Following its global debut in Indonesia last year, Mitsubishi Motors has now begun exports of the all-new Xforce. Made in the marque’s manufacturing plant in Indonesia, the compact SUV will first be arriving in Vietnam before being “rolled out in stages to other ASEAN countries” including the Philippines. Could Malaysia be soon?
Aside from ASEAN, the Mitsubishi Xforce will also be exported to South Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa countries, the company says in a press release.
Speaking at a commemorative ceremony held at the port of Tanjung Priok yesterday, Mitsubishi Motors president and chief executive officer, Takao Kato said, “We are very proud to export from our production hub in Indonesia. Going forward, we hope to export to various regions, thereby making a further contribution to the Indonesian economy and the development of the Indonesian automobile industry.”
The Mitsubishi Xforce debuted at the 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show as a compact SUV, measuring approximately the same size as a Honda HR-V. Its pièce de résistance, however, is the 222 mm ground clearance, as well as best-in-class approach and departure angles, making it more capable around rougher terrains.
It’s still front-wheel drive only, however a new drive mode setting (Normal, Gravel, Mud, and Wet), which integrates an Active Yaw Control system, helps distribute the torque between the two front wheels, giving it more traction in handling loose and slippery surfaces.
The Xforce is powered by the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine as the Xpander, which makes 105 hp and 141 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox.
Built for the ASEAN market first and foremost, Mitsubishi says that the Xforce’s suspensions has been tuned specifically for ride comfort on the roads within the region, featuring enhanced rear suspension bushing, and larger cylinders in the shock absorbers.
ALSO READ: Mitsubishi Xpander HEV launched in Thailand, new 1.6L hybrid powertrain
