Mitsubishi to unveil small SUV previewed by new concept

Mitsubishi has announced it will launch a new small SUV between April 2023 and March 2024, previewed by a concept vehicle revealed this week.

The Mitsubishi XFC Concept will debut at the Vietnam Motor Show next week, providing a look at what the next-generation ASX could look like.

It is headlined by an evolved design language, which is also tipped to feature on the next-generation Triton ute due next year.

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Inside, the concept includes a single-frame digital instrument cluster and infotainment system – similar to the Nissan Ariya and Mercedes-Benz models – and two smaller displays for the digital side mirrors.

Mitsubishi hasn’t provided details on the XFC’s powertrain, but it confirmed four driving modes are offered: Normal, Wet, Gravel and Mud.

However, the Japanese brand mentioned a hybrid engine, suggesting another hybrid small SUV – following the Eclipse Cross plug-in – could be in the works

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While the concept provides hints about a new ASX, the current model is not sold in south-east Asia, so the forthcoming model could act as an additional model in Mitsubishi’s global line-up.

“We will launch the new compact SUV sequentially in the ASEAN markets including Vietnam in fiscal year 2023,” said Mitsubishi Motors president and chief executive Takao Kato.

It’s understood the new compact SUV will use a Mitsubishi-derived platform instead of a Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance one, with a focus on developing markets, including south-east Asia, Africa and South America.

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This could rule it out for Australia, with the model potentially unable to meet our stricter design, safety and emissions standards.

Another option for Australia is the European ASX revealed last month, however, it is currently left-hand-drive only, and a simple rebadge of the Renault Captur light SUV.

“In the future, we plan to add an electrified variant to the lineup and to also roll it out in regions outside ASEAN. We hope to grow the model from a vehicle for the ASEAN market to a global strategic vehicle,” added Kato.

In the meantime, Mitsubishi Australia will launch a mild update of the current ASX in December, as it approaches its 13th year on sale in 2023.