Mitsubishi B-SUV concept is called the XFC
Production model for Mitsubishi XFC out by 2023
Recently, we received information about Mitsubishi's plans to reveal a new concept car which is rumored to be a B-segment crossover. Well now, the automaker has taken the wraps off the concept car, and it will indeed compete with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Honda HR-V, and Nissan Kicks e-Power.
Mitsubishi Motors calls it the XFC Concept. Built to be the “best-suited buddy for an exciting life”, the XFC Concept features some familiar design elements from the Mitsubishi lineup, while also having its own trademark styling.
The trapezoidal grille gives a major throwback to the Lancer Evolution and ASX, but Mitsubishi says it's an evolution (oops) of the Dynamic Shield concept used in their current models. Meanwhile, the T-shaped LED headlights first seen on the Xpander have made their way to the XFC Concept, but the daytime running lights have been placed below the main projectors in a louver-like manner.
While the front end screams Mitsubishi, we can't help but notice how the rear section gives off a Nissan Juke vibe with its wide hips and short overhangs. But of course, while the Juke had boomerang taillights, the XFC continues the T-shape trend in the rear combination lamps.
Comparing the cabin to the current lineups of Mitsubishi in the ASEAN region, the XFC Concept may be the first to give a glimpse into the future design language of next-generation Mitsubishi vehicles. The crossover has a relatively flat dashboard with large screens for the instrument cluster and the infotainment system, while it has a soapbox-shaped shifter in the middle.
Powertrain details are yet to be revealed by Mitsubishi, but they pointed out plans to include an electrified variant for the production version of the XFC Concept. In addition, the fact that the XFC Concept has Wet, Gravel, and Mud driving modes suggest the crossover could have an all-wheel-drive variant once it is put into production.
Mitsubishi Motors president and CEO Takao Kato says the new compact SUV will be launched in the 2023 fiscal year. This means it will arrive sometime between April 2023 and May 2024, with the ASEAN market getting its first dibs on the production version. Also, the XFC Concept will be on display at the Vietnam Motor Show from October 26 to 30, 2022.
