The Mitsubishi Xforce is a new compact SUV aimed at taking on other Japanese rivals in SEA.
At the 2023 GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show, Mitsubishi Motors showed a highly-anticipated new model, the Xforce, which was teased early in the month. This is an all-new nameplate from the company and it’s aimed at the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross. It was designed exclusively for the ASEAN region, but will also be sold in South Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
The Mitsubishi Xforce is powered by a 1.5L DOHC 16-valve MIVEC petrol engine which sends power to the front wheels via a CVT for good fuel efficiency. Development of the suspension and chassis was done in Japan with ASEAN road conditions as well as fine tuning on actual ASEAN roads.
While it is a front wheel drive vehicle, Mitsubishi has given it best-in-class ground clearance and approach and departure angles of 21 and 30.5 degrees. Its turning radius is 5.2m. Four drive modes are available – Normal, Wet, Gravel, and Mud and the vehicle has Active Yaw Control for the front wheels.
In terms of looks, the new Xforce is stylish and robust looking with a large 222mm ground clearance and sizeable 18″ wheels.
In front, we get a look of an evolved Dynamic Shield front face, with an L-shaped LED DRL and combining with another headlight element in a T-shape. The Xforce has slightly bulgy fender flares and strong lower body character lines around the side.
The interior is high-tech and rather interesting in this segment. Mitsubishi are employing a double digital display set-up with a 12.3″ infotainment system and a smaller driver digital display that’s recessed. The top of the dashboard utilises a blended fabric upholstery wrap for a more upmarket look. The air conditioning controls feature a mix of physical and touch-capacitive buttons and there is a digital readout. We also see a new steering wheel with many controls integrated, as well as an electric parking brake.
Seats are sculpted for great comfort, ergonomics and lateral support. Mitsubishi says the XForce will have best-in-class spaciousness for rear occupants with 8 levels of reclining adjustment. Rear seats can be split 40:20:40.
Enhancing the multimedia experience is a newly developed Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio system with 8-speakers and a range of equalizer presets.
Other interesting features include a new ‘Driving Score’ function, which was put together by Hiroshi Masuoka, a former two-time Dakar Rally champion driver. We’re not sure what the Driving Score is measuring, but it’s probably not fuel efficiency based on who developed it. There’s also a triple digital multimeter displaying altitude, tilt angle and direction as a homage to the Mitsubishi Pajero. Different driving modes give users different looks to the meters.
Around the cabin, there are plenty of cubby holes and cupholders. In fact, the Mitsubishi XForce can hold 21 600ml water bottles. The console box is connected to the air conditioning, so it can work as a cooler box. There’s also a mix of smartphone charging solutions peppered throughout, including wireless charging, as well as USB Type-A and Type-C ports.
