PIMS 2024 | The Mitsubishi DST Concept makes global debut

Another future SUV model is on the horizon as Mitsubishi Motors Philippines (MMPC) unveils the new DST Concept at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).

According to MMPC, the DST Concept is designed specifically for the ASEAN region, and will be fully unveiled in production form in fiscal year 2025.

In terms of looks, it wears what the Japanese automaker calls their Gravitas and Dynamism design concept. It features similar design cues as the Xforce subcompact crossover, but with larger dimensions which appear to be in midsize crossover territory.

Just like what we saw in its teasers, the DST Concept features the brand’s Dynamic Shield 2.0 front fascia with the large front grille with a hexagonal pattern, flanked by T-shaped headlights.

Its lines are muscular and it also features some horizontal bars on the C-pillar. The rear also wears similar design cues as the Xforce with its clean tailgate design, and T-shaped taillights.

Inside, it gets a largely horizontal dashboard wrapped in soft-touch materials, and featuring a large panel housing the driver’s instrument cluster and infotainment screen.

It also gets a tri-color burgundy with white and black color scheme, a futuristic two-spoke steering wheel, and some modern touches such as an electronic gear selector. Of course, seating for seven occupants (including the driver) is present. Second row occupants also get their own tray tables.

Given that this is still a concept, there are no specifics as to what will move this future SUV. We’d like to bet though that it will have Mitsubishi’s e:Motion hybrid powertrain which is fitted in the Thai-spec Xpander and Xpander Cross, probably re-tuned to have more power. 

Also as mentioned, this rides on a monocoque platform, effectively making it a crossover SUV and not a pickup-based SUV like the Montero Sport. This means that Mitsubishi Motors will be introducing a completely new model.

As for its production name, it’s likely that the DST Concept previews the Destinator. That name has been trademarked by Mitsubishi Motors in markets such as ours and Indonesia.

Whatever this concept ends up becoming, it will likely be a success for Mitsubishi Motors not only here in the Philippines, but in the whole ASEAN region.