- Mitsubishi chose the Philippines to announce the debut of a new 7-seater SUV concept.
- The teasers suggest that the SUV is smaller than the upcoming Pajero and Pajero Sport.
- It could preview a production offering based on the ASEAN-specific Mitsubishi XForce.
Mitsubish surprised us with a teaser of a new seven-seater SUV concept, set to debut at the 2024 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) on October 24. While the company has yet to reveal the name of the concept, there’s a strong chance it could serve as a preview of a future production model.
The Japanese carmaker released two teaser images showing partial views of the SUV’s front and rear quarter panels. Although the model’s name remains undisclosed, hidden text on the website refers to it as the “DST Concept.”
More: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Mule Hints At Next-Gen Truck-Based SUV
A closer look at the photos reveals that the rear door shut line is rather close to the tailgate for a three-row seven-seater SUV offering. This leads us to believe the concept might be smaller than a potential successor to the discontinued . Pajero.
One possibility is that the concept previews a new generation of the Pajero Sport, expected to debut soon and likely to share its platform with the Triton midsize pickup. However, truck-based SUVs usually have a longer rear overhang than what we see in the teaser images.
A more plausible option could be a stretched version of the Mitsubishi XForce compact SUV, with a redesigned bodywork and a three-row seating layout. The LED headlights resemble those on the XForce, while the grille takes inspiration from the Outlander.
Mitsubishi emphasizes that unveiling this seven-seater SUV concept in the Philippines “underscores the brand’s dedication to ASEAN drivers.” This suggests the production model will likely be limited to the ASEAN market, similar to the XForce.
As for powertrain options, no details have been shared yet. If the concept is indeed based on the XForce, it will probably feature the same 1.5-liter, non-electrified, four-cylinder engine producing 103 hp (77 kW / 105 PS), paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive.
We’ll learn more about the new Mitsubishi concept at PIMS from October 24-27.
