New Mitsubishi ‘Destinator’ Compact SUV Debuts on Aug 10

Mitsubishi is finally replacing the old ASX with a new compact SUV model, poised to make its debut later in August this year. Unlike the European markets who are getting the second-gen ASX – which is a rebadged Renault Captur – the ASEAN regional market is getting a whole new model, said to be based on the Mitsubishi XFC Concept unveiled last year in Vietnam.

Starting off with the name, we speculated in our previous report that this new compact crossover model will bear the ASX nameplate. According to CNN Indonesia, however, this new model might be called ‘Destinator’, as suggested by a trademark registration filled to Direktorat Jenderal Kekayaan Intelektual (DJKI) – an entity that handles the intellectual property protection under the Republic’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

First teaser image unveils the new model's front grille design

This nomenclature scoop is followed by a slew of new teaser images, showcasing few key design elements of the Destinator SUV. The first teaser photo depicts the SUV’s cascading front grille design, plus a prominent Mitsubishi’s three-diamond emblem. While the grille is finished in dark glossy hue, the emblem gets a chromed-up treatment instead – just like what we’ve seen on current Mitsubishi models.

The new model's taillights design (left) looks very similar to what we saw on the XFC Concept (right)

Next teaser image showcases the rear part of the new SUV model. From there, you can see the Destinator’s tail lights design that looks very similar to what we saw on the XFC Concept, featuring a Y-shaped LED main unit. Apart from that, you can only see the tailgate emblem of the car, as the rest of the parts are draped in shadow.

Yamaha's Dynamic Sound premium sound system on the new SUV model

The third and final teaser image, on the other hand, shows the sound system of the new model. Cordially known as the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium, this sound system is borne out of Mitsubishi’s first-time venture with renowned audio equipment brand Yamaha. It features adaptive volume adjustment function that automatically matches the exterior noise, ensuring passengers getting the same sound experience even when driving on a rough surface.

Beyond the three teaser images, Mitsubishi has also published a short video teaser, unveiling the innards of the new SUV model. From said video, we can see that the cabin is laced with a bevy of tech bits, including the sizable touch infotainment display, digital instrument cluster for the driver, as well as several decorative trims.

Built specifically for the ASEAN regional markets, the new Mitsubishi Destinator compact SUV boasts several features that make it somewhat a capable off-roader. Highlights include the tall 222 MM ground clearance, four selectable drive modes (Normal, Wet, Gravel, and Mud), as well as Active Yaw Control (AYC). The latter adjusts the driving force on the front left and right wheels as well as traction control intervention, engine control and power steering control.

Could this new SUV model looks exactly like the Mitsubishi XFC Concept here?

This new Mitsubishi compact SUV is slated to make its global debut at the upcoming Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), happening later in Aug 10. Bookings for the new Destinator – or whatever Mitsubishi decides to call it – have been opened in Indonesia.

So folks, what do you think of this new compact SUV model by Mitsubishi? Keen to see this model rolling down our roads as the successor to the ASX? Hit the comments below with your thoughts, then…