Mitsubishi Introduces All-New Xforce Compact SUV, Looks Mighty But Only Has 2WD

While the Monterey Car Week is like a collection of events taking place in various places around California, GIIAS is a traditional venue for automakers to showcase their latest models in a conventional environment. Mitsubishi, for example, recently previewed its fresh, all-new compact SUV from the design standpoint alongside the lineup for the 30th Indonesia International Auto Show.

Interestingly, the Japanese automaker didn't have a name prepared for the new model – they kept that secret under wraps to reveal it during the world premiere event. So, meet the Xforce compact SUV (I bet someone among the corner office head honchos is a Deadpool fan or an enormous Marvel comics enthusiast), which looks jacked-up and ready for anything – albeit that's just a ruse.

Unfortunately, the model that will be produced at Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia (Bekasi, West Java) is only available as a front-wheel-drive model. It will be offered in Indonesia first, followed by other ASEAN countries (Vietnam, Philippines) and South Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

For what it's worth, Mitsubishi says the five-seat SUV "was developed with a focus on the way compact SUVs are used in the ASEAN region" and is calling it a "best-suited buddy for an exciting life," meaning it's destined for an outdoorsy lifestyle. Highlights include the 'Silky & Solid' exterior styling, a spacious interior that's among the best in class, Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium sound system, the 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA), and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, plus versatile cargo space.

As for technical details, the company promises a "class-leading" ground clearance of 222 mm (8.74 inches), a "well-tuned" suspension that takes into account the characteristics of ASEAN roads, an all-new Wet mode among the four drive modes, plus a "high-efficiency CVT for low fuel consumption and quietness." The latter is paired with a "proven" 1.5-liter MIVEC engine outputting just 103 hp and 141 Nm (104 lb-ft).

Frankly, if our two cents are allowed on the matter, this Mitsubishi Xforce, no matter how tacky its name might be, doesn't sound like such a bad deal. The design is modern yet adheres to Mitsubishi's latest percepts of diamond-like styling, and the space plus versatility makes it a great choice among compact SUVs. The problems, however, reside at the powertrain level.

For starters, the 1.5-liter engine needs a bit of turbo oomph to accommodate better performance – 150 horsepower would go a long way toward achieving better highway comfort and additional trail performance. Secondly, Mitsubishi – even if they don't change the horrible CVT – really needs to give this little rugged SUV an all-wheel-drive system and send it on its merry way around ASEAN trails!