Mitsubishi Xforce HEV debuts in Thailand – B-segment SUV goes hybrid with 116 PS and 255 Nm e-motor

Mitsubishi Motors has announced a new addition to its model line-up in Thailand with the introduction of the Mitsubishi Xforce HEV. The hybrid version of the automaker’s B-segment SUV, which made its global debut in Indonesia back in 2023, will make its first public appearance at the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Show later this month.

The Xforce HEV follows on the Xpander and Xpander Cross HEV models that were launched in Thailand last year, and like its hybrid siblings, features the same e:Motion powertrain, which works in a similar fashion to Honda’s e:HEV system, with the car driven by the electric motor for the most, the engine only serving to generate electricity. At higher speeds, the engine can clutch in to power the car more efficiently, assisting the electric motor.

Like the Xpander HEVs, the system on the Xforce consists of an electric motor offering 116 PS and 255 Nm of torque, juiced by a lithium-ion battery and an Atkinson-cycle version of the 1.6 litre 4A92 MIVEC naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine developing 95 PS at 5,100 rpm and 134 Nm at 4,500 rpm.

The automaker however says that the HEV system of the Xforce has evolved from the Xpander HEV, with a newly developed two-speed transaxle with enhanced transmission efficiency as well as a new motor disconnect function that disconnects the motor from the drive shaft at high speeds being the significant revisions. Mitsubishi says that these features significantly reduce energy loss, giving the vehicle a top-class fuel economy of approximately 24.4 km per litre.

The exterior of the hybrid doesn’t veer far from the ICE version, with just some minor alterations to give it differentiation. The Dynamic Shield face continues to be present, but the HEV now wears Xforce lettering on the front bonnet and gets a new grille design, complete with chrome-finished horizontal slats. It also gets some additional dress up bits on the lower bumper.

While continuing to ride on two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, the unit on the hybrid features a new design. Elsewhere, HEV badges are to be found on the front grille and tail gate, while the front doors also gain Hybrid EV badges, all accented in blue, to further identify it.

Dimensions are the same as the petrol version, at 4,390 mm long, 1,810 mm wide and 1,660 mm tall, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase, with the only difference being that of ground clearance – where the regular Xforce has a taller-than-average 222 mm of clearance, the hybrid’s is stated as 183 mm.

Inside, you’ll find the familiar ‘Horizontal Axis’ styled cabin from the regular Xforce, with a 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio screen and a 8.0-inch digital driver display, although the upholstery has been given a little rework. Standard kit includes an eight-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium sound system, exclusively co-developed with Yamaha, as well as standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Mitsubishi’s patented Active Yaw Control (AYC), which can adjust the driving force between the two front wheels, is again present, but the HEV has seven drive modes compared to the regular Xforce’s four (normal, wet, gravel and mud). The additions come in two modes for EV driving (EV Priority and Charge modes) and one for tarmac. Drivers can easily switch between these modes using a toggle switch.

Safety kit includes six airbags and the usual set of active safety systems from the automaker’s Safety Sensing suite, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control (ACC), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN), Blind Spot Warning (with Lane Change Assist function) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems.

Eight exterior colour schemes are available for the Xforce HEV, four being two-tone (White Diamond, Energetic Yellow, Red or Graphite Gray Metallic body with a black roof) and four monotone (White Diamond, Graphite Gray Metallic, Blade Silver Metallic and Jet Black Mica).

Three variants will go on sale in Thailand, these being a base Xforce HEV Ignite, priced at 899,000 baht (RM118,400), an Xforce HEV Ultimate at 1.039 million baht (RM136,800) and a range-topping Xforce HEV Ultimate X, which goes for 1.089 million baht (RM143,500).

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