SPYSHOTS: Production Mitsubishi XM in Indonesia

SPYSHOTS: Production Mitsubishi XM in Indonesia

The production Mitsubishi XM is one of the most anticipated new cars in Indonesia, having been confirmed for launch later this year. It marks MMC’s entry into the country’s “Low MPV” class, a core segment where stalwarts such as the Toyota Avanza, Daihatsu Xenia, Suzuki Ertiga and Honda Mobilio play.

Mitsubishi is also promising something slightly different from the norm in terms of styling. The XM Concept that was revealed at GIIAS 2016 and wheeled out again for IIMS 2017 displays bold SUV-style styling for the utilitarian seven-seat MPV, a trick also used by Honda for the BR-V.

The showcar features Mitsubishi’s new Dynamic Shield face, with slit-like headlights, a large black “X” grille and chunky bumpers. The flared wheel arches and sculpted character line gives the car a strong look typical of an SUV. The black portion of the rear end has similarities with the eX Concept from Tokyo 2015. It looks good, but the main question is whether the bold design would make it to production.

Spyshots circulating on Indonesian websites show a camouflaged test mule roaming the streets of Bandung. The production XM (if the name is retained) will never be as dramatic as the concept, but the good news is that much of what’s good appears to have made it. That face – with the slim headlamps and squared-off bumpers – is intact, and the deeply sculpted front wings and signature line are present. The essence of it is there, for sure.

SPYSHOTS: Production Mitsubishi XM in Indonesia

Mitsubishi has been playing it bold lately with design (witness the latest Pajero Sport), and it looks like the XM will sport a relatively adventurous shell to shake up the segment.

The XM will roll out from MMC’s new plant in Bekasi, which has started producing the Pajero Sport. The US$565 million factory was inaugurated last week by Indonesian president Joko Widodo, and the ceremony was attended by MMC’s new chairman Carlos Ghosn and CEO Osamu Masuko. MMC is the latest member of the Renault-Nissan Alliance after a buyout in October 2016.

Will this Mitsubishi seven-seater fare well in Malaysia as a Honda BR-V rival?

GALLERY: Mitsubishi XM Concept at IIMS 2017


GALLERY: Mitsubishi XM Concept official images

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Honda BRV’s rival coming soon!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 1
    • Silthice on May 04, 2017 at 3:07 pm

      Certainly not in Malaysia but wondering how does the powertrain compare to the BR-V and Rush…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 8
    • P2 Insider Spoiler Alert (Mata-Mata) on May 04, 2017 at 3:52 pm

      New Alza coming out soon.Price will be about the same as current one.. Be patience,Malaysian.It will save your 30k.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 5
    • AutoFrenz (the original) on May 04, 2017 at 6:41 pm

      Wow..beautiful..so modern and stunning..it makes the brv looks like fiat multipla…horror

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Hope Mitsubishi will sell this below the BRV here in Malaysia. Malaysia needs more competition in the mini mpv 7 seater segment. Alza and Nissan Grand Livina is too outdated and the only current model is BRV. Exora on the hand is just pure garbage and rubbish.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 10
    • Mikey on May 04, 2017 at 3:54 pm

      Hehehe. I tot we already have a cheaper, NEWER, very awesome & very RARE Ertiga?! This one not I say one ah. This one was proclaimed by our Ministers that said our P1 is as good as BMW or Volvo. Cheers bro cheers… Have a WANDA coffee. Don’t get angry but be Happy.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 13
      • remoter on May 04, 2017 at 9:42 pm

        BRV is much crampier than exora, isn’t space is more important than power for an MPV? Oh and the ertiga, feel sorry for you living in remote area

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
        • Mikey on May 05, 2017 at 8:22 am

          @ remoter. I guess SARCASM is Not in your Menu. BTW, don’t have 2 feel sorry 4 me.

          My kampong have 4G service & Astro too. It may be a remote area but we also use Remote 2 control most of our appliances.

          Like i said, don’t worry, have a WANDA coffee & be Happy. Hehehe. Cheers…

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • thepolygonal on May 05, 2017 at 8:55 am

          BRV is very spacious… more spacious than the Proton Juara.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Not Toyota Fan on May 04, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    USD565 Million investment lost to Indonesia. Proton HAD good relationship with MMC till end of Wira. Imagine that investment coming to Malaysia but no point crying over spill milk. We only have ourselves to blame for the protectionist policies.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 15
    • Malaysian on May 04, 2017 at 4:25 pm

      If you do not like it why not go to Indonesia and stayed there.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 5
      • underpower_lancer on May 04, 2017 at 10:02 pm

        Gone sour after mitsu gip underpower outdated engine in

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Vimosta on May 04, 2017 at 8:23 pm

      Don’t be so jealous. Why MMC choose Indonesia? The only answer is because Indonesian people love MPV. Actually Indonesia is the largest MPV market globally. They didn’ crave for supermini hatch or saloon. Let them have it. I mean, why we should fight for MPV investment?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Peasants on May 04, 2017 at 6:59 pm

    Oh great! While this would be an absolute eyegasm for many peasants who could only afford the hideous looking absolute junk called Avanza, hard working capitalists would scream in joy now that many of those gullible peasants would take up a nine years loan on this flagship-wannabe hideous-looking junk. But well, beggars can’t be choosy after all right? Take it or leave it. Nine years loan or none. Import or local; cheap ego comes at a price, pathetic.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
 

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