Mitsubishi’s ASX-sized Xforce SUV now has the choice of hybrid power in South-East Asia, but it’s no closer to coming to Australia.
The petrol-powered Xforce was revealed two years ago, and it’s now been equipped with a hybrid powertrain, borrowed from the larger Xpander HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) people mover.
However, it’s unlikely to come to Australia, as Mitsubishi has previously confirmed the Xforce isn’t compliant with local Australian Design Rule (ADR) regulations.
Powering the Xforce HEV is a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to an electric motor, a high-voltage battery and a two-speed transaxle (transmission).
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Mitsubishi doesn’t provide power outputs, though the related Xpander HEV produces 70kW.
That’s a lot less than the ASX sold in Australia, which develops 110kW (2.0-litre) to 123kW (2.4-litre), and also a loss on the non-hybrid Xforce’s 77kW output.
The transaxle is “newly developed”, with Mitsubishi saying it includes a “new motor disconnect function that disconnects the motor from the drive shaft at high speeds”, allowing the Xforce HEV to use a claimed 4.1L/100km.
The Xforce HEV can also be driven in electric-only mode, saving even more fuel at low speeds where petrol engines are typically at their least efficient.
Carryover equipment includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen and an 8.0-inch driver display, the former of which can be set up to mimic the off-road gauges from the legendary Pajero off-roader.
Wireless phone charging features, along with USB-A and USB-C ports for front and rear passengers.
As with the petrol-only model, Mitsubishi claims the Xforce can hold 21 600mm plastic bottles throughout its cabin – a boast not many carmakers are willing or able to make.
The Xforce is also equipped with front and rear parking sensors, six airbags and the Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing advanced driver assistance system, which includes crucial safety technology like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and blind-spot monitoring.
Despite this, it won’t be the replacement to the ASX currently found in Australian showrooms.
Earlier this year, Mitsubishi announced the current ASX would be axed due to not meeting new AEB performance requirements, though the nameplate will live on with a rebadged version of the Captur.
