MITSUBISHI Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) made a significant impact at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) by unveiling the global debut of their new seven-seater SUV concept, the DST Concept, in the Philippines. This unprecedented move underscores the country’s growing importance in the automotive industry and highlights Mitsubishi’s commitment to the ASEAN market.
The DST Concept showcases a sleek and sporty design, bearing a silhouette reminiscent of the Mitsubishi XForce. It embodies the design philosophy known as “Gravitas and Dynamism,” blending a powerful presence with dynamic lines and curves to create an aesthetic that is both commanding and agile.
Now that we’ve mentioned it, the XForce is the actual CUV in the Mitsubishi line-up. So what is the DST doing in the CUV feature? A lot. Except for the 7-seats, which we agree defined an SUV,t the DST feels so CUV-ish. Disagree. But hear my arguments first.
The DST Concept is meticulously crafted to provide a classy and comfortable environment for seven passengers. It features a dominant burgundy-and-white color scheme for the upholstery, a dashboard wrapped in soft materials, and a panoramic housing that accommodates two widescreen displays for the driver and the infotainment system.
Mitsubishi has revealed that the DST Concept is built on a monocoque front-wheel-drive chassis—an unibody construction typically associated with passenger cars rather than traditional body-on-frame SUVs. It boasts high ground clearance and includes five distinct drive modes: Wet, Tarmac, Normal, Gravel, and Mud, suggesting versatility across various driving conditions.
Designed specifically for the ASEAN region, the DST Concept is scheduled for launch in the fiscal year 2025. Its global debut in the Philippines is particularly noteworthy, as such premieres are rare outside of major automotive markets like Japan, the United States, or Europe. This strategic choice underscores Mitsubishi’s recognition of the Philippines as a vital market and a hub for automotive innovation in the ASEAN region.
The DST Concept, while utilizing a monocoque chassis akin to a CUV, exhibits design elements, size, and capabilities more closely aligned with traditional SUVs. Its robust design, high ground clearance, and potential role as a successor to the Montero Sport—a model firmly placed in the SUV segment—blur the lines between CUV and SUV categories. Oh, don’t forget the 7-seats. That makes it fall squarely into the mid-size SUV department. So argument lost? Not really.
Challenging this assertion, one could argue that the DST Concept’s unibody construction and front-wheel-drive configuration are hallmark characteristics of a CUV. Its emphasis on a comfortable, upscale interior and versatile drive modes aligns with consumer expectations for crossovers that provide both utility and everyday drivability. However, the DST Concept transcends typical CUV attributes through its commanding presence and potential off-road capabilities suggested by its drive modes and ground clearance.
Mitsubishi has crafted a vehicle that melds the practicality and comfort of a crossover with the ruggedness and capability of an SUV. This synthesis challenges traditional vehicle classifications, offering a new paradigm in automotive design. Mitsubishi’s decision to globally debut the DST Concept in the Philippines further emphasizes the significance of this model in their lineup and their commitment to the region. Additionally, the presence of the XForce at PIMS 2024—a dynamic compact SUV known for its striking design and engaging driving experience—highlights Mitsubishi’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to delivering vehicles that cater to a diverse range of consumer needs and preferences.
