BANGKOK: Mitsubishi Motors has started exporting the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) variant of its Xforce compact SUV.
Shipment began on April 10, just weeks after its Thai premiere at the Bangkok International Motor Show. The Xforce HEV is the second hybrid offering from the company after the Xpander HEV series launched earlier this year. It is produced at the Laem Chabang plant operated by Mitsubishi Motors Thailand.
The Xforce HEV has already attracted significant attention in the Thai market, with over 1,800 bookings placed since its March 20 launch.
Customers were reportedly drawn to its SUV styling, spacious five-seat cabin, and impressive fuel efficiency, which is rated at 24.4km/l.
The vehicle’s hybrid powertrain enables smooth acceleration and quiet operation, key attributes Mitsubishi hopes will appeal to urban and rural customers alike.
The HEV system is based on Mitsubishi’s plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) expertise but configured as a full hybrid with no need for external charging.
It uses a 1.6-litre DOHC 16-valve MIVEC petrol engine, delivering enhanced thermal efficiency above 40%, and is mated to a hybrid system jointly developed with Aisin Corporation.
The Aisin-supplied hybrid unit, produced by Aisin Powertrain (Thailand) Co., Ltd., integrates a drive motor and gearbox, and features a dog clutch separation mechanism for switching between motor and engine propulsion.
This series-parallel hybrid layout allows optimal driving performance and fuel economy across a variety of conditions.
At low speeds and during start-up, the Xforce HEV operates in EV mode using only the front-mounted electric motor.
Under heavier loads, such as uphill climbs or high-speed acceleration, the system engages hybrid mode, drawing power from both the engine and electric motor.
When cruising at high speeds, a motor disconnect function reduces mechanical drag, further improving efficiency. Regenerative braking is also used to recover energy during deceleration.
The compact SUV is designed for Asean markets and features Mitsubishi’s distinctive “Silky & Solid” design, combining sleek lines with rugged SUV proportions.
It includes 18-inch alloy wheels, 183mm ground clearance, and a range of eight body colours.
Inside, the cabin is fitted with a 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio system, Yamaha Premium audio with eight speakers, and numerous practical storage solutions including 21 drink holders and a cooled console box.
For safety, the Xforce HEV includes Mitsubishi’s Safety Sensing suite with six advanced driver assistance features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Mitigation, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
It also offers seven selectable drive modes for various terrain and weather conditions, including EV Priority and Charge modes for battery management.
The vehicle has earned a five-star safety rating from Asean NCAP.
Mitsubishi’s president and CEO Takao Kato said the company has longstanding ties with Thailand and reaffirmed that it would continue to support the country’s transition to carbon neutrality through the introduction of electrified vehicles.
