Mitsubishi 7-seater concept SUV making global debut at PIMS 2024
For the first time in its six-decade history, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is playing host to a world-first event this month.
The carmaker announced in a press statement that it will handle the world premiere of Mitsubishi’s concept seven-seater sport-utility vehicle (SUV) at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), which will be held from Oct. 24 to 27, 2024 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
MMPC said global debuts like this normally take place in other key markets like Thailand or Indonesia. But now that the Philippines is the “central focus” of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in Japan, the concept car’s reveal is all the more significant.
“The decision to have the world premiere in the Philippines is a testament to the country’s growing importance within Mitsubishi Motors’ global operations,” said MMPC president and CEO Ritsu Imaeda in the statement.
“This new concept reflects Mitsubishi Motors’ vision of delivering top quality vehicles to the ASEAN region, and we are thrilled that this will be showcased for the first time in the Philippines,” he added.
Montero Sport replacement?
MMPC provided two teaser photos of the concept, which use styling cues first seen in the Mitsubishi XFC Concept crossover.
These include the T-shaped LED headlights and daytime running lights, as well as hood vents, and a more prominent version of Mitsubishi’s “Dynamic Shield” front grill. The concept SUV also seems to incorporate T-shaped LED taillights, like in the XFC Concept, along with pronounced strakes in the rear-quarter windows that likely won’t make production.
Given that much of the XFC Concept’s radical styling was carried over into the all-new Xforce crossover, which made its global debut on August 2023 at the 30th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show, this concept seven-seater likely previews the replacement to the aging Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
There is no official word yet on what engines would be used. But given Mitsubishi’s penchant for reusing proven powertrains in its all-new models, the production version of this concept SUV could use the same engines and platform as its Triton pick-up sibling.
The all-new Triton, which was launched locally in January this year, is powered by a 2.4-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 turbodiesel producing either 180 horsepower and 430 Newton-meters of torque or 201 horsepower and 470 Newton-meters of torque. This is mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, with optional four-wheel drive.
“The 7-seater SUV concept embodies Mitsubishi Motors’ commitment to provide fulfilling mobility lifestyles that awaken the adventurous spirit of drivers and provide excitement for everyone on board,” the company said.
“Embodying Mitsubishi Motors-ness, the new SUV concept brings together the brand’s heritage of craftsmanship and its commitment to developing vehicles that meet the unique demands of the market,” MMPC added.
