Mitsubishi Indonesia has started a teaser campaign for a new model. In a video posted on social media, an aircraft is seen carrying a mystery box with the words ‘Ready to uncover your next destination?’. The post caption says that ‘Something BIG is coming your way… Get ready for the thrill. What do you say?’
Perhaps this new model is big-bodied, and with the Gaikindo Indonesia International Motor Show (GIIAS) happening next month, it’s safe to assume that the new model will debut at the annual show in ICE BSD.
The mystery Mitsubishi could very well be a production version of the DST Concept that was shown at the Philippine International Motor Show in October 2024. MMC said then that the DST is a midsize SUV concept that previews an all-new three-row SUV that will be launched in ASEAN as early as 2025. Specifically, the carmaker’s fiscal year 2025, which is from April 2025 to March 2026. We’re in that window now.
“The Mitsubishi DST Concept is an embodiment of an all-new three-row SUV to be launched during our current mid-term business plan Challenge 2025, and the production vehicle will be rolled out primarily in the ASEAN region including the Philippines starting in fiscal year 2025,” president and CEO of MMC Takao Kato said then.
“The all-new SUV will follow in the footsteps of the Xpander crossover MPV that was born in the ASEAN region and grew to become a model beloved by customers around the world, and the Xforce compact SUV that has been highly acclaimed since its introduction in fiscal 2023. With the aim of making it a global strategic vehicle, we will further develop it as a distinctively Mitsubishi SUV that expands our customers’ range of mobility,” he added.
The production DST will be a monocoque SUV that adds to the current lineup in ASEAN, which means that this isn’t a replacement for the Pajero Sport (truck-based) or Xpander/Xpander Cross, but another utility vehicle from the brand “for customers seeking a full seven-seater with comfort for everyone aboard”.
The DST’s ‘Gravitas & Dynamism’ design has plenty of similarities with the Xforce B-segment SUV, especially in the face and rear end, down to the shape of the lighting. Looking at the Xforce from the side, you’ll see a rear haunch that’s somewhat like a brow to the wheels – here, with the DST’s added height, the front wheel gets that ‘brow’ too.
There are four decorative dash lines on the C pillars. Speaking of that, all pillars have been blacked out for a smooth, unbroken wraparound glass area, save for the dash lines.
Inside, the wide and expansive-looking cockpit isn’t a copy of the Xforce’s dash. The feeling is delivered via a wraparound design that connects the dashboard with the doors. In the concept, the IP is covered with a ‘soft, upscale material’ and there’s a big panoramic sunroof that brings in natural light. No surprises with the conjoined screens layout as the Xforce has that already.
Mitsubishi is very proud of its strong off-road heritage and past Dakar Rally achievements, and the DST sounds like quite the ‘go-anywhere’ car. In addition to high ground clearance, five drive modes are available ‘to handle the various road conditions of the ASEAN region’ – Wet mode for rain and flooded roads, Tarmac mode for ‘nimble driving on paved winding roads’ as well as Normal, Gravel and Mud modes.
You’ll normally find this on AWD cars, but the production DST will be front-wheel drive. Despite that, “it can navigate through any weather or road conditions to reach the destination safely,” MMC says.
What do you think of the DST Concept? To me, it looks both rugged and futuristic at the same time, and the three-row SUV sub-segment isn’t really one that the Chinese carmakers are pounding at – I can only think of the Geely-based Proton X90, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and recent entry Jetour VT9.
GALLERY: Mitsubishi DST Concept
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Well there is also the DFSK 580 but not sure where that went and the Wuling Almaz/Chevrolet Captiva/Baojun 530/MG Hector Plus