Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation has recently raised the curtains on the Mitsubishi XFC Concept at Newport Mall, underscoring the brand’s commitment to bolster its product portfolio for the Philippine market.
This follows the vehicle’s global debut in October 2022 in Vietnam. The XFC, a compact 5-seater SUV, was presented to the public and press at a special event that ran from 16 to 18 June.
The Mitsubishi XFC Concept, making its first appearance in the Philippines, has attracted attention for its forward-thinking design and the prospects it holds for MMPC’s future offerings. It serves as a blueprint for an upcoming compact SUV, embodying the brand’s vision to cater to the evolving needs of Filipino consumers.
While the car market sees a myriad of SUVs, the XFC Concept stands out with its unique blend of robust performance, style, and practicality, aptly fitting into the dynamic landscape of the Philippine market. Its powerful, sleek, and sporty profile reaffirms Mitsubishi’s reputation for creating vehicles that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Aesthetically, the Mitsubishi XFC Concept marries power and sleekness. Mitsubishi’s iconic Dynamic Shield design finds a natural home on the XFC Concept’s exterior. This enduring design language symbolizes a potent fusion of performance and protection, which the new concept car inherits and carries forward with aplomb. The new exterior design is not only imposing but also creates a distinctive look that sets it apart.
T-SHAPED tail lamps echo Mitsubishi’s current design styling.
Enhanced with high ground clearance, the XFC Concept promises to hold its own against the unpredictable variety of terrains common in the Philippines, further underlining its suitability for the local market.
The interior of the XFC Concept does not deviate from Mitsubishi’s design ethos. It harmonizes comfort and functionality, featuring a horizontally themed instrumental panel that ensures an effortless driving experience. Despite its compact size, the XFC Concept provides a surprisingly spacious cabin and generous cargo space. Such thoughtful design decisions will undoubtedly resonate with Filipinos who value practicality and comfort in their vehicles.
The Mitsubishi XFC Concept marks just the beginning of a new chapter for MMPC in the Philippines. The company has ambitious plans to introduce a range of new products to the local market in the coming years, reinforcing their commitment to meet the diverse needs of Filipino customers.
As MMPC president and CEO Takeshi Hara affirmed during the event: “Today, we are excited to share and showcase the concept design that will define the future of the Mitsubishi Motors brand. And to further beef up our product line-up, we are introducing five new models in the next five years.”
The concept car is a part of a larger initiative by Mitsubishi, known as the “Challenge 2025” plan. Under this ambitious strategy, the company aims to introduce 16 new models by 2025, with the first six scheduled for unveiling in 2023. Among these models are a new Delica, the ASX, a new small SUV, and an updated XPander with a hybrid powertrain.
The “Challenge 2025” plan also indicates a significant shift towards electrified vehicles. Starting in 2026, Mitsubishi plans to allocate 70 percent of its R&D budget to the development of such vehicles. This shift aligns well with the global automotive market trends, which predict the only bright spot in the industry in 2023 to be the electric vehicle market, as sales of fossil-fuel cars and commercial vehicles are expected to decline.
The presentation of the Mitsubishi XFC Concept showcases MMPC’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to the Philippine market. A compact SUV of this caliber, embodying Mitsubishi’s long-standing principles of performance, protection, and comfort, could well be a game-changer in the Philippines. Its introduction not only enriches MMPC’s product lineup but also reinforces the brand’s commitment to providing vehicles that meet and exceed the needs and expectations of Filipino customers.
