Making its global debut at the 2022 Vietnam Motor Show, the Mitsubishi XFC Concept previews the Three Diamondsā upcoming rival against the hotly contested B-segment SUV market. Itās uncertain whether the SUV will be getting a new name or whether it would be called the ASX but one thing is clear, it will be adding some variety to the B-SUV market.
Recently, spyshots of a heavily camouflaged version of the XFC Concept have been widely shared around social media. According to Vietnamese automotive media, the upcoming B-SUV was spotted in Binh Duong, Vietnam which is where Mitsubishiās Vietnam plant is located.
This isnāt the first time that the production version of the XFC has been spotted on public roads as a camouflaged unit has also been seen in Indonesia. Some reports have suggested that the XFC could be making its debut at the 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) which would be held on 10-August.
Even with a camouflage wrap, the XFC appears largely similar to the concept. There is a large trapezoidal front grille and the slim LED DRLs are lit up in the photos.
Around the rear, Mitsubishiās signature T-shape taillights are also retained from the concept but the hexagonal-shaped tailpipes donāt appear to be carried over from the concept.
Mitsubishi had stated that the XFC Concept comes with 4 drive modes ā Normal, Wet, Gravel, and Mud. The production version could offer these driving modes with the Wet mode a peculiar feature that could be essential for the monsoon weather that is faced in Southeast Asia.
Xpander unit shown
Itās unknown what powers Mitsubishiās upcoming SUV but it could be the naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre MIVEC engine shared with the Xpander. The unit in the 7-seater crossover MPV produces 105 PS and 141 Nm but while the Xpander is solely front-wheel drive (FWD), the production version of the XFC could be offered with four-wheel drive (4WD) based on the driving modes mentioned.
When the XFC is launched, it will be against the likes of the Honda HR-V and Proton X50. Despite having only 2 models in its line-up, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has seen a resurgence in sales, becoming the third best-selling non-Malaysian car brand in 2022. Since the XFC is a regional product, it will likely make its way into Malaysia.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
