Mitsubishi Xforce HEV launches in Indonesia, how about PH?
The Mitsubishi Xforce is a great subcompact crossover. It looks very distinct, has a very well thought-out interior, a great sound system, and commendable driving dynamics. It even got an update just last month, getting a few upgrades and a new variant.
It does, however, keep one pitfall, its powertrain. Shared with the Mitsubishi Xpander, the 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine is known as underpowered compared to rivals, and inefficient in urban conditions. This problem can easily be fixed by a hybrid powertrain, previously exclusive to Thailand but now also available in Indonesia.
Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia (MMKI) has officially introduced the Xforce HEV to their market. Like the Thai version, it gets a 1.6-liter four-cylinder DOHC MIVEC gasoline engine (4A92), paired to an electric motor and lithium-ion battery.
On its own, the gasoline engine produces 107 horsepower and 134Nm of torque, while the electric motor makes 116 horsepower and 255Nm. It’s claimed to achieve a fuel economy figure of 24.4km/l, and gets the addition of Tarmac, EV Priority, and Charge modes, on top of five other standard drive modes.
Similar to what we recently got locally, the Xforce HEV in Indonesia also gets a new Panoramic Glass Roof, while set apart from the standard non-HEV Xforce by HEV badging, silver front grille accents, clear taillight lenses, and a unique set of 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels on the outside. Inside, the dashboard features leather trim and an electronic gear selector.
So, what does this mean for our market?
Manufactured locally in Indonesia, the Xforce HEV’s launch there increases the chances of our market getting the hybrid powertrain as well, as the local supply of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is sourced from the MMKI factory in Cikarang, West Java. And while left-hand drive (LHD) production is yet to commence, the increased likelihood remains and it won’t hurt to continue hoping.
We are after all one of the Japanese automaker’s most important markets in the world, so who knows what could come next?
