Mitsubishi confirms 2024 small SUV, previewed by this new concept

Mitsubishi will launch a new compact SUV between April 2023 and March 2024, and the concept car revealed today tells us what to expect.

The Mitsubishi XFC Concept will debut at the Vietnam auto show next week – ostensibly an unusual choice to host the launch.

However, it is important to note that Mitsubishi is focused on Southeast Asia, which is part of the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance. global business model ‘leader-follower’.

It is understood that the road version will use the Mitsubishi platform instead of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance platform and focus strongly on the ASEAN markets.

Takao Kato, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, said: “We will launch a new small SUV model in ASEAN markets including Vietnam in fiscal year 2023.

The Japanese fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31.

The company added that the production version of this XFC Concept will not replace an existing model sold in ASEAN markets, but rather complement the existing range.

Now, we know what you’re thinking. Surely this previews the new ASX, right? New European ASX – just a crafted badge Renault Captur – it’s out of the menu for right-hand drive anyway, so a new model is needed to play the role.

Furthermore, the ASX is not currently sold in key ASEAN markets – instead, Mitsubishi sells a vehicle called the Xpander Cross – so the new compact SUV can play this role while remaining distributed. type is a supplementary model, not a replacement.

Then there are quotes from Kato-san.

“In the future, we plan to add an electrified variant to the product line and will also deploy it in regions outside of ASEAN. Mr. Kato added, we hope to develop this model from a vehicle for the ASEAN market to a global strategic vehicle.

Mitsubishi’s second-biggest global focus area in the Alliance is Oceania, led by Australia, where the vintage ASX remains one of the best-selling products in the small SUV segment but has passed its retirement age. particular. So we’ll be the obvious next step.

But hold on to your horse… Mitsubishi has not endorsed anything along these lines, in fact, we understand that there is no guarantee that this vehicle will be manufactured to meet the standards. Australia’s tougher design and safety standards.

It looks like Mitsubishi Australia could be stuck between a rock and a hard place, although there’s little doubt that the company’s local branch is working hard to get the car here in good and proper shape – even if they don’t admit that much.

The Mitsubishi XFC Concept has headlights that look a bit like its badge, a new spot on the company’s Dynamic Shield grille, lower hexagonal lights, side cameras rather than mirrors, and a classy line. but round.

The distinctive T-shaped taillights emphasize the vehicle’s stance, as do the flared rear fenders.

The elegant interior includes a newly designed steering wheel with a trendy small center cap, a large single-frame display for tools and multimedia, a touch-sensitive trackpad for controlling features and some trim. almost Scandinavian inspired.

Mitsubishi added: “Despite its compact body size, the Mitsubishi XFC Concept is also designed to be functional with ample cargo space.

Mitsubishi promises “lots of ground clearance” and four powertrain modes called Normal, Wet, Gravel and Mud – hinting at what its S-AWC all-wheel drive system could be fitted to.

We’ll be looking to discover more about what this new concept means for Mitsubishi Australia, but in the meantime the company has recently detailed another running tweak to the existing ASX range. before the December launch, details here.