Mitsubishi Motors Corporation debuted the all-new Xforce compact SUV at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2023. The Xforce will soon be launched in Indonesia followed by other ASEAN countries. It will also be sold in other regions such as Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.
The Xforce is powered by a 4A91 1.5 litre engine with 77kW (105 hp) with 141 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT gearbox to drive the front wheels. There are four drive modes in Xforce including a new Wet Mode – a Mitsubishi Motors first. The other drive modes are Normal, Gravel and Mud.
The Wet Mode is said to improve cornering and stability on wet roads. It also makes the car less prone to lose control when driving in wet conditions. It may be two-wheeled drive but the Xforce incorporates the company’s four-wheel control technology. The Active Yaw Control system adjusts drive force between the front left and right wheels for better handling.
Under its skin, the Xforce is equipped with electric power steering, MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam system at the rear. Mitsubishi emphasised that the Xforce’s suspension has been tuned for ride comfort on ASEAN roads with enhanced rear suspension bushing, and larger cylinders in the shock absorbers.
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In terms of dimensions, the Xforce measures 4,390 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, 1,660 mm tall, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase. That makes the Xforce more or less similar in size to the Honda HR-V. The latter is 4,385 mm long, 1,790 mm wide, 1,590 mm tall, with a 2,610 mm wheelbase.
The Xforce has a 222 mm ground clearance and should it be used on rougher terrains, it features the best-in-class approach and departure angle of 21 and 30.5 degrees. It also boasts one of the smallest turning radius’ in class, at 5.2 metres.
Based on the Silky & Solid design concept, the Xforce combines elegance and robustness for a commanding presence in both urban and outdoor environments, according to Mitsubishi. Under the flared fenders are 18-inch wheels wrapped in 225/50 tyres, which contribute to its pick-up-like ground clearance. Disc brakes are offered at all four corners.
Made popular by the Triton and Xpander models, the Xforce features an evolution of Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield front face, flanked by T-shaped designs that are similar (but bolder) compared to Volvo’s Thor hammer headlights. The T-shaped lighting is similarly featured at the rear, lending the SUV a (super) futuristic look.
For the first time in a Mitsubishi vehicle, melange fabric is used on the instrument panel and door trims. Not only creating a modern environment, but the fabric is also said to be stain-resistant. The front seats have been designed to offer more space in the shoulder section while at the rear, the compact Xforce offers ample legroom and space even with three passengers in the back, Mitsubishi said.
The rear seats offer eight different reclining adjustments with a 40:20:40 split-folding configuration. Details on boot space were not provided, although Mitsubishi pointed out that the height of the boot floor can be adjusted. Mitsubishi also emphasised the Xforce’s ample storage space; capable of holding up to 15 drink bottles in various parts of the cabin.
There’s also a drinks cooler in the floor section that uses cool air from the air conditioning system to chill drinks. 12V powerpoints will be available at the front and back. On the tech front, the XForce is fitted with a 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA).
The infotainment system also offers a multimeter display, as a tribute to the iconic Pajero, projecting information such as altitude, vertical and horizontal angles and more – nostalgic stuff this. Other features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with WebLink which allows a smartphone to be cast on the infotainment display, are also offered.
Ahead of the driver is an 8-inch digital display with different graphics for different drive modes. Users can also choose between modern or classic designs (such as analog meters) on the digital display. A wireless charger is also provided in the center console. The instrument panel design is based on the Horizontal Axis concept and offers good forward visibility.
Also the first to be offered in a Mitsubishi vehicle is the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium sound system developed together with Yamaha Corporation. The sound system comes with eight speakers, tweeters on each of the A-pillars, woofers in the front doors, and coaxial 2-way speakers in the rear doors. Four different sound types are available – Lively, Signature, Powerful and Relaxing.
On the safety front, the XForce is fitted with six airbags while driver aids include adaptive cruise control that’s capable of bringing the car to a complete stop when in traffic, automatic high beam, lead car departure notification, blind spot warning, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and forward collision mitigation, which is essentially autonomous emergency braking.
Looking forward to see the Xforce in Malaysia? Stay tuned!
GALLERY
