The man behind the Mitsubishi Xforce gives us some insight into its engineering.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia kicked 2026 off with the pre-launch of the Xforce, a small crossover that’s sprinkled with some engineering magic to elevate it beyond its size constraints. The man in charge of the engineering is Lead Product Engineer Masahiro Tamura, who has been involved in legendary vehicles like the Lancer EVO VII, VIII, IX and X.
Masahiro Tamura’s influence on the Mitsubishi Xforce is evident in its technical DNA. Drawing from his experience with high-performance icons, Tamura-san has overseen a suite of technical enhancements specifically tailored for the demanding road conditions of the ASEAN region. He’s also made it a point to make the Xforce fun, engaging and capable at its core.
Enhanced Body Rigidity
To elevate handling and stability beyond the Xpander platform, the Xforce features a significantly strengthened upper and underbody. A key highlight is the massive increase in structural adhesive—now spanning 7,180mm compared to the Xpander’s 2,616mm. Reinforcements are strategically focused around the tailgate hinge, wheel houses, and rear quarters to appropriately distribute input from the suspension. Underneath, the ridge line between the front suspension mountings has been straightened, creating a more rigid foundation for added confidence through every corner.
Advanced Suspension Evolution
The suspension system has undergone 4,000 km of rigorous testing in ASEAN to ensure best-in-class comfort. Up front, the strut suspension benefits from an expanded caster trail for better straight-line stability and a quickened gear ratio for sharper steering response.
At the rear, the torsion beam uses improved bushings and a significantly larger C30 shock absorber cylinder. This upgrade ensures the Xforce maintains a premium ride quality even when equipped with its larger 18-inch wheels.
Class-Leading Aerodynamics
Efficiency and stability are further enhanced by class-leading aerodynamics. The Xforce utilizes an aerodynamic roof spoiler, extended D-pillar side garnishes, and edged rear lamps to smooth airflow.
Below the car, a front tire airdam and a specifically shaped spare tire well minimize turbulence. Internal measurements indicate a drag coefficient (Cd) that outperforms most key B-segment competitors, ensuring a quieter and more stable highway cruise.
Intelligent CVT Calibration
The F1CWA CVT hardware has been programmed with bespoke software to deliver a more emotional driving feel. When the accelerator is floored, a “Step-up Shift” simulates the sensation of an 8-speed automatic. Furthermore, the Uphill Logic provides a 25% improvement in driving force on slopes, requiring significantly less pedal input, while the Downhill Logic increases engine braking by 10% to reduce brake wear. It’s also worth noting that Mitsubishi Motors uses a CVT in the Xpander to meet fuel efficiency requirements in Indonesia, but uses a conventional automatic in other markets including our own. The Xforce gets this CVT in Malaysia by default. On top of that, Mitsubishi Motors has moved away from using JATCO as a supplier for its CVT in favour of Aisin.
Practicality and Ground Clearance
True to its SUV nature, the Xforce offers a class-leading 222mm ground clearance (on 18-inch wheels), providing a high eye-point for superior visibility and flood navigation. Inside, the “engineering magic” extends to passenger comfort, featuring 8-step reclining rear seats with long cushions and clever C-pillar storage solutions.
The Mitsubishi Xforce is a testament to how specialized engineering can transform a compact crossover into a robust, high-performance vehicle ready for any adventure.
