitsubishi Xforce 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 1497cc 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 1199cc 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 1798cc 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 (selling price in Indonesia is at USD25k), the sales success of this new Mitsubishi Xforce will depend on its selling price being between RM99,888 and RM118,888 (Xforce Ultimate and Xforce Exceed). Why?
Well, the most obvious vehicle to be challenged is the HONDA WR-V as it shares many similarities and also brand value.
However, the Xforce has one clear advantage which is off-road driving functionality. The Xforce has 8.7 inches (222 millimeters) of ground clearance when equipped with the 18-inch wheels.
Plus, it has a 21-degree approach and a 35-degree departure angle help increase its rugged capability. This Mitsubishi crossover comes with four drive modes: Normal, Gravel, Mud, and Wet.
So, we will have to wait for the official launch and price announcement later this year.
