PIMS 2024: Mitsubishi DST Concept makes world premiere

For the first time, Mitsubishi Motors has held a world premiere on a motor show in the Philippines. And it's indeed a surprise.

The Japanese automaker has taken the wraps off the Mitsubishi DST Concept - a 7-seater compact SUV with a monocoque chassis. That's right, the DST could be the 7-seater concept study that's based on the XForce crossover.

As it was in the teaser photos, the DST Concept shares a few styling cues with the all-new XForce crossover. Up front, the Dynamic Shield grille gets a large honeycomb pattern similar to the current-generation Montero Sport’s latest facelift. It also features stylish hood vents to direct hot air away from the engine bay.

The side profile of the DST Concept also looks close to the XForce with its broad shoulder line, while the extended rear quarter glass reveals that it’s been stretched out to fit two more passengers at the third row. At the back, the T-shape is carried over for the rear combination lights.

Inside, the DST Concept followed the XForce’s flat dashboard with large screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. It also has a panoramic sunroof that runs until the third row of the crossover. You can check this out through an interactive VR activity when you visit the Mitsubishi booth.

While Mitsubishi has not disclosed its powertrain, they did mention that the DST Concept is front wheel drive and comes with five drive modes to suit any driving conditions.

Mitsubishi Motors president and CEO Takao Kato shared that the DST Concept will be launched in the 2025 fiscal year, with the ASEAN market getting first dibs on the production version. Unlike the Xpander and Xpander Cross, Mitsubishi is looking to offer the DST Concept as a global model.

If you want to see the Mitsubishi DST Concept in the metal, the vehicle is on display at the 2024 Philippine International Motor Show from October 24 to 27 at the World Trade Center Manila.