As a challenger against turbocharged compact SUV rivals from the likes of the Honda HR-V and Proton X50, the newly-unveiled Mitsubishi Xforce sounds a tad bit underpowered as it only offers a naturally-aspirated (NA) 1.5-litre engine.

However, this is mainly to suit the needs of ASEAN buyers, according to Hiroshi Nagaoka, Executive Vice President of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), at a question and answer (Q&A) session with the Malaysian media following the launch of the Xforce at the 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS).

Responding to a query on why the SUV only offers an NA unit, Nagaoka replied, “This engine is actually carried over from the Xpander and it is widely accepted by ASEAN buyers. The engine power itself might not be as high as Honda’s, for example, but in low speed, the torque generated is enough.”

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“Considering the driving circumstances in ASEAN, especially in places with high traffic jams, the (1.5-litre NA) engine’s characteristic fits with this,” he continued. “That’s why we decided to carry over and improve the Xpander engine for this new SUV.”

Also read: Built to tackle floods and potholes, this is how the Mitsubishi Xforce has bespoke tuning for ASEAN

Besides, comfort takes priority over performance in the development of the Xforce, Nagaoka said as the SUV is designed to go through flash floods, rough roads, as well as coping with long stretches of the highway - which are common in ASEAN.

"On the highway, if it's too much softer suspension, it's not too good. Balancing soft suspension and stability on the highways are the key for the ASEAN market," explained Nagaoka, who overlooks MMC's engineering division as well.

Also read: Mitsubishi Xforce won't match the HR-V's hybrid / turbo power, but it's likely the most comfortable

Besides sharing the same unit (105 PS/141 Nm) as the 7-seater crossover, the Xforce is also built on a modified platform of the Xpander. Despite the compact size, the Xforce also comes with plenty of practical storage space with up to 18 pockets and cubby holes around the interior.

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Just like the Xpander, the Xforce is only offered with front-wheel drive (FWD) though it has a drive mode setting for 4 road conditions – Normal, Wet, Mud, and Gravel. It is purely a soft-roader though it has similar ground clearance as the all-new Mitsubishi Triton at 222 mm.

Also read: Triton-rivalling numbers, we asked if the Mitsubishi Xforce will be offered with AWD - this is their answer

The Xforce is designed mainly for the ASEAN market and Malaysia will be one of the countries where the SUV will make an entrance. In Indonesia, the Xforce is offered in two variants, Exceed and Ultimate which is priced at IDR 382.5 million (~RM 115k) and IDR 419.1 million (~RM 126k) respectively.

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