Motorists have developed an absolutely ravenous appetite for SUVs globally, and in turn carmakers have duly delivered a sports utility vehicle for every segment, price bracket and person that derives no joy from driving whatsoever. That last one was a joke mostly. One such segment that burgeoned from the influx was the B-segment SUV sector.
Motorists have developed an absolutely ravenous appetite for SUVs globally, and in turn carmakers have duly delivered a sports utility vehicle for every segment, price bracket and person that derives no joy from driving whatsoever. That last one was a joke mostly.
One such segment that burgeoned from the influx was the B-segment SUV sector. It could be argued that this is the single, most oversaturated segment in the car industry, based not just on the number of options but also the level of quality in terms of value. This is after all where each carmaker is fighting over the “aspirational middle class.”
Mitsubishi is the latest player to throw its hat in this crowded ring with the Mitsubishi Xforce. One would imagine that being a lower volume brand, jumping headfirst into a segment loaded with some of the major players offering impressive models would not be the smart move.
The Xforce will line up against heavy hitters such as the segment’s best-selling Proton X50 and the best-selling non-national Honda HR-V. Furthermore, the influx of Chinese brands has brought the Chery Tiggo Cross and upcoming Jaecoo J5. Lest we forget, Perodua also just introduced the Traz.
Initially, on paper, one would be forgiven for thinking the Xforce was in over its head. In a segment with turbocharged engines dual-clutch transmissions and hybrid powertrains, the naturally-aspirated Mitsubishi looked out of place.
After all, it is very easy to be different but very difficult to be better. So what exciting (Xciting?) take could the Xforce offer that would help it stand its own ground? Taking on the Chinese brands in terms of pricing would not be feasible, nor would filling it with technology as Honda and Proton hold their own in that respect.
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It does have appeal though, as over 1,000 bookings within a week of the order books opening paints a different picture. Therefore, we approached the Xforce during the media drive with an open mind.
What sets it apart?
The early mistake was running on the false assumption that the Xforce had to better the competition at something specific, such as the drivetrain or spec sheet, that we forgot it simply just had to be an SUV that ticked all the core boxes.
Practicality, spaciousness and decent handling was all it needed. Of course, it does not hurt that the Xforce looks the most rugged and SUV-like as well. It just does the basics really well
Additionally, Mitsubishi engineered it from the ground up to tackle Asean roads, which sometimes are not the most forgiving. On top of that, it also had impressive ground clearance to overcome floods, some excellent foreshadowing given the Malaysian weather recently.
What is under its rugged skin?
There is nothing extreme (Xtreme) about the Xforce. It sits on a shortened platform of its cousin, the Mitsubishi Xpander, meaning that they share quite a few components, especially the suspension and powertrain. However, some adjustments were made with the suspension geometry to compensate for the shortened wheelbase.
There is nothing fancy under the hood either. It shares the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated MIVEC unit. Of course, some fine-tuning was done in the powertrain department to fit the driving characteristics of an SUV but it still makes the same 105 PS and 141 Nm of torque.
It does not use the conventional automatic found in the Xpander though, instead running a CVT. Only in Indonesia does Mitsubishi use a CVT in the Xpander for fuel efficiency requirements.
X-factor
Mitsubishi were serious about the Xforce’s ride and handling. So much so in fact that they placed the man behind the legendary Mitsubishi Evo 7, 8, 9 and 10 as the Lead Product Engineer, Masahiro Tamura.
Bear in mind that the Xforce is still a front-wheel drive soft-roader but it does have some unique driving modes similar to a dedicated off-roader and a ride height that is useful for wading through floods at 222mm, similar to its Mitsubishi Triton pick-up sibling.
One of the pieces of tech that caught our attention was the Active Yaw Control (AYC) that debuted in the Evo and gives the Xforce some rally-bred DNA. Here, it works with the four driving modes and is adapted to apply individual brakes on the driven wheels to direct more torque to the outside rear wheel and reduce understeer.
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We did manage to experience this during a driving exercise around a wet roundabout. When activated, the AYC made considerable difference to reduce understeer.
Speaking of the drive modes, the quartet are Normal, Gravel, Mud and Wet, just like a proper off-roader. That last one is something different that Mitsubishi says was produced with overcoming Southeast Asia’s monsoon weather in mind. It functions by improving cornering and stability on wet or flooded roads.
How does it drive?
Tamura wanted to give the Xforce an engaging drive. Apart from the revised suspension geometry and AYC, the structural rigidity was increased with more adhesive. Applying it at the rear quarters, wheel wells and tailgate hinge helps the body better distribute suspension input.
Our time behind the wheel was not significant but it confirmed our initial impression that the Xforce got the basics right. Comfort levels were satisfactory even on 18-inch wheels and you could take it well past highway speeds with confidence. It just worked.
Could it use a bit more power? Definitely. Does it ever feel like it was lacking any? No. Mitsubishi did some clever calibration with the CVT by implementing ‘Step-up Shift’ software that simulates an eight-speed automatic when you floor the throttle though the typical CVT-drone begins piercing the cabin as you approach highway speeds and beyond.
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Furthermore, the Uphill Logic provides a 25% improvement in driving force on slopes, requiring significantly less pedal input, while the Downhill Logic increases engine braking by 10% to reduce brake wear.
Is it nice inside?
Again, the Xforce does the basics right in the cabin. You get comfortable seats and convenient features that make daily use that much better.
They claim a class-leading 23 storage spaces and while we did not tally them up, there was no reason to doubt them. The genius C-pillar storage slots are something the automotive world needs more of.
Rear occupants will enjoy the eight-step reclining rear seats and supportive bench,
However, do not expect HR-V levels of refinement. The interior does still feel plasticky and the finishing could have used a bit more effort. We are not fans of the ivory fabric used on the dashboard in the flagship Ultimate trim as it is something that would get dirty very quickly.
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Equipment wise, the Xforce Ultimate that we sampled has the goods. You will find a large 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an eight-speaker Yamaha audio system, wireless charger and a cooler in the cooled centre console storage box.
Conclusion
The basis of every good vehicle, especially an SUV, is to get the fundamentals right. Without getting the basics covered, there is no point in progressing and using more complex powertrains or packing the infotainment with features to impress.
In this scenario, the Xforce gets the basics right. It is immensely practical, spacious and has enough storage spaces for an entire family packed good looking body.
Is there anything else exciting about it? Hardly. We are stopping short of using the ‘b’ word. If you need a functional SUV that just gets the job done with little fuss, the Xforce is definitely a model you have to keep on your shortlist.
Specifications
Engine: 1.5-litre 16-valve DOHC naturally-aspirated, MIVEC variable valve timing
Transmission: CVT
Price (as tested): RM120,000 (tentative)
We like: Getting all the basics of an SUV right and the looks
We don’t like: Not the most exciting drive and plasticky interior