Shead of its first public appearance at the 46th Bangkok International Motor Show next week, bookings for the new Mitsubishi XForce HEV (hybrid Electric Vehicle) are now being accepted in Thailand. The model, successor to the ASX, was launched in Indonesia in November 2023 but only with a petrol engine.
Production of the XForce has so far been done in Indonesia and now, the Mitsubishi Motors factory in Thailand will also manufacture the compact SUV with an electrified powertrain. The XForce HEV adds another electrified model to the Mitsubishi range in Thailand as there is already the Xpander HEV.
“Globally, HEVs are increasingly in demand as a key electrified option that does not require charging infrastructure,” said Takao Kato, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Motors. “Given this trend, Mitsubishi Motors is proud to add the Xforce HEV model to our line-up in Thailand, which is one of our most crucial markets. Along with the Xpander HEV series, we are committed to driving electrification in the Thai market while also exploring future introductions to other countries.”
Same system as Xpander HEV
The HEV system in the XForce is derived from the brand’s plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) used in the Outlander. It offers higher fuel economy, eco-friendliness, and powerful acceleration. Unlike the XForce in Indonesia which has a 1.5-litre engine, the engine for the Xforce HEV is based on a 1.6-litre DOHC 16-valve MIVEC unit similar to that in the Xpander HEV model. Total system output is 85 kW (116 ps) and 255 Nm of torque.
The drivetrain features a newly developed transaxle with enhanced transmission efficiency, as well as a new motor disconnect function that disconnects the motor from the driveshaft at high speeds. A 2-speed transaxle system has been adopted to ensure quieter running at high speeds and powerful acceleration when going uphill.
Moreover, the motor, generator and transmission have been integrated, significantly reducing high-frequency noise and delivering a seamless EV-like driving experience.
Additionally, an electric water pump, which lowers auxiliary drive loss, has been employed. This improves thermal efficiency to over 40%, enhancing the engine’s fuel efficiency and thereby contributing to the overall fuel economy of the vehicle. According to Mitsubishi Motors, the fuel consumption can be up to 24.4 kms/litre.
Pure EV mode
As with other HEVs, it is possible to drive with power only from the electric motor for limited distances. EV Priority mode enables this but depends on the amount of energy in the battery. If the level is too low, the system will switch to Charge Mode to prioritise charging and increase the energy level so that EV mode can be activated again.
Mitsubishi Motors Thailand gives warranties of 5 years for the hybrid system and 10 years for the battery pack, with no limit on mileage.
7 drive modes
In addition to its two modes for EV driving, the Xforce HEV model has 5 other drive modes for optimal handling and drive control over different road surfaces. The driver can easily switch between modes using a toggle switch.
Active Yaw Control
Active Yaw Control (AYC), which Mitsubishi Motors developed in 1999, for high-performance models has been included in other models as well. The latest version in the Xforce HEV controls the driving force of the left and right front wheels to achieve a high level of handling.
In addition to traction control, which controls front wheel slippage, there is also Active Stability Control which controls the stability of all 4 wheels; throttle response, which adjusts the output of the motor and engine during acceleration; and electric power steering, which adjusts steering response according to the speed range and road conditions.
AYC and other all-wheel control technologies complement the front-wheel drivetrain to enable safe, secure driving over all types of surfaces and in different weather conditions.
Notable features within
Notable features inside the Xforce HEV include a large monolithic display panel integrates a 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio and a digital driver display, 8 levels of reclining adjustment for the seats, and a Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium sound system with 8 speakers.
Coming to Malaysia
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has not indicated if the Xforce, either in ICE or HEV form, will come to Malaysia. The current Xpander is assembled at the HICOM Manufacturers complex in Pekan, Pahang and is the only other model the brand sells in Malaysia.
If the Xforce HEV or Xpander HEV are introduced in Malaysia, it won’t be the first time that Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has offered an electrified vehicle. In 2013, it sold a fully electric model in Malaysia when the government allowed full duty-exemption on EVs (and hybrids). The model was the i-MiEV, priced at RM136,000, which was the world’s first modern highway-capable mass-produced EV.
