GIIAS 2016: Mitsubishi XM Concept makes world debut, low MPV to rival Avanza, Mobilio in Indonesia

Selamat siang. We’re reporting live from the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2016, which opens today at the ICE convention centre in BSD City, 35 km from capital city Jakarta. The show, backed by car manufacturer association Gaikindo (the local version of our MAA), was launched by Indonesian vice-president Jusuf Kalla this morning and will open to the public tomorrow.

We kick off our coverage with a world debut. The Mitsubishi XM Concept isn’t just a flight of fancy, but a preview of an upcoming contender in Indonesia’s popular “low MPV” segment, which houses the best-selling Toyota Avanza (and its twin sister Daihatsu Xenia), Suzuki’s Ertiga and the Honda Mobilio. But MMC will be injecting some SUV flavour into its three-row, seven-seat people carrier; like Honda did with the BR-V.

MMC released a single front three quarter shot of the XM Concept last week, but we now have a full view of the car – including the till now unseen rear end – ahead of its official unveiling later this afternoon.

The XM name is a fusion of “X” for crossover and “M” for MPV – the concept described as blending “the toughness of an SUV with the versatility of an MPV”. As mentioned, this is the design approach of the BR-V, and it fits in perfectly with MMC’s heritage and positioning as a 4X4/SUV specialist.

The XM features Mitsubishi’s new Dynamic Shield front end design, with slit-like headlights flanking a large black grille. The flared wheel arches and sculpted character line give it a strong look that is typical of an SUV, while a sleek cab-forward profile and a “floating roof” illusion given by the blacked-out D pillar creates a free-flowing MPV look. The black portion of the rear end has similarities with the eX Concept from Tokyo 2015. Same colour, too.

We don’t have photos of the interior yet, but Mitsubishi says that the three rows of seats have been positioned optimally to allow all seven to sit in comfort, as well as allowing for a variety of seat arrangements. The interior features a horizontal dashboard with a wide elevated centre console, a black-and-white colour scheme and silver accents to provide a refined look.

No technical details or timelines have been shared, but local reports quoting Japanese MMC officials mention that the production car will sit on an all-new platform, and that it will be front-wheel driven and powered by a 1.5 litre petrol engine (no diesel or AWD option).

“This vehicle was designed to travel long distances, with the ability to cope with bad roads and floods from a high ground clearance,” Tsunehiro Kunimoto, corporate GM of MMC’s design office told Kompas. He added that the production version of the XM Concept with be 80% similar to the showcar you see here.

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