Mitsubishi Motors Corp. holds world premiere of 7-seater concept at 9th PIMS

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. Design Division General Manager, Seiji Watanabe, explains the "Gravitas and Dynamism" design concept of the Mitsubishi DST Concept crossover to special guests, media and visitors of the show. - CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Mitsubishi Motors kept everyone at the edge of their seats for several weeks as it slowly unraveled its newest 7-seater concept.

Finally, when the moment came for the world premiere of its much-anticipated crossover at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show, it was revealed that it was the Mitsubishi DST Concept that was uncovered underneath the sheets. The Mitsubishi DST Concept is the brand’s all-new monocoque SUV that offers three-row seating for customers seeking a full seven-seater with comfort and styling.

“The Mitsubishi DST Concept is an embodiment of an all-new three-row SUV to be launched during our current mid-term business plan Challenge 2025, and the production vehicle will be rolled out primarily in the ASEAN region including the Philippines starting in fiscal year4 2025,” said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Motors.

According to him, the all-new SUV will follow in the footsteps of the Xpander crossover MPV that was born in the ASEAN region and grew to become a model beloved by customers around the world, and the Xforce compact SUV that has been highly acclaimed since its introduction in fiscal 2023.

“With the aim of making it a global strategic vehicle, we will further develop it as a distinctively Mitsubishi SUV that expands our customers’ range of mobility,” he added.

The Mitsubishi DST Concept features a refined, authentic SUV design with spacious, classy interior for all passengers to ride in comfort, and the road handling to navigate any terrain.

Gravitas and Dynamism

“Gravitas and Dynamism” drives its design concept. “Gravitas” is expressed in proportions that combine the roomy cabin offering space ample even for the third row of seats, with the solid stability and wide stance of an SUV.

At its front is a sleek, strong nose, which gives it a commanding aura. Inside its spacious cabin are accentuated black out pillars, enveloping the cabin with smooth wraparound windows.

Meanwhile, “Dynamism” represents a design which oozes with energy and motion, expressed through its large-diameter tires and high-ground clearance offering a high level of maneuverability and capability. Its athletic profile exudes toughness and versatility. While side protectors and large skid plates in the front and rear provide that sense of security and protection.

As usual, its iconic Dynamic Shield design gives an impression of that reliability, strength and exceptional performance.

The front grille, which features a three-dimensional design with a honeycomb-shaped inner grille under a transparent outer cover, is integrated with left and right bumpers giving it a commanding character.

LED front daytime running lights and rear tail lights light up in a T-shape, accenting the wide stance. On the body side, horizontal bars are carved into the C-pillar for a distinctive, robust design.

Comfortable, spacious and classy interiors

Inside, it features a comfortable, spacious, classy cabin. The instrument panel is wrapped in soft, upscale material that exudes a premium feel. Its panoramic sunroof ushers a soft sunlight into the roomy interior lighting up with positive vibes.

At the instrument panel, a large display panel integrates a full LCD driver display and a center display for a cutting-edge look, while also displaying road conditions and other information needed.

5 drive modes

According to a statement, this front-wheel drive crossover features five drive modes that are available to handle the various road conditions of the ASEAN region. They are the Wet mode for reliable driving on roads flooded by sudden showers, Tarmac mode for nimble driving on paved winding roads, as well as Normal, Gravel and Mud modes.