Tag Archives: 7-seater SUV

NEWS

Mitsubishi unveils the 7-seater Destinator for the ASEAN market

After months of showcasing the DST Concept, Mitsubishi has officially launched the production model of its seven-seat SUV, now named the Destinator.

In addition to the ASEAN market, Mitsubishi plans to introduce this model in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Here are some key facts you need to know:

 

1. Platform

The Mitsubishi Destinator is built on the B-segment SUV platform, specifically the XForce, but features a three-row seating configuration.

Its dimensions are also larger, measuring 4,680 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, 1,780 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,815 mm.

The ground clearance stands at 214 mm, while the turning radius is approximately 5.4 meters.

Compared to the Xpander, the Destinator boasts an advantage in size, being 85 mm longer, 40 mm wider, 30 mm taller, and with a wheelbase that is 40 mm longer.

 

2. Engine

One aspect not shared with the Xforce model is the powertrain.

The Destinator is equipped with a 1.5-liter MIVEC turbo engine (code 4B40) capable of producing 161 hp at 5,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 2,000-4,000 rpm.

Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a CVT transmission.

There are five driving modes: Wet, Tarmac, Normal, Gravel, and Mud.

 

3. Suspension

This SUV features a MacPherson strut suspension setup for the front axle and a simpler torsion beam for the rear axle.

However, Mitsubishi claims that the tuning for the Destinator has been adapted for road use in ASEAN.

In addition to its high ground clearance, the Destinator offers a 21-degree approach angle, a 25.5-degree departure angle, and a 20.8-degree breakover angle, facilitating driving on rough and bumpy terrains.

 

4. Exterior Design

The Destinator employs the concepts of Gravitas and Dynamism, highlighted by its robust body design, high ground clearance, and 18-inch wheel size.

The front end features a modern Dynamic Shield design, enhanced by T-shaped headlight housings and angular grilles.

Meanwhile, the rear introduces the Hexaguard Horizon concept, inspired by the hexagonal design found in the Pajero’s spare tire compartment.

 

5. Cabin Space

With a longer wheelbase compared to the Xpander, the Destinator’s cabin offers more comfortable headroom and legroom.

Additional features include a panoramic sunroof, a 64-color ambient lighting system, air conditioning vents for each row, USB Type-A and C charging ports, and cup holders available in the center console and door trims.

The driver is provided with an eight-inch digital cluster screen that draws inspiration from the Pajero model, while the central screen is 12.3 inches, equipped with a Yamaha Premium Dynamic Sound audio system featuring eight speakers and four modes optimized for high-quality sound.

 

6. Safety Features

Following the facelifted Xpander, the Destinator now offers up to six SRS airbags.

It also includes Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing, which encompasses:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
  • Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM)
  • Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  • Automatic High Beam Assistance (AHB)
  • Lead Car Departure Warning (LCDN)
  • Surround Monitoring System (MAM)

Additionally, the Destinator offers an emergency call function and enhanced call center support.

The Mitsubishi Destinator will be showcased to the public at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on July 23.

NEWS

Jetour’s 7-seater SUV now officially named VT9

Following the launch of the Dashing model, Jetour Malaysia has confirmed that another seven-seater family SUV will soon be arriving in Malaysia.

Unlike the name used in international markets, this three-row SUV will be known as the Jetour VT9, as indicated in a post on Instagram.

The Jetour VT9 was first showcased at the 2024 Malaysia Autoshow.

Recently, Jetour displayed the right-hand drive (RHD) version of the VT9 at the Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao hotel, coinciding with the Jetour Together For Future conference and 2025 Auto Shanghai.

The VT9 is fundamentally a D-segment SUV with dimensions of 4,724 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,720 mm in height, along with a wheelbase of 2,720 mm.

In Malaysia, it will compete with models such as the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and the Proton X90.

In terms of power, the VT9 features the same 1.5-liter turbo engine used in the Dashing model, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

Based on the displayed RHD model, the VT9’s cabin layout closely resembles that of the Dashing, featuring amenities such as a dual 10.25-inch display, a steering wheel, push-button start styled like Mercedes, a wireless device charger, and a Jetour gear knob.

The most noticeable difference between the two models is the design of the door panels and the finishing on the front seats.

Further specifications and pricing details will only be revealed ahead of the official launch set to take place at the 2025 Malaysia Autoshow next month.

NEWS

Mitsubishi DST Concept, 7-seater SUV for ASEAN market

At the Philippine International Motor Show, Mitsubishi Motors unveiled a three-row seating SUV concept named DST.

Mitsubishi announced that the DST Concept will be realized as an actual production model, set to be launched in 2025.

With the introduction of the DST, Mitsubishi aims to further expand its SUV product portfolio (including Pajero Sport, Xforce & Xpander Cross) in the ASEAN market, and it is not designed to replace existing products.

Here are some facts you need to know about the Mitsubishi DST Concept:

 

1. Monocoque Chassis SUV

The Mitsubishi DST is built on a unibody platform and does not rely on a ladder-frame platform.

It is likely to share the same platform used in the Xforce B-segment SUV model.

 

2. Gravitas & Dynamism Theme

In addition to the Dynamic Shield elements that are the hallmark of Mitsubishi vehicles, the exterior of the DST Concept also emphasizes the Gravitas & Dynamism design theme.

This design concept is presented through the boxy body shape offering spacious and comfortable cabin space, even with the presence of the third-row seats.

The use of contoured fenders, large-diameter tires, and high ground clearance further accentuate the rugged and athletic character of this SUV, especially on the road.

 

3. Elements unlikely to exist in the actual production model

Typical of a concept car, the DST possesses several unique features.

These include frameless door design, absence of door handles, digital side mirrors with a special display screen on the dashboard, and an extended roof solar panel.

It is highly likely that all of these features will be revised to suit the specifications of the actual production model.

 

4. Premium cabin space

For the interior, Mitsubishi employs soft-touch materials on the door panels and dashboard.

The trend of a digital screen with a single curved display is also used in the DST Concept, followed by a somewhat futuristic center console and a new two-spoke steering wheel design.

There is no information available regarding the cargo space capacity, possibly limited based on the third-row seating image provided by Mitsubishi.

 

5. Front-wheel-drive SUV, 5 driving modes

Mitsubishi has not disclosed the powertrain that will be used in the actual production version of the DST Concept.

However, it is certain that the DST will have a front-wheel-drive (FWD) system complemented with five driving modes: Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Mud, and Wet.

For reference, the previously launched Mitsubishi Xforce was equipped with a 1.5-liter engine producing 103 hp paired with a CVT transmission driving the front wheels.

NEWS

Mitsubishi reveals 7-Seater SUV concept, Outlander replacement?

Mitsubishi is set to unveil a concept model for a seven-seater SUV at the 2024 Philippine International Motor Show from October 24-27.

Based on the teaser images released, the new model appears to share the front-end design with the Xforce SUV, while the grille design resembles that of the Outlander.

Another image showcases a rather stylish C-pillar design, followed by more prominent shoulder lines.

As usual, no detailed information regarding the model has been disclosed, whether it concerns its size or its platform (monocoque or pickup truck) at the moment.

One possibility is that this model is expected to replace the current Outlander offering, given that the new generation Outlander is now much more advanced and premium for the ASEAN market.

Considering the design similarities, we anticipate that this concept model is a hint towards the presence of a three-row seating version of the Xforce, in line with the brand’s commitment to produce models suitable for ASEAN drivers.

If this holds true, the concept model might possibly share the same 1.5-liter heart used in the Xforce, producing 103 hp paired with a CVT transmission driving the front wheels.

More information will be revealed towards the end of this month.