We’re just going to jump right to it. Before its official local launching, we got to test drive the all-new entry to the B-Segment SUV/Crossover market, the Mitsubishi X-Force GT. This crossover is set to battle with the likes of the Geely Coolray, the GAC Emzoom, and the Toyota Yaris Cross, to name a few.
At P1,581,000 though the Mitsubishi X-Force is not cheap, it also doesn’t help that it still has the same engine as the Expander. All 105 PS & 141 Nm of it. It’s not a hybrid either.
So… does it have redeeming qualities?
Built for South East Asia
These days “global platform” is a common term used for new models of cars and it makes sense to design a car on a more general scale if a manufacturer is selling it across continents, not so for the Mitsubishi X-Force. According to our trusty agent from Mitsubishi Motors Gateway Fairview, the X-force was designed for the Southeast Asian market and will only be sold so, that means it’s a little more into our proportions and most importantly the weather conditions (Wet and Dry). And yes we can confirm this.
Driving modes for our neck of the woods.
You won’t find things like “sport, comfort” for this new Mitsubishi cross over, instead, it’ll be “Normal, Wet, Gravel & Mud” you’ll be toggling over on the center console. This puzzled me when first I saw it. Typically you would find that on 4×4 vehicles or the bigger suv’s, but not a B-segment crossover.
These Southeast Asian-focused modes are one of the important distinctions that MMPC (Mitsubishi Motor Philippines) wants to stress for the X-Force. Sure, we do stick with paved roads most of the time, but the X-Force’s driving modes for example “gravel and mud” are more in line with tropical countries like ours, it’s nice to be the focus of attention for once, yes?
We weren’t able to test all those unfortunately, but it’s easy to imagine being out of town, driving on unpaved roads, switching to gravel for example, and seeing if that makes a difference. Plus you have videos playing on the infotainment system like downhill cyclists, skiers and kayakers , there’s even things like Tilt Angle, GPS which makes you ask….
Is it an offroader?
Err Maybe? The media drive test of the X-force where MMPC brought other folks from the media they tackled muddy and uphill roads, is kinda leaning toward that. It probably won’t be crossing desserts but should do nicely for our local commute to our provinces.
Great build quality and fully loaded.
Inside out, you can easily tell the Mitsubishi X-Force is well put together, the panel gaps are few and tiny on the outside, Mitsubishi’s dynamic shield design and T-shade LED lights for front and back look nice, the 18 inch two tone alloy wheels + tastefully chosen black cladding on the side look well great as well. No doubt it’s a very handsome car on the outside, but how about the inside?
We got to test out the top-of-the-line GT variant and just like the Mitsubishi Triton, it feels plush inside, we like the material combinations like the white melange fabric, soft textures, and colors. All is good inside and the room isn’t bad either, job well done for Mitsubishi.
You get features like all leather seats, dual-zone climate control with a purifying nanoex system, ambient lighting. The 8-inch instrument cluster is clear and pushed a bit further inside to make it easier to see, android auto and apple carplay are standard, and wireless charging is there.
Young professionals, the X-Force is for you.
Before we headed for the test drive we got to bust out some tunes with the 8-speaker Coaxial 2-way Yamaha sound system and for our mildly experienced audiophile ears, it sounds awesome with its signature, lively, powerful, relaxing sound modes. They’re also nicely integrated into the body, additional sound dampening is a welcome addition.
Other stuff like a cooling function on the center console box, a seat under tray?(nice), pockets on the seats and plenty of USB ports all over the car, me thinks our younger brethren’s standard checklist is plenty covered.
It’s pretty practical too, the X-force has an automatic tailgate and kick sensor. There’s also plenty of room for your stuff, the 40:20:40 – 8 step recline and full flat folding rear seats should cover your weekend getaways.
On the safety end of things, you get active yaw control, forward collision mitigation system, lead car departure, blind spot warning, auto high beam, tire pressure control and it has Adapat Cruise control..
Although……
There’s no hiding it, at P1,581,000 the Mitsubishi X-Force is not cheap, it also doesn’t help that it still has the same engine as the Expander. All 105 PS & 141 Nm of it. It’s not a hybrid either.
Ok, you do have the lower GLS variant priced at P1,367,000 sure, but with competition like the GAC Emzoom and recently discounted Nissan kicks, the X-Force isn’t going for the value crown.
Still, on our short test drive of the Mitsubishi X-Force GT, perhaps the futuristic looks, tight build quality, great interior and sound system are enough for some folks.
We feel the X-force isn’t interested in 0-100km/h times, it’s for the folks who want those aforementioned qualities, the tested engine and are happy to pony up the cash for just that.
Special thanks to the folks at Mitsubishi Motors Gateway Fairview branch
