Mitsubishi Destinator SUV launched in Indonesia

It’s been a while since Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) offered a credible challenger to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, both popular models in the region. While the Triton pick-up truck has been the brand’s strongest seller, it has not been strong in other segments.

Now with the new Destinator midsize SUV launched at the 32nd GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show today, they have a challenger which joins the XPANDER and XForce as the third global strategic model.

Based on DST Concept
It can now be seen that the DST Concept shown at the 2024 Philippine International Motor Show was a preview of the Destinator which has a similar design. Its commanding presence with a dynamic side profile presents an authentic SUV image, with the bold signature Dynamic Shield front face and rear design indicating rugged capability.

The high ground clearance (214 mm) and 18-inch wheels, framed by sculpted front and rear fender flares, also express the vehicle’s toughness and powerful performance. Bold front and rear skid plates, along with side protectors, provide all-around protection and enhance the SUV image. The Hexaguard Horizon concept is a hexagonal motif inspired by the spare tyre on the back of the legendary Pajero.

Spacious premium interior
Within the body measuring 4680 mm in length and x 1840 mm in width (slightly longer than a Proton X70 but about the same width), the Destinator has a spacious cabin for 7 passengers on 3 rows of seats. Besides comfortable legroom for everyone, the rearmost passengers also have cool air from dedicated vents.

The Destinator is available with a panoramic sunroof, a feature which used to be found only in expensive models but is now more common. The wide opening brightens up the interior and the glass and sunshade opening can be adjusted in 5% increments, or the glass can be tilted up for added airflow.

For a refined, upscale fee, ambient LED lighting – with up to 64 colour choices – glows in the instrument panel as well as the front and rear door trims. The lighting can be set to stay on continuously, cycle through colours every 2 seconds, or fade in and out in a gentle pulse, allowing users to create a relaxing atmosphere tailored to their preferences.

Although the interior is designed to prioritize comfort for passengers, the Destinator also offers generous luggage space. Even with the third-row seats in use, there is still room for items such as 4 gallon-sized water bottles. With a 40:20:40 split in the second row and individually folding 50:50 seats in the third, various seat configurations are available. Both rows fold flat to extend the cargo area for carrying long items and diverse loads.

Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium
Collaborating with Yamaha Corporation, MMC developed the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio system for the Destinator. The 8-speaker setup, with interior acoustics finely tuned for the SUV’s cabin, creates a rich, immersive, and powerful audio environment. With 4 optimized modes – designed for all seats, the driver’s seat, the front seats, or rear seats – the system ensures that everyone on board enjoys high-quality, high-fidelity sound from any seat in the vehicle.

1.5-litre MIVEC engine
The MIVEC 4-cylinder 16-valve powertrain displacement is 1.5 litres, a popular size these days. Though it may once have been considered small, the one in the Destinator has, direct injection, turbocharging and a water-cooled intercooler, boosting output to 163 ps/250 Nm.

A CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) provides linear acceleration based on the amount of accelerator input, ensuring a response that faithfully reflects the driver’s intentions. Whether motoring along city streets or cruising on the highway, the CVT provides smooth and quiet performance and contributes to fuel efficiency.

FWD with all-wheel control
The Destinator’s drivetrain has only front-wheel drive (AWD does not seem to be a future option) but it comes with MMC’s all-wheel control technology to deliver a safe, reliable, and comfortable driving experience. The technology ensures confident road handling over a variety of road surfaces and in different weather conditions.

The system integrates multiple controls – including the Active Yaw Control, which adjusts the driving force of the left and right front wheels for enhanced cornering performance; traction control to manage tyre slippage; as well as engine and power steering control – enabling stable performance across a wide range of road conditions.

Tuned for ASEAN conditions
Drivers can choose from 5 drive modes tailored to the different road surface conditions typically found in the ASEAN region. Designed for rainy roads, Wet mode provides high stability and reduces the risk of tire slippage, while Tarmac mode offers nimble, precise handling on winding paved roads and sharp responsiveness when pulling away from traffic jams. Normal mode is well-balanced for everyday driving, Gravel mode reduces skidding and ensures reliable handling on unpaved roads, and Mud mode achieves powerful road handling even on muddy, rough terrain.

The suspension has also been engineered with ASEAN road conditions in mind. It employs MacPherson struts for the front and a torsion beam for the rear. In addition to extensive testing on a Japanese course engineered to simulate ASEAN roads, the suspension was repeatedly evaluated and fine-tuned in Indonesia to deliver a smoother, more comfortable ride even on rough and uneven surfaces.

Designed with ASEAN driving in mind – where U-turns are common – the steering wheel has an easy-to-grip shape and the steering rack adopts a responsive gear ratio for improved manoeuvrability during U-turns and parking, with a tight 5.4-metre turning radius.

Advanced driver assistance and connectivity
As with many modern vehicles today, the Destinator has an integrated safety system to provide advanced driver assistance. This includes active systems such as Adaptive Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, as well as a Multi Around Monitor to enable the driver to see all sides of the vehicle. For added convenience, drivers can use their smartphone to check fuel levels and vehicle location, and activate the air conditioning.

Depending on the market, the Destinator can also be equipped with an emergency call system which will automatically alert a support centre when any of the 6 airbags to bring rescuers. The occupants can also press a button to activate the emergency call system if there is a breakdown.

Made in Indonesia
To be built at MMC’s factory in Indonesia, the Destinator is intended for sale in the ASEAN region (which, hopefully, includes Malaysia), as well as in South Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

“The all-new Destinator 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,” said Takao Kato, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia celebrates 20th anniversary