All-new Mitsubishi Xforce compact SUV launched in Indonesia

The long-awaited successor to the Mitsubishi ASX has made its global debut at the 30th GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show today and it is to be known as the Xforce. Developed primarily for ASEAN markets, the new Xforce will be produced in Indonesia for the domestic market there as well as for export.

Whether it will be imported to Malaysia (like the Triton) or assembled locally (like the Xpander) is not known at this time, although Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia will certainly want the Xforce so it has another model to offer in its line-up.

The Xforce is a 5-seater compact SUV with dimensions almost identical to the discontinued ASX. With rough roads and flooded roads being characteristic of many areas of the region, manufacturers like Mitsubishi Motors ensure that their vehicles can cope with such conditions. Thus the Xforce is given a generous ground clearance of 222 mm as well as large-diameter wheels.

“This compact SUV was developed to answer the needs of drivers in the ASEAN region and has gone through repeated tuning in the region’s road environment. We hope the all-new Xforce will become a best-suited buddy for any adventure that drivers wish to embark on, giving them an extra force to go one step further and experience something new,” said Takao Kato, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Motors.

Dynamic Shield
The exterior design has the theme of ‘Silky & Solid’ with an SUV look that blends modernity with the classic style. At the front, the Dynamic Shield face identifies it as a models in the Mitsubishi Motors family in the same way as the Triton and XPANDER.

The ‘shield’ design comes from the left and right bumpers which protect the front grille and is 3-dimensionally integrated to create a sense of depth. The LED daytime running lights combine an L-shape with slitted accents to emit light in an iconic T-shape, while also emphasizing the wide stance. At the rear is the same T-shaped design for the LED tail lights as the front.

First use of melange fabric
The cabin of the Xforce has melange fabric used for the padding of the instrument panel. This fabric, which is a mixture of raw and dyed fibres is typically used in knitwear, active wear, and denim. This is the first time that the fabric, which is resistant to stains, is used in a Mitsubishi model.

The instrument panel, with an integrated 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display, has been designed based on the Horizontal Axis concept. While increasing forward visibility, it allows drivers to easily see changes in the position of the vehicle when driving on rough surfaces.

This approach is probably influenced by input from off-road specialists like Hiroshi Masuoka, a 2-time winner of the Dakar rallies.

With multi-widget function, the screen is divided into three sections to display various items of information on a single screen.

Pajero-inspired multimeter display
The multimeter display recalls the triple meter that was used in the Pajero. It shows altitude, tilt angle, and direction to give the driver a better idea of the vehicle’s motion.

There’s also a ‘’driving score function’ which was developed with Masuoka, while for the first time in a Mitsubishi model, WebLink 5 allows users to connect their smartphone and project applications on the large display.

Despite its compact body size, the Xforce offers generous room at the front and rear. For the rear seats, close attention was paid to creating a space that allows a comfortable ride with ample legroom, even with maximum occupancy.

With 8 levels of reclining adjustment and 40:30:40 division, the cargo carrying capacity can be optimised. The floor of the cargo area is also height-adjusted, further enhancing its variability.

Sound system from Yamaha
The Xforce comes equipped with Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium, an audio system developed in collaboration with Yamaha Corporation. The system has 8 speakers, with front tweeters on the A-pillars on both sides, woofers in the front doors, and coaxial 2-way speakers in the rear doors.

In order to maximize speaker performance, measures have been taken to optimize sound quality in the car itself. With volume and sound quality adjusted according to vehicle speed. The sound system also offers 4 sound types that can be selected according to musical taste and mood (Lively, Signature, Powerful and Relaxing).

1.5-litre MIVEC engine
The Xforce will be available with a proven 1.5-litre DOHC 16-valve MIVEC engine. The efficient CVT has programming to give a stronger feel of changing gears so that the driver perceives acceleration more vividly.

When driving uphill, the CVT is programmed for better climbing even when the accelerator is not pressed down hard. Going downhill, engine braking force is increased to reduce the need for frequent use of the brakes.

Suspension tuned for ASEAN conditions
At Mitsubishi Motor’s test course in Japan, there is an area where road conditions of the ASEAN region have been created for engineers to carry out development work. For the Xforce, the work at the test course was complemented by testing on actual roads in the ASEAN region to provide the best ride and handling.

In the front, steering feel and straight-line stability are improved by optimizing the caster trail and quickening the steering gear ratio. At the rear, steering stability is enhanced by optimizing the suspension bushings and the shock absorber cylinder size.

Four drive modes
Mitsubishi Motors has long experience in off-road vehicles and has developed a lot of 4-wheel control technology. As a 2WD (front-wheel drive) model, the Xforce has utilized this 4-wheel control technology to enhance the road handling of the SUV.

The driver can choose from 4 drive modes of Normal, Wet, Gravel and Mud according to surface conditions. The system then employs Active Yaw Control (AYC) which adjusts the driving force on the front left and right wheels to improve controllability, traction control that controls tyre skidding, engine control, and power steering control.

The Wet Mode
Offered by Mitsubishi Motors for the first time, the Wet mode improves cornering and stability on wet roads during rain. This will improve driver confidence when driving on roads flooded by sudden showers.

Indonesia will, of course, be the first market to get the Xforce. Exports will then start to other ASEAN markets as well as South Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.