Mitsubishi Motors Corporation unveiled the mid-size SUV concept car “MITSUBISHI DST CONCEPT” for the first time in the world at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show.
Features of DST CONCEPT
- Powerful exterior design: The front design, which is an evolution of Mitsubishi’s identity “Dynamic Shield,” as well as the sculpted fenders and large-diameter tires, express the strength of an SUV.
- SPACIOUS INTERIOR SPACE: The spacious cabin with three rows of seating provides comfort for all occupants.
- Advanced Technology: The car is packed with cutting-edge technology, including a fully digital cockpit, a futuristic center console, and a two-spoke multifunction steering wheel.
- FWD unibody architecture: Uses an extended version of the platform of the compact SUV “Xforce.”
- High off-road capability: With ample ground clearance and five drive modes, it can handle any road condition.
Mitsubishi DST CONCEPT exterior
This bold and sophisticated SUV has been developed for markets primarily in the ASEAN region, with sales scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2025. The DST CONCEPT is a strategic model that will strengthen Mitsubishi Motors’ SUV lineup, and great expectations are high for it.
Powerful exterior design
The design concept of DST CONCEPT is “GRAVITAS & DYNAMISM.”
Mitsubishi DST CONCEPT front grille
The Gravitas exudes an overwhelming presence and a sense of solidity, with proportions that combine a stable SUV-like stance with a spacious cabin that provides comfortable seating for all three rows. The front features an evolved design of Mitsubishi Motors’ Dynamic Shield identity. The large honeycomb grille and sharp headlights create a powerful impression.
Mitsubishi DST CONCEPT side view
From the side, the sculpted fenders and flared wheel arches suggest a dynamic driving performance, while the high ground clearance and skid plate emphasize the vehicle’s toughness as an SUV.
Spacious interior and advanced technology
The interior of the DST CONCEPT is designed to provide passengers with a comfortable and sophisticated space.
Mitsubishi DST CONCEPT interior
Soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels create a premium feel, while advanced technology is generously incorporated, including a fully digital cockpit, a futuristic center console and a new two-spoke multifunction steering wheel.
Mitsubishi DST CONCEPT second-row seats
The front seats have built-in tables, and second-row passengers have their own climate controls. The third-row seats are said to offer ample occupancy, even though luggage space is limited in the seven-seater layout.
FWD unibody architecture
The DST Concept rides on a unibody platform, likely a stretched version of the Mitsubishi Xforce compact SUV, which is powered by a 103 hp (77 kW / 105 PS) 1.5-liter engine mated to a CVT and driving the front wheels.
Xforce
It’s unclear whether the DST CONCEPT will use a similar powertrain, but given the vehicle’s size, it could be equipped with a more powerful engine.
Although the drivetrain is FWD, it has ample ground clearance and five drive modes – normal, tarmac, gravel, mud and wet – giving it the ability to handle any road condition.
New options in the ASEAN market
Mitsubishi Motors emphasizes that the DST CONCEPT is not a direct replacement for existing SUV models, but rather a new option to join its ASEAN lineup, which includes the Xforce, Pajero Sport and Xpander Cross.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
This can be seen as a strategy to respond to diversifying customer needs and further strengthen the company’s presence in the ASEAN market.
Can it succeed in the highly competitive SUV market?
The DST CONCEPT is an attractive SUV that combines a powerful design, spacious interior, and advanced technology. However, the SUV market in the ASEAN region is becoming increasingly competitive, with strong rivals such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.
For the DST CONCEPT to succeed in this highly competitive market, it will need to satisfy customers in all aspects, including price, fuel economy and equipment.
Looking forward to future developments
Mitsubishi Motors plans to bring the production model of the DST CONCEPT to market in 2025. More information will be released in the coming months.
Attention will be focused on future developments to see what kind of presence DST CONCEPT will have in the ASEAN market.
A word from the editorial department
In this article, we provide a detailed explanation of the features and appeal of the new three-row SUV “DST CONCEPT” that Mitsubishi Motors unveiled at the Philippine International Motor Show.
With its powerful design, spacious interior, and advanced technology, the DST CONCEPT is sure to attract a lot of attention in the ASEAN market.
We are looking forward to future information releases.
