Mitsubishi Motors reveals the Xforce HEV. Produced at the carmaker’s Laem Chabang Plant in Thailand, it’s the latest addition to the carmaker’s growing gasoline-electric hybrid joining the Xpander HEV and Xpander Cross HEV.
Adopting an HEV system derived from the brand’s renowned plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV), it features higher fuel economy, eco-friendliness, and powerful acceleration. The Active Yaw Control (AYC) and other all-wheel control technologies complement the front-wheel drivetrain to enable safe, secure driving at will.
For its shift from a conventional to electrified model, the Xforce gains new aerodynamic 18-inch alloy wheels as well as slightly lower ground clearance of 183 mm. Other changes include clear-style LED taillights, new “HEV” badges on the grille and tailgate, while “HYBRID EV” is splattered on the front doors.
The HEV system of the Xforce has evolved further from the Xpander HEV model. It features a newly-developed transaxle with enhanced transmission efficiency, as well as a new motor disconnect function that disconnects the motor from the drive shaft at high speeds. These features significantly reduce energy loss, giving the vehicle a top-class fuel economy of approximately 24.4 km/L.
The e:Motion system, as it is officially called, uses a 95-horsepower, 134 Nm 1.6-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder engine (4A92) running on the Atkinson cycle at its core. This engine alone is 10 percent more fuel efficient compared to the current 1.5-liter engine. Mated to that is a high output electric motor and 1.1-kWh lithium-ion traction battery located under the front seats. Combined, the generator (aka the engine) and electric motor produce a total of 85 kW or about 116 horsepower and 225 Nm. The transmission is essentially a direct drive with one fixed ratio for the internal combustion engine and one fixed ratio for the electric motor.
Two new modes make their way to the Xforce HEV: EV Priority mode and Charge mode enable drivers to choose EV driving according to their driving situation. EV Priority mode drives the motor on power from the battery without activating the engine. If remaining battery is low, switching to Charge mode enables charging so that EV driving can be enjoyed again.
The other five drive modes control the vehicle according to road conditions. Based on a front, front-wheel drive system, various controls are integrated together: the Active Yaw Control (AYC), which controls the driving force of the left and right front wheels to achieve a high level of handling; traction control, which controls front wheel slippage; Active Stability Control (ASC), which controls the stability of the four wheels; throttle response, which adjusts the output of the motor and engine during acceleration; and electric power steering, which adjusts steering response according to the speed range and road conditions.
The Xforce HEV has Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing, an advanced driver assistance system, to enhance vehicle safety and bundles tech such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Mitigation Automatic High Beam, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist. Also, passive safety features such as front and rear parking sensors and six SRS airbags have been equipped to support the safety and security of everyone on board.
Customer bookings in Thailand open today. The Xpander HEV will make its public debut at the Bangkok Motor Show later this month. Mitsubishi has confirmed that it is already studying to launch the Xforce HEV to more markets, especially in ASEAN.
Will this save Xforce in the Philippines? Probably no. The Xforce is shaping up to follow the footsteps of its ASX brother in the past, as it seems to barely sell. Considering the current GT is at 1.7M PHP, the HEV will pretty much be dead on arrival in the Philippines since it will cost more than the HRV and Corolla Corss hybrids. That is not even considering that the Honda and Toyota have superior HEV systems with better power and efficiency, while also being much much more refined to drive. The Xforce is a Yaris Cross competitor at Corolla Cross prices 🤣
ReplyDeletematagtag yan hahaha
ReplyDeleteThe motor disconnect function means that when cruising at highway speeds, only the ICE is driving the wheels without any motor assistance. In the Xpander HEV, the engine would still engage cruising at highway speeds but is coupled with the motor, meaning it uses both gasoline and electricity in the highway as a parallel hybrid propulsion. This motor disconnect function should have been in the Xpander HEV for better efficiency! Parallel propulsion while cruising at constant speed is inherently inefficient, so I'm glad that they came up with this solution.
ReplyDeleteGood that Mitsubishi finally offered a relatively decent powertrain for this vehicle. However, I hope they worked on the chassis and suspension as that is the next area where the Xforce suffers greatly.
ReplyDeleteExpecting P 1.8M in PH, competing with HR-V HEV.
ReplyDeleteJapanese brands don't have room to compete with Chinese
It'll likely be priced at 1.7 Million Pesos and can be bought at 1.6 Million Pesos
DeleteSales of XForce improved as local Mitsubishi dealerships started giving very huge cash discounts for the XForce GLS and GT
Do it to the Expander, and for sure it will be a hot cake
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that will save this car in ph is if mitsu puts a diesel engine in it. :D
ReplyDeleteXpander hybrid was launched in Thailand over a year ago yet no news of it being sold in other markets. The Xforce hybrid might also be Thai exclusive like Xpander hybrid
ReplyDeleteIt uses an Aisin hybrid transaxle instead of the GKN Multi-mode transmission that the Outlander PHEV (and maybe Xpander HEV) use. That is why it now has the motor disconnect feature to make it more efficient in the highway. Again, NO CVTs in any of these hybrids.
ReplyDelete