Mitsubishi 7-seater SUV concept for ASEAN set for Philippine debut – Xforce-based Honda BR-V rival?

Mitsubishi has reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN and the Philippines by debuting a new seven-seater SUV concept at the Philippine International Motor Show, held from October 24 to 27. The company says the car combines its “heritage of craftsmanship” with its commitment to developing vehicles that meet the unique needs of the market.

No details have been released, aside from the teaser images shown here. Speculation is rife that the car will presage the next-generation Pajero Sport, but such a vehicle would likely be boxier and have longer front and rear ends, taking after the latest third-generation Triton pick-up.

We instead believe that the as-yet-unnamed show car is a preview of a three-row version of the B-segment Xforce. The T-shaped head- and taillights, bonnet contour lines and even the pronounced rear fender flares are a match for that car. Unique to the concept is the Outlander-style front grille and thicker upright C-pillars, here with deep strakes and flush glazing.

A three-row Xforce would put Mitsubishi in a unique position in ASEAN, offering a seven-seater B-segment SUV built on a passenger car chassis. Its closest rival would be the Honda BR-V, but that model is based on the one-size-smaller WR-V, whereas the Xforce is closer in size to the HR-V. Think Xpander but longer, wider and in crossover form.

Expect the production car to utilise the same powertrain as the Xforce and Xpander – a 4A91 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated MIVEC four-cylinder engine making 105 PS at 6,000 rpm and 141 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, sent to the front wheels via a CVT (available on the Xpander in other markets).

The Xforce was sighted in Malaysia earlier this year and will probably be launched here sometime in 2025, given that Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) currently has its hands full with the facelifted Xpander and new Triton. As such, don’t hold your breath for a seven-seat version to come around anytime soon.

GALLERY: Mitsubishi Xforce at GIIAS 2023

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