Upcoming All-New 2017 Mitsubishi XM MPV Set To Debut In Indonesia Later This Year

Mitsubishi first unveiled its XM Concept back at the 2016 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show, previewing its upcoming low-cost MPV.

The upcoming production model, when it launches in Indonesia later this year, aims to challenge the Honda BR-V, Nissan Grand Livina, Suzuki Ertiga and the Toyota Avanza. 

Power is expected to be derived from a 1.5-litre petrol engine that sends drive to the front wheels, much like its rivals. A diesel variant has been ruled out as Mitsubishi said that demand is too low for diesel engines in the segment, but this could change as Suzuki Indonesia recently unveiled a diesel hybrid version of the Ertiga.

According to carreview.id, the executive general manager at Mitsubishi Motor Corporation (MMC) Marketing Division, Osamu Iwaba said that development is already in its final stage and the launch is scheduled to take place later this year, either in October or November 2017. Earlier, the company claimed that the XM Concept has the final product would have up to 80% of the concept's design elements. 

Mitsubishi also mentioned that the XM name is a combination of X which stands for crossover and M that is stands for MPV. Sounds familiar? The Honda BR-V comes to mind, with its 7-Seater Crossover tagline. The source also reckons that ground clearance of the Mitsubishi XM could better its rivals, like the Toyota Avanza and Nissan Grand Livina. 

Seeing that Nissan now has a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors Corp, the next-generation Nissan Grand Livina is said to be based on the Mitsubishi XM, which could see a market debut in 2018.