XForce: Mitsubishi PH gets approval for new 1.5L engine

A few weeks ago, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) officially confirmed that the XForce B-SUV is on its way to the country. They plan to hold its official launch sometime in June 2024 and Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia (MMKI) has already started exporting the crossover SUV to ASEAN countries and other global markets.

Fast forward to the present day, and we have received new information regarding the vehicle's specifications. While MMPC has yet to reveal any details about the upcoming XForce, the automaker did receive regulatory approval yesterday for a new vehicle with an engine that displaces 1499cc. The only other vehicles that come with an engine like that are the Xpander and Xpander Cross.

After cross-checking the numbers and doing a little bit of research, the newly approved vehicle comes with the 1.5-liter 4A91 four-cylinder engine. This is the same engine that powers the Indonesian-spec (and Vietnam-spec) Mitsubishi XForce crossovers. Derived from the Xpander & Xpander Cross, the humble inline-four makes a respectable 105 PS at 6000 rpm along with 141 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. It is then paired with a CVT that drives the front wheels.

Other details about the upcoming XForce remain a mystery. However, we won't be surprised if the PH-spec version will be similar to what Indonesia & Vietnam get. After all, Indonesia serves as the hub for the B-SUV. That means we can expect the crossover to measure 4390mm long, 1810mm wide, 1660mm tall, and have a 2650mm wheelbase. It will also have a 222mm ground clearance which makes it taller than most crossover SUVs in the segment.

Inside, the XForce will likely be available with a digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment (8-inch touchscreen on lesser models), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a Yamaha sound system, and a drive mode selector (Normal, Wet, Gravel, & Mud).

With three months to go before June, MMPC will be having its hands full soon in preparation for the XForce's arrival. For now, we're curious how MMPC will price it and just how many variants MMPC will bring.