While Honda’s BR-V may dominate its segment in Southeast Asia (apart from Malaysia) for the time being, there is a new upcoming 7-seater SUV made by Mitsubishi and we expect to see the new model revealed at the 2024 Philippine International Motor Show.
Apart from the two teaser photos released below, no information about the seven-seater idea has been made public. Nevertheless, based on what we spotted in the images, we believe the vehicle is an extended three-row compact SUV, similar in size to the Mitsubishi XForce in the B-segment. In fact its front end in the teaser looks very much like the XForce.
Yes, there appears to be a distinct similarity between the XForce’s vent-like element behind the T-shaped headlights, the character lines on the bonnet, and the broad shoulder above the rear wheel wells. Although the concept has a different front grille design than the compact crossover model, we believe the general silhouette is still very similar.
The teaser images also reveal a distinctive C-pillar trim, which seems to be a little more upright than the Xpander’s. Given that it will need to provide headroom for potential third-row occupants, the latter is hardly shocking, but as for the former, well, what’s a concept without a little flair?
If our suspicions are right, the production model should have the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four engine that powers the Xpander and the XForce, producing 105 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. A CVT to transfer power to the front wheels should be standard on the seven-seater SUV, much like it is on the XForce (and Xpander in other countries).
The Honda BR-V popularised the compact seven-seater SUV, which is a particularly ASEAN-centric body shape that gives more people-hauling capabilities at a relatively low cost. As the BR-V is built on the one-size-smaller WR-V platform, the hypothetical Mitsubishi seven-seater compact SUV based on the XForce would have a larger footprint than the Honda. This is just one of the many advantages the Mitsubishi would have over the Honda.
Since the XForce’s August global debut, there have been hints that it may be launched in Malaysia. The launch is most likely to occur in 2025, though, as Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) still has the brand-new Triton to reveal later this month.
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Regarding the seven-seater, we believe MMM is likely motivated to bring the model to this region given its track record of success with the Xpander in Malaysia. The seven-seater sister of the Xforce should also be introduced more easily thanks to platform sharing as well as parts compatibility when it becomes available here, particularly if it is produced locally in Malaysia. However, don’t hold your breath for its introduction anytime soon.