The Honda BR-V’s dominance in the region (… aside from Malaysia) might be ending soon, as Mitsubishi is set to debut a new seven-seater SUV concept at the upcoming 2024 Philippine International Motor Show, designed specifically for the ASEAN market.
No details on the seven-seater concept has been released, aside from the two teaser images shown here. From what we can see, though, we think the concept is most likely an elongated three-row compact SUV, based on the B-segment Mitsubishi XForce.
The unique vent-like element under the T-shaped headlights, the bonnet character lines, and the prominent shoulder above the rear wheel wells, all seem to match those of the Mitsubishi Xforce. The concept does differ in its front grille design, but we think the overall shape still largely matches the compact crossover model.
We also see a unique C-pillar trim in the teaser photos, which appears to be slightly more upright than that of the Xpander. The latter isn’t surprising, given that it’ll need to increase its headroom for the would-be third-row passengers, but for the former, well, what’s a concept without a little bit of flair?
If our hunch is correct, then we expect the production model to also feature the same powertrain as Xforce and also the Xpander – a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, making 105 hp and 141 Nm of torque. Like the Xforce (and Xpander in other markets), the yet-unnamed seven-seater compact SUV should also come equipped with a CVT to send its power to the front wheels.
The compact seven-seater compact SUV is indeed a very ASEAN-centric body style that was made popular by the Honda BR-V, as it offers additional people-hauling capabilities at a fairly low cost. The theoretical Xforce-based Mitsubishi seven-seater compact SUV would have quite a few benefits over the Honda, including a bigger footprint since it will be based on a larger B-segment SUV platform; the BR-V is based on the one-size-smaller WR-V.
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The Mitsubishi Xforce has already been hinted for a Malaysian launch, all the way since its global debut back in August last year. Chances are, though, that the launch will take place the earliest by 2025, since Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) still has the all-new Triton to unveil later this month.
As for the seven-seater, we think MMM probably has incentive to bring the model here, given its success with the Xpander in Malaysia. When the Xforce becomes available here, the shared platform and parts should also make it easier for its seven-seater sibling to be introduced, especially if it becomes a locally assembled model in Malaysia. Just don’t hold your breath for it to be introduced anytime soon, though.
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