We referred to it as the DST Concept early this month (thanks to some website metadata), and we got it right. Mitsubishi Motors globally premiered the DST Concept—a new mid-sized 7-seater SUV concept that, when it hits production, will join the brand’s ASEAN three-row line-up alongside the Montero Sport / Pajero Sport and Xpander.
“The Mitsubishi DST Concept is an embodiment of an all-new three-row SUV to be launched during our current mid-term business plan Challenge 2025, and the production vehicle will be rolled out primarily in the ASEAN region including the Philippines starting in Fiscal Year 2025,” said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Motors. “The all-new SUV will follow in the footsteps of the Xpander crossover MPV that was born in the ASEAN region and grew to become a model beloved by customers around the world, and the Xforce compact SUV that has been highly acclaimed since its introduction in fiscal 2023. With the aim of making it a global strategic vehicle, we will further develop it as a distinctively Mitsubishi SUV that expands our customers’ range of mobility.”
The DST Concept follows the “Gravitas & Dynanism” concept wherein Gravitas conjures “overwhelming presence and solidity” that combines with the a “design bursting with energy and motion.”
The concept offers several nifty cues such as blacked out pillars, an interesting surface treatment over at the rear pillar, high ground clearance, and sculpted fenders filled with large-diameter tires. Side protectors and large skid plates also add a sense of robustness.
Of course, the Dynamic Shield concept still prevails which now has a three-dimensional design with a honeycomb-shaped inner grille placed under a transparent outer cover. It’s integrated with the bumper, “protecting it.” Like the Xforce, the front daytime running lights and rear tail lights are LEDs that light up in a T- shape, accenting the wide stance.
Inside, the DST Concept features a spacious cabin wrapped in soft, upscale material. The design is made to wrap around creating a sense of oneness. It also has a panoramic sunroof that brightens up the interior. The instrument cluster integrates a full LCD display and infotainment screen, with the latter getting a triple meter treatment.
In addition to high ground clearance, the DST Concept has five drive modes. Wet mode for reliable driving on roads flooded by sudden showers, Tarmac mode for nimble driving on paved winding roads, as well as Normal, Gravel, and Mud modes.
Mitsubishi has confirmed that the DST Concept is a front-driver, but still, they say it can navigate through any weather or road condition with ease.
Bollocks!
ReplyDeleteWhat will its competition be locally when it hits production? Geely Okavango?
ReplyDeleteMeh. The design language works better for the smaller Xforce. Is this the replacement for the Pajero? LC and Patrol look way better.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the looks of the DST.
DeleteIn essence this is an Xforce Plus? No AWD/FWD would mean it's just like an Xpander Cross with updated styling. I hope it gets a hybrid powertrain from the get go
ReplyDeleteWet, Tarmac, Gravel, and Mud mode on a FWD crossover 😂😂😂 what a joke
ReplyDeleteI wonder how it will be positioned in Mitsubishi's lineup. Since it is a 7 seat version of the Xforce, it will likely cost more than that; however, that puts it inline with the current Montero Sport already. Mitsu wouldn't want their new model to cannibalize the Montero Sport's sales. I'm assuming the next gen Montero Sport may go slightly more upmarket (base price 1.9-2.0M? Goodbye GLX manual trim) to make way for this 7 seat Xforce. In order to do that they nees to significantly step up the Montero Sport over its rather mediocre Triton twin if indeed they plan to bring the Montero Sport more upmarket. I also hope this 7 seat Xforce will have much better chassis tuning and refinement than the Xforce because the Xforce is downright underwhelming in that regard, as well as its engine option.
ReplyDeleteI also hope they include the new Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate found in the new Outlander PHEV for their upcoming vehicles.
Hopoing this replaces the Xpander Cross instead. And Mitsubishi must definitely call the production version "Adventure" because "Destinator" is just so contrived.
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ReplyDeleteDocument Stamp Tax? Haha
ReplyDeleteCould be a potential competitor to the likes of the santa fe and the sorrento. It likely sits in that global segment where below it is the smaller outlander and above it is the Pajero like hoe the sta. Fe is in between the tuscon and the palisade
ReplyDeleteI highly doubt Mitsubishi will be targetting that demographic. This will be an ASEAN-focused vehicle (which is seen from its tall height but narrow width) while the Santa Fe and Sorento are global models that are too expensive for our region. For the same reason, this won't be a level above the Outlander because even that is not feasible locally.
DeleteMitsubishi Destinator looks good
ReplyDeleteMitsubishi Motors Japan and Indonesia created the Destinator as a rival to the Geely Okavango,Chevrolet Captiva,Changan X7 Plus and Hyundai Alcazar/Grand Creta
Mitsubishi likely bought Grand Creta and Wuling Almaz units as they'll benchmark them against the Destinator
Mitsubishi Motors needs to make a much more affordable smaller SUV next
This could be a good all new pajero/montero sport. It's always weird when it's still a concept but actual production for sure will make it a lot better.
ReplyDeleteBased on Xforce (which is based on Xpander) just like how Toyota Innova Zenix is based on Corolla Cross. Curious to see the powertrain option (hopefully no archaic 4A91 4 speed auto combo here, hopefully no CVT also being a heavier 7 seater than Xpander)
ReplyDeleteLooks pretty good especially compared to other Mitsubishi models. I'm worried that Mitsubishi may f*** up the powertrain options for this though. Seems like this will be purely ICE (based on their prodict roadmap) but Mitsubishi doesn't have any decent new gasoline ICE engine (they have completely stopped production of FWD diesel powertrains, so those are out of the cards) so they might end up plopping the outdated 4A91 or even the 4B11. Both are not particularly efficient either. The 4B40 from the Eclipse Cross would be nice but even that is lagging behind compared to other 1.5 turbo gas options in the market.
ReplyDeleteJust please give a decent dashboard this one is awful and not practical
ReplyDeleteNah, I prefer the interior the way as it is because it is beautiful and high quality.
DeleteI bet two airbags LOL
ReplyDeleteBring back the Evo!
ReplyDeleteOr, build the Evo Cross :)
Looks like next Pajero.
ReplyDeleteZforce
ReplyDeleteToo much like the xforce. Took away the excitement of a new model being introduced.
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