√Mitsubishi XFC Concept unveiled, providing a glimpse of our next ASX

A new concept car from Mitsubishi offers an idea of the company’s new design language, but what does it mean for the ageing ASX?

The Mitsubishi XFC Concept has been unveiled at the Vietnam motor show, with the compact SUV offering an idea of what our next-generation ASX could look like.

Mitsubishi has revealed the XFC Concept ahead of a production version, which will be rolled out across Southeast Asia before expanding to Africa and South America.

The futuristic styling heralds an evolved design language for Mitsubishi, and is expected to be applied to the next Triton ute, as well as the next ASX for Japan and Australia.

Inside, the dash features a large screen which is split between the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment screen, while two smaller screens display the view from the outboard cameras – taking the place of traditional side mirrors.

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Mitsubishi hasn’t yet provided details on the XFC engine and drivetrain, the vehicle is offered with four driving modes: Normal, Wet, Gravel, and Mud.

However, the Japanese carmaker has hinted at a hybrid version being in the works.

“In the future, we plan to add an electrified variant to the lineup and to also roll it out in regions outside [Southeast Asia],” Mitsubishi President and CEO Takao Kato said at the car’s unveiling.

“We hope to grow the model from a vehicle for the [Southeast Asian] market to a global strategic vehicle.”

While the XFC looks as if it could theoretically take the place of the ASX in Mitsubishi’s Australian line-up – with the current model approaching its 13th year on sale here – it’s not clear where the next-generation ASX will be sourced from.

MORE: 2023 Mitsubishi ASX price and specs: New base model, price rises

Above: The European-market Mitsubishi ASX.

The XFC appears to have been designed for developing markets with more relaxed safety and emissions standards, making it unlikely the production version will make its way to Australia.

The Mitsubishi ASX unveiled for Europe meets Australia’s strict safety and emissions requirements, but is only planned to be manufactured as a left-hand-drive vehicle for Mitsubishi, despite being based on the Renault Captur which is made in right-hand-drive.

Given Mitsubishi Australia recently updated the ASX for 2023, the carmaker appears to be committed to the current generation for the foreseeable future, with the model remaining a popular option for buyers in the segment despite its age.

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