Destinator a likely Eclipse Cross replacement

DON’T get too excited, this is not the Mitsubishi’s Pajero Sport replacement but is the newly minted Destinator medium size SUV revealed last week in Indonesia that may replace the locally discontinued Eclipse Cross.

The chunky and handsome seven-seater is (at the moment) a front wheel drive only, runs a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and is shorter overall at 4680mm though with a longer 2815mm wheelbase compared with the current Outlander.

Built for the ASEAN market, Destinator is essentially a production version of last year’s Mitsubishi DST concept and is underpinned by the same platform as the smaller Xforce.

The long stroke turbo ICE four pot under the bonnet is good for 120kW and 250Nm feeding the front wheels via a CVT.

It’s a 4B40-series engine lifted from Eclipse Cross (with 10kW more) and features efficiency optimising MIVEC valve control, dual multipoint and direct fuel injection, a water-cooled intercooler and a high expansion ratio cycle (Atkinson cycle) to achieve what Mitsubishi says is powerful acceleration and high fuel efficiency. 

The transmission is said to deliver linear acceleration based on the amount of accelerator input, ensuring a response that “faithfully reflects the driver's intentions”.

Though a “fronty” with limited dirt road applications it provides five selectable drive modes along with decent ground clearance at 214mm and a supple suspension calibration all hinting at a possible hard core all-wheel or 4WD version down the track.

Other details include a weight of 1495kg, 45-litre fuel tank (using premium unleaded), a MacPherson strut front/torsion beam rear suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The bold good looker rocks a new design language that may filter through into other Mitsubishi product in the pipeline and is certainly a world away from the now discontinued Pajero Sport.

Inside follows the in-vogue digital cockpit genre centred on a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 8.0-inch digital driver’s cluster behind the wheel.

Audio/techophiles will appreciate Destinator’s premium Yamaha sound system, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof and the latest extensive suite of Mitsu’s driver assistance features.

Although a three row, family seven-seater and featuring a longer wheelbase than the current Outlander reflected in legroom, luggage space for a family is not quoted suffice to say with all three rows in place it would be small, expandable with seats folded flat.

There’s a 40:20:40 split fold function in the second row and individually folding 50:50 seats in the third. 

Mitsubishi says smart storage solutions enhance comfort at every seat, making both everyday rides and long trips more enjoyable.

The model has multiple drink holders thoughtfully placed throughout the cabin including the door trims and the centre console.

Other handy kit includes seatback tables and seatback pockets on the front seats for tablets and other personal devices while each row offers access to both Type A and Type C USB ports.

Destinator is, well, destined for the ASEAN market meaning Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines as well as other Asian countries, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa and GoAuto was unable to determine if it is slated for consumption Down Under.

It is mooted in some quarters as a replacement for the discontinued Eclipse Cross small SUV.

“The all-new Destinator is a seven-seater SUV designed to encourage families to embark on adventures in comfort,” said Mitsubishi Motors president and chief executive officer Takao Kato.

“This marks the third global strategic model born in Indonesia, following the Xpander crossover MPV and the Xforce compact SUV, and it will be marketed globally with a focus on the ASEAN region.

“Our operations in Indonesia are a cornerstone of Mitsubishi Motors’ business, and by expanding the production and sales of the Destinator and other models, we are committed to contributing to the growth of the Indonesian automotive industry and the local economy, while delivering vehicles that inspire and delight customers around the world.”