As of late, Mitsubishi has not released any brand-new models, with much of its global lineup being facelifted versions of older vehicles.

That’s why when its press office announces that it will launch an all-new car, it’s definitely big news. The Japanese carmaker said in a May 2023 statement that it would debut a new sport-utility vehicle (SUV) on August 10, 2023, at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show.

“The all-new compact SUV is the first of the new Mitsubishi SUVs to enter the ASEAN market, one of the company's core business regions,” the company said.

“Drawing on the heritage of the brand's expertise in vehicle development, the all-new model features a stylish yet robust, authentic SUV styling, as well as practicality such as ease of handling and versatile storage spaces, and comfort including a spacious cabin,” it added.

Hello XFC?

Although the teaser photo only shows a T-shaped LED light cluster, it’s a tell-tale sign that it is likely the production version of the Mitsubishi XFC Concept that was launched in Vietnam on October 2022.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation president and CEO Takao Kato said the concept crossover would be put into production as early as April 2023.

“In addition, through repeated testing and tuning in the road environment of the ASEAN region, the all-new compact SUV provides peace of mind even when handling rough surfaces or roads flooded by heavy rains,” Mitsubishi said.

According to Mitsubishi's Fiscal Year 2023-2025 Mid-Term Business Plan published in March 2023, the production XFC will be an ICE model. Reports suggest it will be based on a new platform to be shared with the next-generation Mitsubishi Xpander. It will likely also also share the same 1.5-liter mill as found in the Xpander with a plug-in hybrid version soon to follow. 

Also Read: Mitsubishi pivots to EVs, to focus on ASEAN from 2025 onwards

The XFC Concept features four driving modes: Normal, Gravel, Mud and Wet. 

Mitsubishi said the Wet Mode, which was introduced for the first time in the XFC Concept, was designed for ASEAN countries to enable safe driving on roads flooded by rain showers.

Yamaha-tuned sound system

Another notable feature is the upcoming crossover’s sound system. 

Mitsubishi said it has tied up with Yamaha to develop the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium. Aside from producing motorcycles and tuning the exhaust of the Lexus LFA, Yamaha is also world-renowned for its musical instruments and audio equipment.

“With a special tuning optimized for the acoustic characteristics of the cabin, the new sound system in the all-new compact SUV delivers a premium, immersive sound experience, making driving even more exciting, comfortable and enjoyable for everyone on board,” Mitsubishi said.

XFC Concept in the Philippines

Meanwhile, the XFC Concept will finally be on display in the Philippines on June 16 to 18, 2023 after missing the Manila International Auto Show last April.

The production version of the XFC Concept is also a potential addition to Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation’s (MMPC) production line at its Santa Rosa, Laguna plant.

The Department of Trade and Industry said on February 2022 that MMPC may put up a new line depending on incentives under the government’s ₱27-billion Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program.

MMPC, which is the country’s second-largest local car manufacturer in terms of sales, builds the Mirage hatchback and Mirage G4 sedan at its Sta. Rosa plant under the scheme.

The Private Sector Advisory Council announced on May 2023 that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has agreed to extend the CARS Program for another five years.

Do you think the production Mitsubishi XFC would be a hit in the Philippines?

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