Mitsubishi confirms 2024 small SUV, previewed by this new idea

Mitsubishi will launch a brand new compact SUV a while between April 2023 and March 2024, and this idea automobile revealed in the present day clues us in on what to anticipate.

The Mitsubishi XFC Idea will make its premiere on the Vietnam motor present subsequent week – on the floor an uncommon option to stage a premiere.

Nevertheless it’s essential to remember that Mitsubishi has a deal with Southeast Asia, beneath the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance ‘leader-follower’ world enterprise mannequin.

It’s understood the road-going model will use a Mitsubishi platform reasonably than a Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance one, and have a robust deal with ASEAN markets.

“We are going to launch the brand new compact SUV sequentially within the ASEAN markets together with Vietnam in fiscal 12 months 2023,” stated Mitsubishi Motors president and chief govt Takao Kato.

Japan’s fiscal 12 months goes from April 1 to March 31.

The corporate provides the manufacturing model of this XFC Idea is not going to change an present mannequin bought within the ASEAN markets, however reasonably complement the present vary.

Now, we all know what you’re considering. Absolutely this previews the brand new ASX, proper? The brand new European ASX – only a badge-engineered Renault Captur – is off the menu for right-hand drive, in spite of everything, so there’s a necessity for a brand new mannequin that performs this position.

Furthermore the present ASX just isn’t bought in key ASEAN markets – Mitsubishi sells a automobile referred to as Xpander Cross as an alternative – so the brand new small SUV may play this position whereas nonetheless being categorised as a further mannequin, not a substitute.

Then there are the quotes from Kato-san.

“Sooner or later, we plan so as to add an electrified variant to the lineup and to additionally roll it out in areas exterior ASEAN. We hope to develop the mannequin from a automobile for the ASEAN market to a worldwide strategic automobile,” added Mr Kato.

Mitsubishi’s second main focus area globally throughout the Alliance is Oceania, led by Australia, the place the traditional ASX stays one of many greatest sellers within the small SUV class however is effectively previous typical retirement age. So we’d be the apparent subsequent step.

However maintain your horses… Mitsubishi has not confirmed something alongside these strains, in actual fact it’s our understanding that there’s no assure that this automobile can be made to satisfy Australia’s harsher design and security requirements.

It seems that Mitsubishi Australia is perhaps caught between a rock and a tough place, although there’s little doubt the corporate’s native arm is pushing onerous to get the automobile right here in palatable and acceptable type – even when it received’t admit as a lot.

The Mitsubishi XFC Idea has headlights that look a bit like its badge, a brand new tackle the corporate’s Dynamic Protect grille, hexagonal decrease working lights, facet cameras reasonably than mirrors, and a chunky-yet curvaceous profile.

The distinctive T-shape tail-light signature emphasises the automobile’s stance, as do the flared rear fenders.

The elegant inside features a new-design steering wheel with fashionably small centre cap, a big single-frame display for devices and multimedia, haptic touchpads to regulate options, and a few virtually Scandinavian-inspired trims.

“Regardless of its compact physique measurement, the Mitsubishi XFC Idea can be designed for utility with ample cargo area,” Mitsubishi provides.

Mitsubishi guarantees “loads of floor clearance” and 4 drive modes referred to as Regular, Moist, Gravel and Mud – suggesting a derivation of its S-AWC all-wheel drive system could function.

We can be looking for to find extra about what this new idea means for Mitsubishi Australia, however within the meantime the corporate lately detailed yet one more working tweak to the present ASX vary forward of December launch, detailed right here.