Mitsubishi XForce HEV Debuts in Thailand – Malaysia Next?

The Mitsubishi XForce B-segment SUV gains a new HEV hybrid variant in Thailand. Is Malaysia next on the list?

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand (MMTh) has announced a new addition to its model lineup this week, with the introduction of the Mitsubishi XForce HEV. This hybrid version of the brand’s new B-segment SUV features the same e:Motion series-parallel hybrid (HEV) system as the Xpander Cross HEV, where it will make its first public debut at the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) later this month.

The XForce HEV’s powertrain setup comprises a 1.6-litre 4-cyl MIVEC nat-asp engine rated at 95 PS and 134 Nm, which acts as the main generator to its single electric motor that delivers 116 PS and 255 NM. Combined with its small lithium-ion battery pack and a newly developed two-speed transaxle transmission, the XForce HEV boasts a decent fuel economy of only 24.4 KM per litre.

Similar to the full combustion XForce, the new XForce HEV also gets Mitsubishi’s proprietary Active Yaw Control (AYC) system, which adjusts the driving force between the two front wheels for better traction. Also new here are both the hybrid-related driving modes—EV Priority and Charge—which are added on top of the existing four modes—Normal, Wet, Gravel, and Mud.

In terms of design, the XForce HEV does not veer far off from its full combustion twin, featuring the same distinctive design in the form of a boxy compact SUV bodystyle. It still gets the same Dynamic Shield front face design as the combustion XForce, albeit featuring XForce lettering on the front bonnet and a new front grille design with chromed horizontal slats. The hybrid version also rides on new 18-inch alloy wheels, while the HEV badges scattered around the exterior help people to differentiate the HEV model from its full combustion twin.

Dimension-wise, the XForce HEV gets the same measurements as its standard twin, measuring 4,390 MM long, 1,810 MM wide, 1,660 MM tall, and with a wheelbase of 2,650 MM, with the only difference being its shorter ground clearance of 188 MM compared to the 222 MM on the standard XForce.

Onboard equipment is also similar on this hybrid version, with key amenities like the 12.3-inch central infotainment display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8-inch digital metre cluster, and an 8-speaker Yamaha audio system all primed here. Keen eyes will notice that the XForce HEV gets a redesigned upholstery option for the seats, but space is nonetheless the same in the hybrid model.

A total of three variants of the XForce HEV are offered by MMTh, with the baseline XForce HEV Ignite retailing from THB 899,000 (RM117,955), followed by the XForce HEV Ultimate and the range-topping XForce HEV Ultimate X, both retailing at THB 1.039 million (RM136,325) and THB 1.089 million (RM142,885), respectively.

Despite making its global debut way back in 2023, the XForce B-SUV has yet to make its arrival into our market, be it in full combustion or this new HEV form. Given that the implementation of the targeted RON 95 petrol subsidy is happening soon, perhaps it’ll be wiser for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) to bring the HEV model for our market instead of the full combustion one.