Insider: Mitsubishi XFC production model will debut August 2023

Last month, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) debuted a new concept vehicle: the XFC.

Poised to compete in the very popular B-segment crossover class, the production model that will be derived from the concept will undoubtedly prove valuable to the automaker’s model lineup in the future. But just how far into the future do we have to wait before we get to drive the new XFC?

The answer: not too long.

According to our insiders that are very familiar with Mitsubishi’s plans in Southeast Asia, the production model of the XFC is scheduled for its debut at the Indonesian motor show GIIAS in 2023. That means that by August next year, we will most likely be looking at the production model of that.

We were also informed that Mitsubishi’s tentative plans for the production of the XFC involve two factories in the region. Thailand is one such place, as Mitsubishi looks to bolster its presence in that market. The other one will be the Mitsubishi plant in Indonesia which will serve as the export base for the XFC model to other markets like the Philippines.

Given Mitsubishi’s presence in the Philippine market, we’re willing to wager that the launch of the production model derived from the XFC by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is really a matter of when not if. The Philippines is considered by Mitsubishi Motors as something of a “miracle” for them because of their strong number 2 position behind Toyota, but in the last few years, their market share has taken a big hit. The primary factor is most likely the model line-up: many vehicle generations are already towards the ends of their life cycles in showrooms and there’s also a lack of diversity in the model range.

In the next few years that will likely change, especially as Mitsubishi is expected to debut the new generation Triton/Strada pick-up next year, followed by a new generation Montero Sport/Pajero Sport soon after. The introduction of a small crossover that is based on the XFC will also give customers more options in the B-SUV segment, but they need to do it as soon as possible since many players in the industry are busy introducing new crossovers in the Philippine market.