Mitsubishi has begun exports of its B-segment SUV, the Mitsubishi Xforce from Indonesia to Vietnam. The archipelago serves as the production hub for the compact SUV which saw its global debut at the 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS).

A commemorative ceremony was held at the port of Tanjung Priok with officials from the Indonesian and Japanese governments as well as parties related to Mitsubishi Motors in attendance.

Vietnam serves as the first export market for the Xforce which offers ADAS on higher variants, unlike Indo-spec models. Four variants are offered in the country with prices ranging from VND 620 million to VND 699 million (~RM 118k-133k).

Also read: Priced from equivalent of RM 118k, ADAS-equipped Mitsubishi Xforce launched in Vietnam

Mitsubishi also announced that the Xforce will also be launched in other markets in stages starting with ASEAN. The three diamonds mentioned the Philippines as one of those markets; perhaps a hint at the next destination for the Honda HR-V rival?

Besides the ASEAN region, the Xforce will also be launched in South Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

"We are very proud to export from our production hub in Indonesia. Going forward, we hope to export to various regions, thereby making a further contribution to the Indonesian economy and the development of the Indonesian automobile industry," said Takao Kato, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors.

The Xforce is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre MIVEC engine (105 PS/141 Nm) that is paired with a CVT automatic that drives the front wheels (FWD). It sits on a shortened platform of the Xpander and has the highest ground clearance of its class at 222 mm.

Malaysians could look forward to another competitor in the popular B-segment SUV market though Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has not given an exact timeline of the Xforce’s arrival.

Also read: Ready for Malaysia, will the Mitsubishi Xforce be CBU or CKD here?